Example: No té cap pèl de ximple quan parla sobre política.
Definition
"No tenir cap pèl de ximple" is a Catalan expression meaning to be completely sensible and intelligent, showing no foolishness at all. It is often used to describe someone who is very sharp or astute, especially in situations like discussing politics.
Translations
To be nobody's fool
No ser nada tonto
Niet op zijn achterhoofd gevallen zijn
Ne pas être naïf
Nicht auf den Kopf gefallen sein
Etymology
The expression "No tenir cap pèl de ximple" literally translates to 'not having a hair of a fool.' It humorously implies that a person has no trace of foolishness. This phrase combines 'cap' (head), 'pèl' (hair), and 'ximple' (fool), illustrating a vivid image to emphasize someone's cleverness. Did you know? This saying highlights how Catalan expressions often use body parts metaphorically to convey character traits.
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"No tenir cap pèl de ximple" appears in the Vocaplus list "", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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To be nobody's fool