IdiomBody & SensesItalian

a viso aperto

Meaning: Openly and frankly; without deception or concealment.

Literally: With open face

Example: “Ha discusso a viso aperto con il consiglio.” — He argued with the board with his cards on the table.

English equivalent: To lay one's cards on the table

Equivalents in other languages

Origin: With the face uncovered: without a mask, a visor or a disguise. The Hoepli dictionary explains that it first meant without hiding one's identity, and then facing something openly and bravely, often in contrast with dietro le spalle (behind someone's back).

More idioms — Body & Senses

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  • morde e assopra To hurt someone and then soothe them; to alternate harshness and kindness.
  • morrer de rir To laugh very hard or uproariously.
  • nu e cru To speak with brutal, unvarnished honesty, holding nothing back.

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Explore another collection: False Friends

Words that look familiar in another language but mean something else entirely.

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