Signification
Running away fast.
Contexte culturel
The phrase is a staple of Italian children's literature, most notably in 'The Adventures of Pinocchio' by Carlo Collodi, where the puppet is frequently fleeing from trouble. In classic 'Commedia all'italiana' films, characters often flee 'a gambe levate' to escape creditors or angry husbands, reflecting a comedic trope of the 'lovable rogue'. While used nationwide, the phrase has strong roots in Central Italian dialects where descriptive, somatic idioms are particularly rich and varied. In Italian social media, 'scappare a gambe levate' is a common meme caption for videos of animals or people reacting to jump scares.
Pair with 'Scappare'
The most natural way to use this is with the verb 'scappare'. It's a match made in heaven!
Don't use for 'falling'
If someone falls down, don't use this. Use 'a gambe all'aria' instead.
Signification
Running away fast.
Pair with 'Scappare'
The most natural way to use this is with the verb 'scappare'. It's a match made in heaven!
Don't use for 'falling'
If someone falls down, don't use this. Use 'a gambe all'aria' instead.
Use for humor
It's great for self-deprecating humor when you want to admit you were scared in a funny way.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct verb to complete the idiom.
Quando ha visto il mostro, il bambino è _______ a gambe levate.
The idiom 'a gambe levate' is used with verbs of movement/escape like 'scappare'.
Fill in the missing word of the phrase.
Il ladro è fuggito a _______ levate.
The phrase specifically refers to 'gambe' (legs).
In which situation would you use 'a gambe levate'?
Situation: You are at a park and a swarm of bees starts chasing you.
Running from bees is a perfect scenario for a fast, panicked escape.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Perché Marco non è alla festa?' B: 'Appena ha visto la sua ex, _______.'
Leaving quickly to avoid an ex is a common figurative use of the phrase.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesQuando ha visto il mostro, il bambino è _______ a gambe levate.
The idiom 'a gambe levate' is used with verbs of movement/escape like 'scappare'.
Il ladro è fuggito a _______ levate.
The phrase specifically refers to 'gambe' (legs).
Situation: You are at a park and a swarm of bees starts chasing you.
Running from bees is a perfect scenario for a fast, panicked escape.
A: 'Perché Marco non è alla festa?' B: 'Appena ha visto la sua ex, _______.'
Leaving quickly to avoid an ex is a common figurative use of the phrase.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it is informal. Use it with friends, family, or in casual storytelling.
No, the phrase is fixed as 'a gambe levate'.
'Darsela a gambe' is a verb meaning 'to bolt'. 'A gambe levate' is an adverbial phrase describing *how* you run.
Yes! It's very common to describe a dog or cat running away fast.
Usually, but it can also just mean extreme hurry or avoiding something boring.
Yes, it is a standard Italian idiom understood everywhere.
Only if you have a very close, informal relationship with the recipient. Otherwise, avoid it.
It literally means 'with raised legs'.
Yes, 'svignarsela' is a common slang synonym for sneaking/running away.
It's leh-VAH-teh, with the stress on the 'VA'.
Expressions liées
darsela a gambe
synonymTo bolt / to take to one's heels
scappare a gambe in spalla
similarTo run as fast as possible
tagliare la corda
similarTo cut the rope / to bolt
svignarsela
similarTo sneak away
