IdiomNatureItalian

toccare il fondo

Meaning: To reach the lowest point of degradation or despair; to hit rock bottom.

Literally: To touch the bottom

Example: “Dopo aver perso casa e lavoro, ha toccato il fondo.” — After losing his home and his job, he hit rock bottom.

English equivalent: To hit rock bottom

Equivalents in other languages

Origin: Sinking until one's feet touch the bottom is reaching the lowest point there is. The Hoepli dictionary defines it as reaching the lowest, and so the worst, degree of something bad, said above all of grief, dishonesty or vice. English says "hit rock bottom."

More Italian idioms

  • mettere fuori combattimento To silence someone or exclude them from participation and influence.
  • 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.
  • battere la grancassa To advertise or publicize something widely and loudly; to spread news or promote somethin…
  • mandare giù To accept or tolerate something unwillingly, often swallowing one's pride or doubts.

Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults

Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.

  • Sei una persona d'oro You're genuinely wonderful — kind, trustworthy, and precious to have in one's life.
  • Che spettacolo! You look absolutely stunning — a spontaneous burst of admiration for someone's appearance.
  • Che rompiscatole What an insufferable pest — someone who endlessly pesters and never lets you be.

Browse all compliments & insults →

Keep exploring

Explore all idioms →