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avere un diavolo in corpo
/aˈve.re un djaˈvo.lo in ˈkor.po/◆idiom
to be full of energy or restless
Il bambino ha un diavolo in corpo e non sta mai fermo.
The child has a devil in his body and never stays still.
informal
To be extremely energetic, restless, or hyperactive, often in a playful or mischievous way.
Dopo aver bevuto troppo caffè, mi sento come se avessi un diavolo in corpo.
After drinking too much coffee, I feel like I have a devil in my body.
I bambini piccoli spesso hanno un diavolo in corpo e corrono dappertutto.
Little children often have a devil in their bodies and run everywhere.
This expression is often used to describe someone who is full of energy, especially in a playful or mischievous manner.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Usage Context
This idiom is typically used in informal settings to describe someone who is very energetic or restless, often in a playful or mischievous way.
Gold Rule
Literal vs. Figurative
Do not take the phrase literally; it is a figurative expression to describe energy or restlessness.
Word Origin
The phrase likely originates from the idea of having a mischievous or restless spirit inside one's body, symbolized by the devil.
Usage Notes
This idiom is commonly used in informal contexts to describe someone who is very energetic or restless, often in a playful or mischievous way.
Word Breakdown
avere
to have
rootun diavolo
a devil
rootin corpo
in one's body
rootDizionario Italiano-Inglese