tirare l'acqua al proprio mulino
Meaning: to act in self-interest, redirecting resources or advantage to oneself.
Language: Italian
Literally: to pull the water to one's own mill
Category: Daily Life
Origin: A miller diverts water to power his mill; the phrase uses this concrete image of appropriation to describe anyone who channels circumstances to their own benefit.
More idioms — Daily Life
- in pompa magna — with ceremony, grandeur, and great fanfare.
- alle calende greche — never; at an impossible or non-existent time.
- 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.
- andare a nozze — To be perfectly suited or to delight in something.
- alle corde — In a desperate or losing position, cornered.
More Italian idioms
- tenere a freno la lingua — to refrain from speaking; to keep silent.
- farsene un baffo — to not care at all; to be indifferent to something.
- sulle spine — In a state of anxious suspense or nervous tension, unable to relax.
- 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.
- alla lontana — In an indirect or roundabout way; distantly or remotely connected.