IdiomFood & Drink
Italian
ItalianLiscio come l'olio
Meaning: To go off without a hitch.
Literally: Smooth as oil
Example: “Il trasloco è andato liscio come l'olio.” — The move went off without a hitch.
English equivalent: To go off without a hitch
Origin: Smooth as oil was first said of the sea or a lake, completely flat and without a ripple, as the Hoepli dictionary notes. By extension it describes anything that goes off without a hitch. A related phrase, liscio come un uovo (smooth as an egg), is said of a completely bald head.
Equivalents in other languages
Croatian: Ići niz dlaku Literally: To go along the fur
English: go off without a hitch
More Italian idioms
- Fare il portoghese To sneak in without paying.
- Avere le mani bucate To be a spendthrift.
- Prendere lucciole per lanterne To be completely and badly mistaken.
- Rimanere in mutande To be left penniless.
- Capire fischi per fiaschi To misunderstand completely.
- Essere in gamba To be sharp, capable and on the ball.
Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults
Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.
- Sei un salame You're a clumsy, dopey softie — said with a smile.
- Sei in gamba You're sharp, capable, and on the ball.
- Sei un tesoro You're a darling — precious to have around.
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