avere le mani in pasta
phrase, idiomColloquial
A 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.