wie von der Tarantel gestochen

German

Etymology

Literally, “as if stung by a tarantula”. From the false belief, widely held in early modernity and still sometimes found among the general public, that the sting of the European tarantula (Lycosa tarantula) causes violent spasms and an uncontrollable urge to move or dance.

Pronunciation

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Adverb

wie von der Tarantel gestochen

1. (simile) suddenly running or moving very fast; like a madman; like a berserk