avere le mani in pasta
phrase, idiomColloquial
An Italian slang term. Browse all Italian slang.
What it means
To be involved in something, with good connections and inside knowledge. Can imply useful influence or something less savoury.
Literally: To have one's hands in the dough.
Examples with translations
Ha le mani in pasta in mezza città.
He's got a finger in every pie in half the city.
Chiedi a lei, ha le mani in pasta.
Ask her, she knows how it all works.