
IdiomDaily Life
Italian
in pompa magna
Meaning: with ceremony, grandeur, and great fanfare.
Literally: In great pomp
Example: “Il museo è stato inaugurato in pompa magna.” — The museum was opened with pomp and circumstance.
English equivalent: With pomp and circumstance
Equivalents in other languages
French: En grande pompe Literally: In great pompEnglish: with pomp and circumstance
Origin: Pompa once meant a procession or solemn parade, from Latin pompa, and the phrase recalls the splendor with which such ceremonies were staged. The Hoepli dictionary notes that today it is almost always ironic or playful, said of someone dressed or behaving with ostentatious grandeur.
More Italian idioms
- farsene un baffo to not care at all; to be indifferent to something.
- sulle spine In a state of anxious suspense or nervous tension, unable to relax.
- a gambe levate With great speed or haste, moving rapidly or impetuously.
- pendaglio da forca A person who deserves to be hanged; a worthless scoundrel.
- menare il can per l'aia To avoid the main point by talking around the subject indirectly.
- con il piede sbagliato To start something badly or get off to a poor beginning.
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