girare a vuoto
Meaning: To spin idly without accomplishing anything; to waste time in aimless activity.
Language: Italian
Literally: to turn at empty
Category: Daily Life
Origin: Origin uncertain; the phrase pictures an engine or wheel rotating uselessly, performing motions that produce no work.
More idioms — Daily Life
- alla sprovvista — Without warning; caught unprepared or by surprise.
- alla bell'e meglio — In a sloppy, careless, or makeshift manner; doing something poorly for lack of effort or…
- tutto d'un colpo — Suddenly; all at once; without warning or gradual transition.
- cattedrale nel deserto — A large industrial facility built in a remote, poorly-connected region that produces litt…
- 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…
More Italian idioms
- adagiarsi sugli allori — To become complacent and stop making efforts after past successes.
- mettere le corna — To commit infidelity against a partner; to cuckold someone.
- senza capo né coda — In a senseless or disjointed way; without coherence, order, or point.
- a casa del diavolo — Far away; a great distance to travel; the long way around.
- 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.
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