Italian expression of the day: ‘Avere le mani in pasta’
We think you're really going to knead this phrase...
Having your hands in pasta may sound like a dream come true. However the pasta in this Italian expression is used to mean dough (which sounds less dreamy, and more of a nuisance).
The expression avere le mani in pasta, which is used in many regions of Italy, could be literally translated into English as having your 'hands in the dough'.
It expresses a negative concept in the sense of someone being involved in scandals, or dishonest - perhaps sticky - situations.
Think of it as a more pessimistic version of the English expression ‘to have a finger in every pie.’
Sa tutto di tutti e comincio a pensare che abbia le mani in pasta.
She knows everything about everyone and I’m starting to think she has her finger in many pies.
Sembri avere le mani in pasta ovunque, caro.
You seem like you have fingers in many pies, dear.
Next time you want to describe someone suspect, use this phrase - but make sure you do so out of their earshot.
Do you have a favourite Italian word you'd like us to feature? If so, please email us with your suggestion.
Did you know you can get all our Italian words and expressions of the day on our new app as soon as we publish them? It takes a few seconds to download the app at the Apple or Android store, then you can select “Italian Word of the Day” in your Notification options via the “User” button.
Comments
See Also
Having your hands in pasta may sound like a dream come true. However the pasta in this Italian expression is used to mean dough (which sounds less dreamy, and more of a nuisance).
The expression avere le mani in pasta, which is used in many regions of Italy, could be literally translated into English as having your 'hands in the dough'.
It expresses a negative concept in the sense of someone being involved in scandals, or dishonest - perhaps sticky - situations.
Think of it as a more pessimistic version of the English expression ‘to have a finger in every pie.’
Sa tutto di tutti e comincio a pensare che abbia le mani in pasta.
She knows everything about everyone and I’m starting to think she has her finger in many pies.
Sembri avere le mani in pasta ovunque, caro.
You seem like you have fingers in many pies, dear.
Next time you want to describe someone suspect, use this phrase - but make sure you do so out of their earshot.
Do you have a favourite Italian word you'd like us to feature? If so, please email us with your suggestion.
Did you know you can get all our Italian words and expressions of the day on our new app as soon as we publish them? It takes a few seconds to download the app at the Apple or Android store, then you can select “Italian Word of the Day” in your Notification options via the “User” button.
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.