A babbo morto

A babbo morto
To dead dad

This idiomatic expression means to pay a debt or a bill only after the creditor has died. It suggests a long delay in fulfilling an obligation, often implying the intention to never pay it at all. The expression likely originates from the idea that one would only settle their dues once the person owed has passed away, thus evading immediate repayment.

Esempi

1. Pagherò il debito a babbo morto. – I will pay the debt when the dad is dead.
2. Lui pensa di poter restituire i soldi a babbo morto. – He thinks he can return the money to a dead dad.
3. Non aspettarti di ricevere quei soldi presto, li avrai a babbo morto. – Don’t expect to receive that money soon, you’ll get it when the dad is dead.