IdiomFood & Drink
Italian
Italianmangiare la foglia
Meaning: Understand someone's hidden intentions or see through their deception immediately.
Literally: To eat the leaf
Example: “Quando ha visto due piatti in più, ha mangiato la foglia.” — When he saw two extra plates, he smelled a rat.
English equivalent: To smell a rat
Origin: To eat the leaf is to catch on, to see what lies behind an appearance or a hint. The Hoepli dictionary of idioms says the origin is unknown and suggests it may allude to silkworms, which taste a leaf before deciding whether to eat it. The claim that it comes from Renaissance fencing has no source behind it.
Equivalents in other languages
English: smell a rat
More Italian idioms
- avere un diavolo per capello Be extremely angry or agitated, ready to argue with anyone about anything.
- essere un osso duro Be a difficult, stubborn person who is challenging to deal with or influence.
- Prendere due piccioni con una fava To achieve two goals with a single effort.
- Avere la botte piena e la moglie ubriaca To want to have it both ways.
- Ogni morte di papa Extremely rarely; once in a blue moon.
- Avere gli occhi foderati di prosciutto To be unable to see what is right in front of you.
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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