a ridosso

Italian

Etymology

Literally, “at shelter”.

Adjective

a ridosso (invariable)

1. (typically with di or da) sheltered, protected (from)

   Synonyms: al riparo, arroccato

   a ridosso della piogga ― sheltered from the rain

   mettersi a ridosso dal vento ― to protect oneself from the wind (literally, “to put oneself sheltered from the wind”)

   il giardino aveva a ridosso un alto muro

   the garden was protected by a tall wall

2. very close or near

   Synonym: vicino

   1. (also with di) physically or geographically close (to)

      Genova è a ridosso

      Genova is close

      fumi tossici e fiamme a ridosso della scuola

      flames and toxic fumes near the school

   2. (also with di) temporally close

      l'estate è a ridosso ― summer is close

      eravamo a ridosso dell'estate ― we were close to the summer

   3. (also figurative) (from) close behind; trailing

      lo stalker mi pedinava a ridosso

      the stalker was dogging me from close behind

      il leader del torneo è Fabiano, ma Giorgio è a ridosso

      the tournament leader is Fabiano, but Giorgio is close behind

3. (literary) on (on one's person)

   Synonym: addosso

Derived terms

• avere a ridosso

Anagrams

• odorassi