avere un diavolo in corpo

/aˈve.re un djaˈvo.lo in ˈkor.po/
phraseIntermediate to be full of energy or restlessidiom
What It Really Means
To be extremely energetic, restless, or hyperactive, often in a playful or mischievous way.
Literal Meaning
To have a devil in one's body.
Literal Breakdown
avereto have+un diavoloa devil+in corpoin one's body
Mental Image
The mental image is of having a mischievous or restless spirit inside one's body, symbolized by the devil.
When to Use
A parent might say this about their child who is constantly running around and full of energy.
Cultural Note
This idiom reflects the Italian cultural tendency to use vivid and expressive language to describe emotions and behaviors.
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

avere le formiche ai piediidiom
to be restless or unable to sit still
essere un diavoloidiom
to be mischievous or playful

💡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
root
+
un diavolo
a devil
root
+
in corpo
in one's body
root
Dizionario Italiano-Inglese