I knewsilviap said:I was not thinking of a literal translation, I was only looking for a possible translation of this idiomatic expression.
The nearest thing I can think of is: do not overdo. But volare basso is different from that.
Vola basso or devi volare basso is something you could say to someone who's conceited, self-important, but most of all overconfident or maybe "too big for his boots", a presumptuous person.
Any idea?
I think because maybe there is a precise saying corresponding to our "vola basso".silviap said:You think, alfry?
You might be right
I'd like a confirmation from some native English speaker![]()
Sometimes when you work for a large organization & there is a layoff pending someone might say "you better fly low for awhile". Meaning keep a low profile. Do not make yourself noticable. Don't bring attention to yourself or you might be the next one laid off.I'd like a confirmation from some native English speaker
I can't sasy that it is. I've heard both ways. Of course when your job is in jeopardy you're liable to say anything. We spoke about "I resolve" on another thread. Last night Barbara Walters was interviewing President Bush on 20-20 And one of his comments was "I resolve" etc. something about Tsunami. I can't remember exactly. So we say a lot of things, maybe not often, but when some people hear it they think it sounds strange.Leenico, I've heard "lie low" rather than "fly low" in this context. Is this a regional thing?
Yes. It means not to make yourself noticeable. Do not bring attention to yourself. I hope this explains it. If not let me know & I will try further.Could anyone explain what "keep a low profile" means? Not only in business, but in general.
I don't think that is what you would say to that type of person. He would be too conceited to pay heed to that kind of statement. The best you could do is to put him down w/ a strong comment. However be prepared for an argument. Someone like that, it is better to ignore.Vola basso or devi volare basso is something you could say to someone who's conceited, self-important, but most of all overconfident or maybe "too big for his boots", a presumptuous person.
cut down to size? But this you would say about the person "That egomaniac, I would love to watch him get cut down to size." To a person's face it is very aggressive.silviap said:I was not thinking of a literal translation, I was only looking for a possible translation of this idiomatic expression.
The nearest thing I can think of is: do not overdo. But volare basso is different from that.
Vola basso or devi volare basso is something you could say to someone who's conceited, self-important, but most of all overconfident or maybe "too big for his boots", a presumptuous person.
Any idea?
Yes, literally. I think it may have a figurative reference to all the size-related ways we describe someone who is getting a big ego: a person getting inflated, being all puffed up, being full of himself, and having a swelled head.silviap said:Get cut down to size = ridimensionarsi?
lsp said:Yes, literally. I think it may have a figurative reference to all the size-related ways we describe someone who is getting a big ego: a person getting inflated, being all puffed up, being full of himself, and having a swelled head.
Very good!Alenya said:As an idiomatic expression, if you wish the person to be less conceited you could tell her: Get down a peg or two.
Thank you, TiffanyTiffanyC said:Personally, I'd say "come down off your high horse". You would say this expression to someone who felt self-important, or who was bragging about something and you wanted them to stop or calm down.
For the peg expression, you can "take" someone down a peg or two", but you can't really tell someone to "get down a peg or two" . When you take someone down a peg or two, you don't warn them or ask them.