IdiomThe Absurd
French
FrenchÊtre piqué de la tarentule
Meaning: To be seized by frantic, uncontrollable agitation.
Literally: To be bitten by the tarantula
Example: “Depuis ce matin, le chiot est piqué de la tarentule : il court partout.” — Since this morning, the puppy has had ants in its pants: it's running everywhere.
English equivalent: Ants in one's pants
Equivalents in other languages
German: Hummeln im Hintern haben Literally: To have bumblebees in your behind
Spanish: ser culo de mal asiento Literally: To be bottom of bad seat
English: ants in one's pants
Origin: Tarantism was a real documented mania in southern Italy, in which those believed bitten by the spider of Taranto danced for days. The tarantella takes its name from the supposed cure.
More French idioms
- Une tempête dans un verre d'eau A great commotion over something trivial.
- Contre vents et marées In the face of every obstacle.
- Autant en emporte le vent Said of promises and words that will come to nothing.
- Aller à vau-l'eau To fall into ruin; to drift towards collapse.
- Se mettre au vert To retreat to the countryside to rest or lie low.
- Une volée de bois vert A severe and public dressing-down.
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