Home › Idioms

mettere radici

Meaning: to settle in a place permanently or commit to something long-term.

Language: Italian

Literally: to put down roots

Category: Nature

Origin: The image is botanical: a plant sends roots deep into soil, establishing itself and drawing sustenance, just as a person might establish themselves in a community.

More idioms — Nature

  • sulle spine — In a state of anxious suspense or nervous tension, unable to relax.
  • alla lontana — In an indirect or roundabout way; distantly or remotely connected.
  • toccare il fondo — To reach the lowest point of degradation or despair; to hit rock bottom.
  • dove non batte il sole — In a place that is dark, hidden, or not respectable; a euphemism for somewhere very undes…
  • fuori del seminato — Off the point; irrelevant or beside the subject at hand.
  • preparare il terreno — To establish the conditions or foundations that will make something possible later.

More Italian idioms

  • tirare l'acqua al proprio mulino — to act in self-interest, redirecting resources or advantage to oneself.
  • tenere a freno la lingua — to refrain from speaking; to keep silent.
  • in pompa magna — with ceremony, grandeur, and great fanfare.
  • alle calende greche — never; at an impossible or non-existent time.
  • farsene un baffo — to not care at all; to be indifferent to something.
  • a gambe levate — With great speed or haste, moving rapidly or impetuously.

← Back to Idioms

Loading the full interactive collection…