galla

float

noun GAHL-lah Rare

Also means

oak gall

Usage Note

Galla has two distinct uses: in fishing it is a float or bobber (la galla dell'amo), and in botany it is a gall (growth on oak trees used historically for ink). The phrase a galla means 'afloat' (stare a galla = to stay afloat, literally and figuratively).

Examples

"Il sughero rimane a galla sull'acqua."

Natural Translation

The cork stays afloat on the water.

Literal Translation

The cork remains to-float on-the water.

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