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restare a bocca aperta
/reˈsta.re a ˈbok.ka aˈper.ta/◆idiom
to be amazed or astonished
Quando ha visto il risultato, è rimasto a bocca aperta.
When he saw the result, he was amazed.
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.
Collocations
restare a bocca apertato be amazed
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
verba bocca aperta
with mouth open
phraseDizionario Italiano-Inglese