alle spalle

== Italian == === Etymology === Literally, “at the shoulders”. === Prepositional phrase === alle spalle (also figurative) (typically with di) behind lasciare alle spalle ― to let it go (literally, “to leave behind”) in an unexpected way; by surprise Synonyms: di sorpresa, a tradimento, alla sprovvista, in castagna by treachery; treacherously Synonym: a tradimento ==== Usage notes ==== When used with the meaning "in an unexpected way" (sense 2) or "by treachery" (sense 3), the locution is most often preceded by verbs of impact like colpire (“to strike”), assalire (“to assail”), pugnalare (“to stab”), etc. ==== Derived terms ==== alle spalle di guardarsi alle spalle