sulle spine

Meaning: In a state of anxious suspense or nervous tension, unable to relax.

Language: Italian

Literally: on thorns

Category: Nature

Origin: The image is of sitting on thorns or spines—an uncomfortable, fidgeting posture that captures the restlessness of waiting for news.

More idioms — Nature

• 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.
• adagiarsi sugli allori — To become complacent and stop making efforts after past successes.

More Italian idioms

• a gambe levate — With great speed or haste, moving rapidly or impetuously.
• pendaglio da forca — A person who deserves to be hanged; a worthless scoundrel.
• mi sa — I suppose, I guess, or I have the impression.
• nei panni di — In the position, role, or situation of someone else; in their shoes.
• 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.

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