Literal translation
he is as lazy as a Harlequin
Meaning
he's extremely lazy
Explanation
This comparison marks a laziness judged extreme. The word rendered as lazy does not appear in our reference dictionaries under this exact form and could therefore not be verified; its meaning here is drawn solely from the figurative sense given for the whole expression, which unambiguously speaks of idleness. Harlequin, however, is well attested: he is the buffoon character of Italian comedy, known for his multicoloured costume and his role as a cunning yet indolent servant, often shown drowsy or dragging his feet in popular farces. The comparison rests on this familiar theatrical image: Harlequin becomes, in Provençal speech, the very archetype of someone who does nothing and settles quite comfortably into his own inaction. The register is casual and teasing, used to mock, without much unkindness, a relative or acquaintance whose slackness at work or in daily chores is noticed by everyone around.