adagiarsi sugli allori

Meaning: To become complacent and stop making efforts after past successes.

Language: Italian

Literally: to rest oneself on the laurels

Category: Nature

Origin: From the ancient practice of crowning victors with laurel wreaths; to sit back among these symbols of achievement is to cease striving.

More idioms — Nature

More Italian idioms

  • alla sprovvista — Without warning; caught unprepared or by surprise.
  • mettere le corna — To commit infidelity against a partner; to cuckold someone.
  • alla bell'e meglio — In a sloppy, careless, or makeshift manner; doing something poorly for lack of effort or…
  • senza capo né coda — In a senseless or disjointed way; without coherence, order, or point.
  • tutto d'un colpo — Suddenly; all at once; without warning or gradual transition.
  • a casa del diavolo — Far away; a great distance to travel; the long way around.

From our false friends

  • Morbido — Actually means 'soft', 'gentle', or 'smooth'. Una voce morbida = a gentle, smooth voice.
  • Fattoria — Actually means 'farm'. A factory is una fabbrica.
  • Fame — Actually means 'hunger'. Ho fame = I'm hungry. For fame (renown), say fama.

Browse all false friends →

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