fire in the belly

Meaning: Strong ambition and drive.

Language: English

Literally: (Already vivid in English)

Example: “At seventy, the director still has fire in the belly.”

Category: Body & Senses

Origin: The belly, like the heart, was long seen as the seat of passion. The phrase is common from the 20th century.

Equivalents in other languages

breathe down someone's neck — To watch someone too closely, or to be close behind them.
elbow grease — Hard physical work, especially scrubbing or polishing.
have a heavy heart — To feel sad or burdened.
in one's heart of hearts — In one's deepest private feelings.
an old hand — Someone with long experience at something.
a low blow — An unfair or cruel attack.

all fired up — Very excited or enthusiastic.
the oldest trick in the book — A very familiar trick that should not fool anyone.
a slippery slope — A small step that leads to worse and worse consequences.
snug as a bug in a rug — Very warm and comfortable.
champ at the bit — To be impatient to start.
at cross purposes — To misunderstand each other or work toward conflicting goals.

Oldtimer — Actually means 'vintage car' or 'classic aircraft'. A veteran person is ein Veteran.
Camera — Actually means 'room'. A camera (device) is una macchina fotografica.
Pretendere — Actually means 'to demand' or 'to expect'. Pretende troppo = He demands too much.