togliere il fiato

Meaning: To leave someone astonished or breathless with amazement.

Language: Italian

Literally: to take away the breath

Category: Body & Senses

Origin: The literal image of breathlessness as a physical response to shock or wonder.

More idioms — Body & Senses

• a bocca asciutta — Hungry and wanting food, or disappointed and empty-handed.
• guardarsi alle spalle — To remain vigilant and aware of dangers or threats that might come from behind.
• far battere il cuore — To cause someone to worry or to stir romantic feelings in someone.
• mandare giù — To accept or tolerate something unwillingly, often swallowing one's pride or doubts.
• battere i tacchi — To run away or flee hastily.
• a viso aperto — Openly and frankly; without deception or concealment.

More Italian idioms

• andare a nozze — To be perfectly suited or to delight in something.
• calcio dell'asino — A cowardly or treacherous attack from an unexpected quarter.
• alle corde — In a desperate or losing position, cornered.
• mela marcia — A person who is corrupt or morally bad and whose influence damages those around them.
• toccare il fondo — To reach the lowest point of degradation or despair; to hit rock bottom.
• mettere fuori combattimento — To silence someone or exclude them from participation and influence.

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