andare a gonfie vele
/anˈda.re a ˈɡon.fje ˈve.le/to be going very well; to be in full swing
Il progetto sta andando a gonfie vele.
The project is going very well.
La sua carriera è andata a gonfie vele dopo quel successo.
His career took off after that success.
This idiom is often used to describe something that is progressing smoothly and successfully, like a ship sailing with full sails.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related Phrases
💡Pro Tip
Usage Tip
This idiom is versatile and can be used in both professional and casual conversations to describe success or smooth progress.
⚡Gold Rule
Literal vs. Figurative
While the phrase literally refers to sails filled with wind, it is always used figuratively to describe success or smooth progress.
📖Word Origin
The phrase comes from nautical terminology, where 'gonfie vele' (swollen sails) indicates a ship moving quickly with the wind at its back, symbolizing smooth progress.
📝Usage Notes
This idiom is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to describe positive progress in various situations, such as work, projects, or personal endeavors.