volgere le spalle

Italian

Etymology

Literally, “to turn the shoulders.” Compare French tourner le dos.

Verb

volgere le spalle [+ a (object)]

1. to show one's shoulders to someone in an act of disrespect
2. to turn tail; to flee; to escape

   Synonyms: scappare, fuggire

3. to turn one's back (on) (someone)

   Synonyms: voltare le spalle, abbandonare, trascurare