A manetta
At the throttle
This expression means to do something at full speed or with maximum intensity. The term “manetta” refers to the throttle lever on vehicles, which controls the engine’s power. Pushing the throttle to its limit results in the highest possible speed. Therefore, “a manetta” is used metaphorically to indicate doing something with all possible effort or as quickly as possible. The origin of this idiom is rooted in the terminology of motor vehicles and machinery.
Esempi
- Abbiamo lavorato a manetta per finire il progetto in tempo. – We worked at full speed to finish the project on time.
- Durante la festa, la musica era a manetta e tutti ballavano. – During the party, the music was blasting and everyone was dancing.
- Per arrivare in orario, abbiamo dovuto correre a manetta. – To arrive on time, we had to rush full throttle.