a gambe levate
Meaning: With great speed or haste, moving rapidly or impetuously.
Language: Italian
Literally: at raised legs
Category: Body & Senses
Origin: The image is of running or moving with legs kicking up high—the physical posture of rapid, vigorous motion.
More idioms — Body & Senses
- con il piede sbagliato — To start something badly or get off to a poor beginning.
- togliere il fiato — To leave someone astonished or breathless with amazement.
- a bocca asciutta — Hungry and wanting food, or disappointed and empty-handed.
- 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.
More Italian idioms
- pendaglio da forca — A person who deserves to be hanged; a worthless scoundrel.
- mi sa — I suppose, I guess, or I have the impression.
- nei panni di — In the position, role, or situation of someone else; in their shoes.
- alla lontana — In an indirect or roundabout way; distantly or remotely connected.
- menare il can per l'aia — To avoid the main point by talking around the subject indirectly.
- andare a nozze — To be perfectly suited or to delight in something.
From our untranslatable words
- Menefreghista — Someone who has made not caring into an entire stance — indifference as a way of life.
- Apericena — The evening drink whose accompanying buffet is generous enough to replace dinner altogeth…
- Abbiocco — The heavy, irresistible drowsiness that comes after a large meal — the post-lunch stupor…