alto papavero

Italian

Etymology

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

alto papavero m (plural alti papaveri)

1. (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.