restare a bocca aperta

/reˈsta.re a ˈbok.ka aˈper.ta/
phraseIntermediate to be amazed or astonishedidiom
What It Really Means
To be so surprised or astonished that one's mouth literally drops open in shock or wonder.
Literal Meaning
To remain with mouth open
Literal Breakdown
restareto remain+aat+boccamouth+apertaopen
Mental Image
The mental image of someone's mouth dropping open in surprise or shock, often used to emphasize the intensity of the reaction.
When to Use
Imagine someone seeing a breathtaking view for the first time and being so amazed that their mouth literally drops open in astonishment.
Cultural Note
This idiom is a common way to express extreme surprise or astonishment in Italian culture, similar to the English 'to be amazed' or 'to be astonished'.
informal

To be so surprised or astonished that one's mouth literally drops open in shock or wonder.

La bellezza del paesaggio mi ha lasciato a bocca aperta.

The beauty of the landscape left me amazed.

Il prezzo dell'appartamento era così alto che sono rimasto a bocca aperta.

The price of the apartment was so high that I was astonished.

💡

This idiom is commonly used to express extreme surprise or astonishment, often in a positive or negative context.

Related Phrases

💡Pro Tip

Usage Tip

This idiom is often used to describe positive surprises, but it can also be used for negative or shocking surprises.

Gold Rule

Rule of Thumb

Use this idiom when describing a reaction that is so strong it causes a physical response, like dropping your jaw.

📖Word Origin

The expression comes from the literal image of someone's mouth dropping open in surprise or shock, which is a common physical reaction to extreme astonishment.

📝Usage Notes

This idiom is widely used in both formal and informal contexts to describe a strong emotional reaction to something unexpected or extraordinary.

Word Breakdown

restare
to remain
verb
+
a bocca aperta
with mouth open
phrase
Dizionario Italiano-Inglese