a bocca asciutta

Meaning: Hungry and wanting food, or disappointed and empty-handed.

Language: Italian

Literally: with dry mouth

Category: Body & Senses

Origin: A dry mouth is the literal sensation of thirst and hunger, and metaphorically of deprivation.

More idioms — Body & Senses

guardarsi alle spalle — To remain vigilant and aware of dangers or threats that might come from behind.
far battere il cuore — To cause someone to worry or to stir romantic feelings in someone.
mandare giù — To accept or tolerate something unwillingly, often swallowing one's pride or doubts.
battere i tacchi — To run away or flee hastily.
a viso aperto — Openly and frankly; without deception or concealment.
mettere le corna — To commit infidelity against a partner; to cuckold someone.

alle corde — In a desperate or losing position, cornered.
mela marcia — A person who is corrupt or morally bad and whose influence damages those around them.
toccare il fondo — To reach the lowest point of degradation or despair; to hit rock bottom.
mettere fuori combattimento — To silence someone or exclude them from participation and influence.
dannarsi l'anima — To work extremely hard or exert oneself to the utmost.
qui casca l'asino — That is the crux of the matter; that is where the real difficulty lies.

Loading the full interactive collection…