IdiomDaily Life
Italian
Italianmettere fuori combattimento
Meaning: To silence someone or exclude them from participation and influence.
Literally: To put out of combat
Example: “Con quella riforma hanno messo fuori combattimento i piccoli produttori.” — That reform pushed the small producers onto the sidelines.
Origin: From boxing, as the Hoepli dictionary notes: a fighter fuori combattimento can no longer fight, and is therefore beaten and no longer dangerous. Putting someone out of action, in politics or business, is the same thing done by other means.
More Italian idioms
- dannarsi l'anima To work extremely hard or exert oneself to the utmost.
- guardarsi alle spalle To remain vigilant and aware of dangers or threats that might come from behind.
- qui casca l'asino That is the crux of the matter; that is where the real difficulty lies.
- mandare giù To accept or tolerate something unwillingly, often swallowing one's pride or doubts.
- questione di lana caprina A trivial or pointless debate that wastes time and produces no useful result.
- battere i tacchi To run away or flee hastily.
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