a gonfie vele
The English phrase peachy can be translated into Italian as a gonfie vele.
The phrase a gonfie vele is used to describe a situation that is progressing very well, smoothly or successfully, much like a ship moving quickly with full sails.
Meaning: very good (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 'a gonfie vele' literally means 'with full sails'.
Which one should you use?
While 'peachy' in English is often used colloquially or even sarcastically, 'a gonfie vele' is a more idiomatic, slightly more descriptive way to say things are going great.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the adjective gonfio 'swollen' usually has a negative medical connotation, but in the phrase a gonfie vele it is purely positive.
- Unlike 'peachy' in English, which can be used sarcastically to mean the opposite, a gonfie vele is rarely used ironically and almost always conveys genuine success.
- The word a in this phrase comes from the Latin ad, which originally denoted direction or movement toward a specific goal.
Examples in context
- La riunione di oggi è andata in modo eccellente.Today's meeting went extremely well.
- Il progetto procede a gonfie vele.The project is moving ahead at full steam.
- La nostra azienda naviga a gonfie vele.Our company is sailing along very successfully.
- Spero che tutto proceda a gonfie vele.I hope everything goes very smoothly.
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Giulia are discussing the progress of a new business startup.
- GiuliaCome vanno i nuovi affari, Lorenzo?How is the new business going, Lorenzo?
- LorenzoTutto procede a gonfie vele, Giulia.Everything is going great, Giulia.
- GiuliaSono davvero felice di sentire questo.I am really happy to hear that.
- LorenzoGrazie, è un momento molto positivo.Thanks, it is a very positive time.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, a gonfie vele, CC BY-SA 4.0.
