alto papavero
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Italian
[edit]Etymology
[edit]Literally, “high poppy.” From the Roman legend in which Tarquin the Proud, showing his son how to seize the city of Gabii, cut down the tallest stalks of poppy in a field to illustrate the act of eliminating the most powerful individuals first.
Noun
[edit]alto papavero m (plural alti papaveri)
- (usually in the plural, derogatory) one of the most important, powerful or authoritative members of a group or society; heavyweight, big fish, top dog, big shot
- Synonym: pezzo grosso
- 2024, Perché CROSETTO (e Meloni) si scontrano con l'esercito? [Why are CROSETTO (and Meloni) clashing with the army?][1], spoken by Gio Pizzi:
- ... gli alti papaveri dell'esercito... sono andati a premiare, attraverso la gerarchia, comunque un personaggio che è stato preso di mira dal ministro della difesa.
- ... the top brass of the military... went on to reward, through the chain of command, a person who has been targeted for criticism by the minister of defense.