Signification
To feel weak from fear.
Contexte culturel
Italians often use physical sensations to describe emotions, making the language very expressive. Similar to other Mediterranean cultures, there is a high emphasis on the body as a vessel for emotional experience. The concept of 'weak knees' or 'soft legs' is a common trope in Western literature to describe fear. The physiological response to fear is universal, which is why this idiom is easily understood across many cultures.
Use 'venire'
Using 'mi sono venute le gambe molli' sounds very natural and native.
Don't use for fatigue
Avoid using this for physical tiredness from sports.
Signification
To feel weak from fear.
Use 'venire'
Using 'mi sono venute le gambe molli' sounds very natural and native.
Don't use for fatigue
Avoid using this for physical tiredness from sports.
Combine with 'paura'
Adding 'per la paura' makes the meaning crystal clear.
Expressive language
Italians love these body-based idioms; use them to sound more fluent.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct verb.
Quando ho visto il fantasma, mi ____ le gambe molli.
The verb 'venire' is used to describe the onset of the feeling.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the best sentence.
This is the only sentence that uses the correct context and grammatical structure.
Match the situation to the feeling.
Match the feeling to the cause.
Correctly distinguishes between fear-induced weakness and physical fatigue.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Hai visto quel ragno enorme?' B: 'Sì, ____!'
The context is fear, so 'gambe molli' is the correct choice.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesQuando ho visto il fantasma, mi ____ le gambe molli.
The verb 'venire' is used to describe the onset of the feeling.
Choose the best sentence.
This is the only sentence that uses the correct context and grammatical structure.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Correctly distinguishes between fear-induced weakness and physical fatigue.
A: 'Hai visto quel ragno enorme?' B: 'Sì, ____!'
The context is fear, so 'gambe molli' is the correct choice.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsNo, use 'avere le gambe stanche' for fatigue.
No, it is neutral/casual.
'Avere' describes the state, 'venire' describes the onset.
It is better to say 'ho le gambe molli'.
Mostly fear, shock, or extreme anxiety.
Yes, many languages have similar idioms.
Yes, very common in daily life.
Yes, to express nervousness.
You can say 'mi tremano le gambe'.
No, it is standard Italian.
Usually only for negative excitement/fear.
Moll-ee with a long 'l'.
Expressions liées
Avere le gambe a pezzi
contrastTo have legs in pieces (exhausted).
Tremare come una foglia
similarTo shake like a leaf.
Farsi le gambe
contrastTo build up one's legs (stamina).
Sentirsi mancare
similarTo feel like fainting.
