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    Polichinelle (en. Punchinelle)

    /pɔ.li.ʃi.nɛl/

    Meaning & Definition

    EnglishFrench
    noun
    Italian puppet, often used in commedia dell'arte theater.
    The polichinelle has always been a comic character loved by children.
    Le polichinelle a toujours été un personnage comique apprécié des enfants.
    A person who is easily manipulated or deceived.
    He plays the fool in this story, believing everything he is told.
    Il joue le polichinelle dans cette histoire, croyant tout ce qu'on lui dit.
    That which is obvious or known to all, often used to refer to a truth that cannot be hidden.
    The secret of his success is no longer an open secret.
    Le secret de son succès n'est plus un polichinelle.

    Etymology

    From the character Polichinelle, a puppet from the commedia dell'arte.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    an open secret
    A secret that is already known by everyone.
    un secret de polichinelle
    to play the fool
    To behave in a naive or comical manner.
    jouer le polichinelle

    Related Words

    puppeteer
    A person who manipulates puppets.
    marionnettiste
    commedia dell'arte
    Italian theater based on improvisation with stereotypical characters.
    commedia dell'arte
    farce
    Comedy with burlesque and absurd situations.
    farce

    Slang Meanings

    To mock someone who is easily fooled.
    He always falls into the trap like a fool.
    Il tombe toujours dans le piège comme un polichinelle.
    To refer to a naive individual.
    Stop playing the fool, you know it's not true.
    Arrête de jouer le polichinelle, tu sais que ce n'est pas vrai.