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toccare il fondo

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

Language: Italian

Literally: to touch the bottom

Category: Nature

Origin: The phrase pictures someone in water descending until their feet can feel the bottom beneath them—a vivid image of reaching the absolute nadir.

More idioms — Nature

  • 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.
  • arrastar pela lama — to publicly humiliate or damage someone's reputation.
  • do dia para a noite — Very suddenly or extremely quickly.

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.
  • 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…

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