Meaning
Describing something very rare or unusual
Cultural Background
Italians value 'originalità' and 'talento'. Calling someone a 'mosca bianca' is a high compliment. The idiom is used identically in Spain, reflecting a shared Mediterranean cultural view on rarity. Similar to Italy and Spain, it is a common way to express admiration for a unique individual. Used in many Spanish-speaking countries to denote someone who stands out for their positive qualities.
Gender agreement
Always keep it feminine: 'una mosca bianca', even if the person is a man.
Don't use for negative traits
Only use it for positive or notable rarity.
Meaning
Describing something very rare or unusual
Gender agreement
Always keep it feminine: 'una mosca bianca', even if the person is a man.
Don't use for negative traits
Only use it for positive or notable rarity.
Use with 'essere'
It is most commonly used with the verb 'essere'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
Trovare un appartamento a questo prezzo è una ________.
The idiom for something rare is 'mosca bianca'.
Choose the correct meaning of the phrase.
What does 'essere una mosca bianca' mean?
It describes someone or something that stands out due to rarity.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'He is the only honest person here.' B: 'Yes, he is a ________.'
The idiom describes a rare, honest person.
Match the situation to the correct usage.
You find a very talented and kind teacher. What do you say?
It is used to praise a rare, talented person.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesTrovare un appartamento a questo prezzo è una ________.
The idiom for something rare is 'mosca bianca'.
What does 'essere una mosca bianca' mean?
It describes someone or something that stands out due to rarity.
A: 'He is the only honest person here.' B: 'Yes, he is a ________.'
The idiom describes a rare, honest person.
You find a very talented and kind teacher. What do you say?
It is used to praise a rare, talented person.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, it is always 'una mosca bianca' regardless of gender.
It is neutral and can be used in almost any context.
It doesn't make sense as an idiom.
Yes, it is a very common and well-understood idiom.
No, it means 'rare and special'.
Yes, it works for rare items too.
Yes, 'mosche bianche'.
No, they are opposites.
From the rarity of white flies in nature.
Yes, it's a great way to compliment someone.
Yes, in Spanish and Portuguese.
Remembering to keep it feminine.
Related Phrases
Un caso più unico che raro
synonymA case more unique than rare
Un ago nel pagliaio
similarA needle in a haystack
Pecora nera
contrastBlack sheep
Mosca cocchiera
specialized formA person who thinks they are leading but isn't
