Like a Dog in Church
Thursday June 25, 2009
In general, Italians are known for their cordiality and generous disposition towards guests. But in the event that they are less than neighborly, there's an idiomatic expression that perfectly captures an inhospitable regard: essere ricevuto come un cane in chiesa—"to be received (welcomed) like a dog in church"!
Comments
I had completely forgotten that expression, and as soon as I saw it, I remembered stopping at a relative’s house in Italy (one who always said, “Venite, venite..” ) When we left, I remember my mother uttering the phrase as soon as we closed the car doors. I was fit to be tied, laughing so hard I couldn’t drive.
I had forgotten about this saying as well!
My mother still very frequently uses “solo, come un cane” (sola is the feminine).
My friend Barrie in Philadelphia mailed me your site this morning – how wonderful it is!!
I too have a blog ” All Things Sicilian And More” but I live in Melbourne Australia.
Piacere e saluti.
Marisa