in alto mare
Lemma: in alto mare
Translation: at sea; up in the air; unresolved; far from completion (idiom)
Etymology: This Italian idiom combines 'in' (in), 'alto' (high) and 'mare' (sea). Literally meaning 'in high sea', it refers to being in deep waters far from shore, where things are uncertain and unresolved. The metaphor draws on the unpredictability and vastness of the open sea, suggesting something that is still undecided or far from completion. The English phrase 'at sea' shares a similar maritime metaphor for being in a state of confusion or uncertainty.
Example Usage
Le trattative sono ancora in alto mare.
The negotiations are still up in the air.
Il progetto è in alto mare, non abbiamo ancora un piano concreto.
The project is far from completion, we don't have a concrete plan yet.
La decisione è in alto mare, nessuno sa quando verrà presa.
The decision is unresolved, nobody knows when it will be made.
Mnemonics
- Think of a ship in the 'high seas' (alto mare) - far from shore and with no clear resolution in sight.
- Picture yourself on a boat in the middle of the ocean (alto mare) with no land in sight - that's how unresolved the situation is.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
This idiom is commonly used in Italian business, politics, and everyday conversation to describe projects, negotiations, or decisions that are far from being completed or resolved. It's a colorful way to express uncertainty about timing or outcome.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'in alto mare' is an idiom meaning 'unresolved' or 'up in the air', 'in mare aperto' literally means 'in open sea' and is typically used in its literal sense rather than figuratively.
Notes: 'In alto mare' is almost always used figuratively, while 'in mare aperto' is typically used literally to describe physical location.
Mnemonic: 'Alto mare' (high sea) = high uncertainty; 'mare aperto' (open sea) = actual location
Explanation: While both are nautical idioms, 'in alto mare' means something is unresolved or far from completion, whereas 'a gonfie vele' (with full sails) means something is proceeding very well or successfully.
This word:
La soluzione del problema è in alto mare.
The solution to the problem is nowhere in sight.
Notes: These idioms represent opposite situations: one of uncertainty and lack of progress, the other of smooth sailing and success.
Mnemonic: 'Alto mare' = uncertainty (high seas); 'gonfie vele' = success (full sails)