cattedrale nel deserto
Meaning: A large industrial facility built in a remote, poorly-connected region that produces little of public value and exists mainly to provide jobs.
Language: Italian
Literally: cathedral in the desert
Category: Daily Life
Origin: The phrase draws on the paradox of an elaborate, impressive structure in a barren, isolated place where it serves no real purpose.
More idioms — Daily Life
- volta e meia — Occasionally or now and then.
- fora do armário — To reveal a secret identity or hidden truth, especially regarding sexual orientation or p…
- nada a ver — Nonsense or absurdity; something that makes no sense.
- fugir como o diabo foge da cruz — To flee or escape with great speed and urgency.
- falar com as paredes — To speak to someone who does not listen or respond; to waste one's words.
- carta branca — complete freedom to act without restrictions or needing approval.
More Italian idioms
- In bocca al lupo — Good luck! (replied with 'Crepi!' — may it die).
- Non tutte le ciambelle riescono col buco — Things don't always go as planned.
- Avere le braccine corte — To be stingy; to never reach for the check.
- Cadere a fagiolo — To arrive at exactly the perfect moment.
- Fare il diavolo a quattro — To raise absolute hell; to cause a huge scene.
- Chi dorme non piglia pesci — You snooze, you lose.
From our tongue twisters
- Se la serpe si avvicina alla siepe del serpente, il serpente scappa dalla siepe. — A sibilant 's/se/si/sci' minefield; both words (serpe and serpente) slither through the s…
- Chi è Ciccio Capece? Ciccio Capece è un capocaccia che caccia con la cacciaballa. — A 'c/ci/ccia' onslaught — Italian's hard and soft c in the same sentence, non-stop.
- Sopra la panca la capra campa, sotto la panca la capra crepa. — A beloved 'c' / 'p' rhythm trap.