rimanere di sasso
Lemma: rimanere di sasso
Translation: to be stunned; to be shocked; to be dumbfounded; to be petrified with surprise (idiom)
Etymology: This Italian idiom combines 'rimanere' (to remain, to stay) with 'di sasso' (of stone). The expression literally means 'to remain like stone' or 'to turn to stone,' evoking the image of someone so shocked or surprised that they freeze like a statue. It relates to the mythological concept of being petrified, similar to the English expression 'frozen with shock' or the myth of Medusa turning people to stone with her gaze.
Example Usage
Maria è rimasta di sasso quando ha visto il suo ex-fidanzato alla festa.
Maria was shocked when she saw her ex-boyfriend at the party.
Quando ho saputo la notizia, sono rimasto di sasso.
When I heard the news, I was stunned.
Rimarrai di sasso quando saprai quanto costa.
You'll be dumbfounded when you find out how much it costs.
Mnemonics
- Think of someone turning to stone (sasso) like the victims of Medusa in Greek mythology.
- Imagine someone so shocked they freeze like a statue in a park.
- Connect 'sasso' (stone) with being 'stunned' - both start with 's'.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This idiom is commonly used in everyday Italian conversation to express extreme surprise or shock. It's a colorful expression that Italians use to convey emotional reactions, reflecting the expressive nature of Italian communication.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: Both idioms express shock or surprise, but 'rimanere di stucco' (literally 'to remain of plaster') has a slightly different nuance, sometimes implying disappointment along with surprise.
This word:
Sono rimasto di sasso quando ho vinto alla lotteria.
I was stunned when I won the lottery.
Confused word:
Sono rimasto di stucco quando ho scoperto che mi aveva mentito.
I was shocked and disappointed when I discovered he had lied to me.
Notes: Both expressions are common in Italian and often interchangeable, but 'di sasso' tends to emphasize pure shock while 'di stucco' can include elements of disbelief or disappointment.
Mnemonic: 'Sasso' (stone) is harder than 'stucco' (plaster), so 'rimanere di sasso' suggests a more intense, solid shock.