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nei panni di

Meaning: In the position, role, or situation of someone else; in their shoes.

Language: Italian

Literally: in the clothes of

Category: Daily Life

Origin: The literal image is of wearing another person's garments—a vivid picture of inhabiting their circumstances and perspective.

More idioms — Daily Life

  • andare a nozze — To be perfectly suited or to delight in something.
  • alle corde — In a desperate or losing position, cornered.
  • mettere fuori combattimento — To silence someone or exclude them from participation and influence.
  • mettersi al passo con i tempi — To keep up with current events or modernize one's knowledge and habits.
  • battere la grancassa — To advertise or publicize something widely and loudly; to spread news or promote somethin…
  • con beneficio d'inventario — To accept something with skepticism or reservations, not at face value.

More Italian idioms

  • alla lontana — In an indirect or roundabout way; distantly or remotely connected.
  • 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.
  • togliere il fiato — To leave someone astonished or breathless with amazement.
  • calcio dell'asino — A cowardly or treacherous attack from an unexpected quarter.
  • a bocca asciutta — Hungry and wanting food, or disappointed and empty-handed.

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