arrampicarsi sugli specchi

Meaning: to attempt to defend an indefensible position or grasp at straws.

Language: Italian

Literally: to climb on mirrors

Category: The Absurd

Origin: Origin uncertain; the image is of scrambling futilely on a smooth, slippery, reflective surface—effort that yields no purchase.

More idioms — The Absurd

• farsene un baffo — to not care at all; to be indifferent to something.
• pendaglio da forca — A person who deserves to be hanged; a worthless scoundrel.
• dannarsi l'anima — To work extremely hard or exert oneself to the utmost.
• come butta — What is happening; how are things going.
• a casa del diavolo — Far away; a great distance to travel; the long way around.
• sem tamanho — enormous, immensely large.

More Italian idioms

• per amore o per forza — by any means necessary; whether one wishes it or not.
• mettere radici — to settle in a place permanently or commit to something long-term.
• tirare l'acqua al proprio mulino — to act in self-interest, redirecting resources or advantage to oneself.
• tenere a freno la lingua — to refrain from speaking; to keep silent.
• in pompa magna — with ceremony, grandeur, and great fanfare.
• alle calende greche — never; at an impossible or non-existent time.

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