non sapere che pesci pigliare

/non saˈpe.re ke ˈpeʃʃi piʎˈʎa.re/
idiomIntermediateidiom
informal

To be at a loss, to be unsure what to do or say, to be confused or indecisive

Non so che pesci pigliare, mi sento completamente perso.

I don't know what to do, I feel completely lost.

Quando mi ha fatto quella domanda, non sapevo che pesci pigliare.

When he asked me that question, I was at a loss for words.

💡

This idiom is commonly used to express confusion or uncertainty about how to proceed in a situation.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

non sapere dove sbattere la testaidiom
to be at a loss, to not know what to do

💡Pro Tip

Usage Context

This idiom is best used in informal settings to describe a moment of confusion or uncertainty.

📖Word Origin

The origin of this idiom is unclear, but it likely comes from the idea of being unable to catch fish, symbolizing confusion or uncertainty.

📝Usage Notes

This expression is informal and commonly used in everyday conversation to describe a state of confusion or indecision.

Word Breakdown

non sapere
to not know
phrase
+
che pesci pigliare
what fish to catch
phrase
Dizionario Italiano-Inglese