IdiomThe Absurd
Italian
Italianarrampicarsi sugli specchi
Meaning: to attempt to defend an indefensible position or grasp at straws.
Literally: To climb on mirrors
Example: “Senza prove si arrampica sugli specchi.” — With no evidence, he's grasping at straws.
English equivalent: To grasp at straws
Equivalents in other languages
English: grasp at straws
Origin: Trying to climb a mirror gets nowhere: the surface is perfectly smooth and gives nothing to hold on to. The Hoepli dictionary of idioms defines it as reaching for the most far-fetched arguments to be proved right or to justify oneself, and failing, "as anyone would slip who tried to climb the smooth surface of a mirror." A variant is arrampicarsi sui vetri (to climb up glass).
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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