Meaning
To have a memory that forgets everything.
Cultural Background
The colabrodo is a staple in every Italian household, used for making 'brodo di carne' (meat broth). The familiarity with this tool makes the idiom very relatable. Journalists frequently use 'difesa colabrodo' to criticize teams. It's one of the most common sports metaphors in Italian newspapers like 'La Gazzetta dello Sport'. In some parts of the South, people might say 'scolapasta' (pasta strainer) instead, but 'colabrodo' remains the standard idiomatic form nationwide. Calling yourself a 'colabrodo' is a way to show humility and 'fare simpatia' (be likable) after a mistake. It lightens the mood.
Self-Correction
Use this phrase to instantly sound more native when you make a mistake. It shows you know Italian culture, not just grammar.
Gender Rule
Remember: 'un colabrodo' even for women! Saying 'una colabrodo' is a common learner mistake.
Meaning
To have a memory that forgets everything.
Self-Correction
Use this phrase to instantly sound more native when you make a mistake. It shows you know Italian culture, not just grammar.
Gender Rule
Remember: 'un colabrodo' even for women! Saying 'una colabrodo' is a common learner mistake.
Sports Context
If you want to impress Italian friends during a football match, use this to describe the opposing team's defense.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
Scusami, ho dimenticato il tuo compleanno, sono proprio un _______!
The idiom specifically uses 'colabrodo' to mean forgetful.
Which situation best fits the phrase 'La sua memoria è un colabrodo'?
Scegli l'opzione corretta:
The phrase describes someone who is very forgetful.
Match the sentence to the context.
Match: 'Quella difesa è un colabrodo!'
In sports, it refers to a defense that lets in many goals.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Hai portato il vino?' B: 'No, l'ho lasciato a casa... _______.'
B is admitting they forgot the wine due to their poor memory.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesScusami, ho dimenticato il tuo compleanno, sono proprio un _______!
The idiom specifically uses 'colabrodo' to mean forgetful.
Scegli l'opzione corretta:
The phrase describes someone who is very forgetful.
Match: 'Quella difesa è un colabrodo!'
In sports, it refers to a defense that lets in many goals.
A: 'Hai portato il vino?' B: 'No, l'ho lasciato a casa... _______.'
B is admitting they forgot the wine due to their poor memory.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsNo, it's generally lighthearted and self-deprecating. However, don't use it for serious medical conditions.
Yes! It can mean someone who can't keep a secret, as the information 'leaks' out of them.
A colabrodo is for broth (fine holes), a scolapasta is for pasta (larger holes). The idiom only uses colabrodo.
Only in journalism (sports/politics) for rhetorical effect. Avoid it in formal letters or academic papers.
Almost. The correct form is 'ho la memoria COME un colabrodo' (I have a memory LIKE a sieve).
Related Phrases
avere la testa tra le nuvole
similarTo be distracted or daydreaming.
perdere colpi
similarTo lose one's touch or mental sharpness.
avere la memoria di un elefante
contrastTo have an excellent memory.
essere una groviera
synonymTo be like Swiss cheese (full of holes).
