tutto d'un colpo
Meaning: Suddenly; all at once; without warning or gradual transition.
Language: Italian
Literally: all of one blow
Category: Daily Life
Origin: Origin uncertain; the phrase pictures a single forceful strike that accomplishes change in one moment rather than over time.
More idioms — Daily Life
- cattedrale nel deserto — A large industrial facility built in a remote, poorly-connected region that produces litt…
- volta e meia — Occasionally or now and then.
- fora do armário — To reveal a secret identity or hidden truth, especially regarding sexual orientation or p…
- nada a ver — Nonsense or absurdity; something that makes no sense.
- fugir como o diabo foge da cruz — To flee or escape with great speed and urgency.
- falar com as paredes — To speak to someone who does not listen or respond; to waste one's words.
More Italian idioms
- a casa del diavolo — Far away; a great distance to travel; the long way around.
- In bocca al lupo — Good luck! (replied with 'Crepi!' — may it die).
- Non tutte le ciambelle riescono col buco — Things don't always go as planned.
- Avere le braccine corte — To be stingy; to never reach for the check.
- Cadere a fagiolo — To arrive at exactly the perfect moment.
- Fare il diavolo a quattro — To raise absolute hell; to cause a huge scene.
From our false friends
- Camera — Actually means 'room'. A camera (device) is una macchina fotografica.
- Pretendere — Actually means 'to demand' or 'to expect'. Pretende troppo = He demands too much.
- Parente — Actually means 'relative'. A parent (mother or father) is un genitore.