Idioms

How native speakers really talk: the word-for-word image, the real meaning and how you would say it.

🇮🇹 Italian → 🇬🇧 English
Luck & chance

In bocca al lupo

Word for word„Into the wolf's mouth”
MeaningGood luck! (before a challenge)
How we say itBreak a leg!
Origin & usage: Said before exams, interviews or competitions; the customary reply is 'Crepi il lupo!' ('May the wolf die!').
Example
Domani hai il colloquio? In bocca al lupo!
You've got the interview tomorrow? Break a leg!
Communication

Non avere peli sulla lingua

Word for word„Not to have hairs on the tongue”
MeaningTo speak one's mind openly
How we say itNot to mince one's words
Origin & usage: Said of someone who speaks bluntly and frankly, even if it may upset people.
Example
Marco non ha peli sulla lingua: ti dice sempre quello che pensa.
Marco doesn't mince his words: he always tells you what he thinks.
Luck & chance

Piovere sul bagnato

Word for word„To rain on the wet”
MeaningBad luck piling on bad luck
How we say itWhen it rains, it pours
Origin & usage: Used when someone already in trouble gets hit again; sometimes also when good things go to those who already have plenty.
Example
Ho perso il treno e poi anche il portafoglio: piove sul bagnato!
I missed the train and then lost my wallet too: when it rains, it pours!
Work & money

Essere al verde

Word for word„To be at the green”
MeaningTo have no money left
How we say itTo be broke
Origin & usage: Informal way of saying you have run out of money; its exact origin is debated.
Example
Non posso venire in vacanza, sono al verde fino a fine mese.
I can't come on holiday, I'm broke until the end of the month.
Everyday life

Prendere lucciole per lanterne

Word for word„To take fireflies for lanterns”
MeaningTo completely misunderstand something
How we say itTo get the wrong end of the stick
Origin & usage: Used when someone badly misunderstands a situation or mixes up very different things.
Example
Hai preso lucciole per lanterne: io non ho mai detto una cosa del genere!
You've got the wrong end of the stick: I never said anything like that!
Everyday life

Cercare un ago in un pagliaio

Word for word„To look for a needle in a haystack”
MeaningTo search for something almost impossible to find
How we say itTo look for a needle in a haystack
Origin & usage: Used for a very difficult search with little chance of success; English has the same image.
Example
Trovare le chiavi in questo disordine è come cercare un ago in un pagliaio.
Finding the keys in this mess is like looking for a needle in a haystack.
Emotions

Far venire il latte alle ginocchia

Word for word„To make the milk come to the knees”
MeaningTo bore or annoy someone terribly
How we say itTo bore someone to death
Origin & usage: A colloquial, deliberately absurd image for something extremely boring or tiresome.
Example
Quel film era così lento che mi ha fatto venire il latte alle ginocchia.
That film was so slow it bored me to death.
Everyday life

Mangiare la foglia

Word for word„To eat the leaf”
MeaningTo see through a trick or hidden motive
How we say itTo smell a rat
Origin & usage: Used when someone senses a trick or a hidden intention.
Example
Voleva fregarmi, ma ho mangiato la foglia e non ho firmato.
He wanted to cheat me, but I smelled a rat and didn't sign.
Emotions

Cadere dalle nuvole

Word for word„To fall from the clouds”
MeaningTo be completely taken by surprise
How we say itTo be caught off guard
Origin & usage: Used when someone suddenly learns something they had no idea about.
Example
Quando gli ho detto che la riunione era oggi, è caduto dalle nuvole.
When I told him the meeting was today, he was completely caught off guard.
Communication

Acqua in bocca

Word for word„Water in the mouth”
MeaningKeep it secret, don't tell anyone
How we say itMum's the word!
Origin & usage: Said to someone you have just told a secret, so they won't reveal it.
Example
Stiamo organizzando una festa a sorpresa per Giulia: acqua in bocca!
We're organizing a surprise party for Giulia: mum's the word!
Wisdom

A caval donato non si guarda in bocca

Word for word„Don't look a donated horse in the mouth”
MeaningAccept a gift without criticizing it
How we say itDon't look a gift horse in the mouth
Origin & usage: A horse's age is judged by its teeth; checking a gift for flaws is considered rude.
Example
La bici è un po' vecchia, ma a caval donato non si guarda in bocca.
The bike is a bit old, but don't look a gift horse in the mouth.
Work & money

Avere le mani bucate

Word for word„To have holed hands”
MeaningTo spend money too easily
How we say itTo spend money like water
Origin & usage: Said of someone who can't hold on to money, as if it slipped through their fingers.
Example
Luca ha le mani bucate: a metà mese ha già speso tutto lo stipendio.
Luca spends money like water: by mid-month he's already spent his whole salary.
Emotions

Avere un diavolo per capello

Word for word„To have a devil for every hair”
MeaningTo be furious, in a foul mood
How we say itTo be like a bear with a sore head
Origin & usage: Said of someone in a terrible mood, ready to explode at anything.
Example
Non parlare con il capo oggi, ha un diavolo per capello.
Don't talk to the boss today, he's like a bear with a sore head.
Relationships

Buono come il pane

Word for word„As good as bread”
MeaningVery kind-hearted
How we say itTo have a heart of gold
Origin & usage: Bread, a simple and essential food, symbolizes genuine goodness.
Example
Il nonno di Sara è buono come il pane: aiuta sempre tutti.
Sara's grandfather has a heart of gold: he always helps everyone.
Everyday life

Cercare il pelo nell'uovo

Word for word„To look for the hair in the egg”
MeaningTo be excessively picky
How we say itTo split hairs
Origin & usage: Said of someone who looks for tiny flaws even where there are almost none.
Example
Il nuovo professore cerca sempre il pelo nell'uovo nei nostri compiti.
The new teacher always splits hairs over our homework.
Wisdom

Chi dorme non piglia pesci

Word for word„Whoever sleeps catches no fish”
MeaningNothing comes to those who are idle
How we say itThe early bird catches the worm
Origin & usage: A proverb used to spur on people who waste time or put things off.
Example
Alzati e vai a cercare lavoro: chi dorme non piglia pesci!
Get up and go look for a job: the early bird catches the worm!
Relationships

Dare una mano

Word for word„To give a hand”
MeaningTo help someone
How we say itTo give someone a hand
Origin & usage: A very common everyday phrase for offering or asking for practical help.
Example
Mi dai una mano a spostare il divano?
Can you give me a hand moving the sofa?
Emotions

Essere al settimo cielo

Word for word„To be in the seventh heaven”
MeaningTo be extremely happy
How we say itTo be on cloud nine
Origin & usage: It echoes the ancient idea of layered heavens, the seventh being the highest and most blissful.
Example
Da quando ha saputo di aver vinto la borsa di studio, è al settimo cielo.
Since she found out she won the scholarship, she's been on cloud nine.
Everyday life

Essere in una botte di ferro

Word for word„To be in an iron barrel”
MeaningTo be completely safe and protected
How we say itTo be as safe as houses
Origin & usage: Used when a situation is guaranteed and there is no risk at all.
Example
Con questo contratto firmato siamo in una botte di ferro.
With this contract signed, we're as safe as houses.
Conflict

Gettare la spugna

Word for word„To throw the sponge”
MeaningTo give up
How we say itTo throw in the towel
Origin & usage: It comes from boxing: the second threw the sponge into the ring to concede defeat.
Example
Dopo tre tentativi falliti, non ho nessuna intenzione di gettare la spugna.
After three failed attempts, I have no intention of throwing in the towel.
Emotions

Ingoiare il rospo

Word for word„To swallow the toad”
MeaningTo accept something unpleasant without protest
How we say itTo swallow a bitter pill
Origin & usage: Used when you put up with a wrong or a humiliation without being able to react.
Example
Il capo mi ha criticato davanti a tutti e ho dovuto ingoiare il rospo.
My boss criticized me in front of everyone and I had to swallow a bitter pill.
Conflict

Mettere i bastoni tra le ruote

Word for word„To put sticks between the wheels”
MeaningTo deliberately obstruct someone
How we say itTo put a spoke in someone's wheel
Origin & usage: Used when someone deliberately gets in the way of another person's plans or work.
Example
Il mio collega mi mette sempre i bastoni tra le ruote.
My colleague is always putting a spoke in my wheel.
Luck & chance

Nascere con la camicia

Word for word„To be born with the shirt”
MeaningTo be very lucky
How we say itTo be born under a lucky star
Origin & usage: The 'shirt' is the amniotic membrane (caul): babies born in it were believed to be lucky.
Example
Vince sempre a carte: è proprio nato con la camicia.
He always wins at cards: he really was born under a lucky star.
Conflict

Occhio per occhio, dente per dente

Word for word„Eye for eye, tooth for tooth”
MeaningRepaying a wrong with an equal wrong
How we say itAn eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth
Origin & usage: It comes from the law of retaliation quoted in the Bible: punishment equal to the harm done.
Example
Per lui vale la regola dell'occhio per occhio, dente per dente: non perdona niente.
For him the rule is an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth: he forgives nothing.
Emotions

Perdere la bussola

Word for word„To lose the compass”
MeaningTo lose one's bearings or self-control
How we say itTo lose the plot
Origin & usage: Used when someone is confused, disoriented or loses their composure.
Example
Con tutto questo stress sto perdendo la bussola.
With all this stress, I'm losing the plot.
Conflict

Puntare i piedi

Word for word„To plant the feet”
MeaningTo refuse stubbornly
How we say itTo dig one's heels in
Origin & usage: The image is of someone planting their feet so as not to be moved; used for a stubborn refusal.
Example
I bambini hanno puntato i piedi: non volevano andare a letto.
The children dug their heels in: they didn't want to go to bed.
Conflict

Rendere pan per focaccia

Word for word„To give back bread for focaccia”
MeaningTo retaliate in kind
How we say itTo give someone a taste of their own medicine
Origin & usage: Focaccia is a flatbread; the phrase is used when you answer an offence in an equivalent way.
Example
Mi ha preso in giro davanti a tutti, ma gli ho reso pan per focaccia.
He made fun of me in front of everyone, but I gave him a taste of his own medicine.
Communication

Sputare il rospo

Word for word„To spit out the toad”
MeaningTo finally reveal something kept hidden
How we say itTo spit it out
Origin & usage: Used to urge someone to confess a secret or something that is bothering them.
Example
Dai, sputa il rospo: che cosa è successo ieri sera?
Come on, spit it out: what happened last night?
Work & money

Vendere fumo

Word for word„To sell smoke”
MeaningTo make empty promises
How we say itTo be full of hot air
Origin & usage: Smoke, which vanishes at once, stands for empty promises; said of people who boast of skills or results they lack.
Example
Quel consulente vende solo fumo: tante promesse e nessun risultato.
That consultant is full of hot air: lots of promises and no results.
Work & money

Costare un occhio della testa

Word for word„To cost an eye from the head”
MeaningTo be very expensive
How we say itTo cost an arm and a leg
Origin & usage: Eyes are among our most precious possessions, so the image suggests an outrageous price.
Example
Quella borsa firmata costa un occhio della testa.
That designer bag costs an arm and a leg.
Work & money

Sbarcare il lunario

Word for word„To disembark the almanac”
MeaningTo barely get by financially
How we say itTo make ends meet
Origin & usage: The 'lunario' was an almanac; getting it 'ashore' means struggling through to the end of the month or year.
Example
Con due lavori part-time riesco a malapena a sbarcare il lunario.
With two part-time jobs, I can barely make ends meet.
Work & money

Tirare la cinghia

Word for word„To pull the belt”
MeaningTo cut back on spending
How we say itTo tighten one's belt
Origin & usage: Someone eating little has to tighten their belt; the image suggests forced sacrifices and saving.
Example
Quest'anno dobbiamo tirare la cinghia se vogliamo comprare casa.
This year we have to tighten our belts if we want to buy a house.
Work & money

Avere il braccino corto

Word for word„To have a short little arm”
MeaningTo be stingy
How we say itTo be tight-fisted
Origin & usage: The image is of an arm too short to reach the wallet in one's pocket.
Example
Non contare su Paolo per il regalo: ha il braccino corto.
Don't count on Paolo for the present: he's tight-fisted.
Work & money

Sudare sette camicie

Word for word„To sweat seven shirts”
MeaningTo work extremely hard
How we say itTo sweat blood
Origin & usage: It suggests an effort so great that you would soak several shirts with sweat.
Example
Ho sudato sette camicie per finire il progetto in tempo.
I sweated blood to finish the project on time.
Work & money

Essere con l'acqua alla gola

Word for word„To be with water up to the throat”
MeaningTo be in serious trouble, under pressure
How we say itTo be up to one's neck in it
Origin & usage: The image is of someone about to drown; used for financial crises or pressing deadlines.
Example
Con tutti questi debiti, l'azienda è con l'acqua alla gola.
With all these debts, the company is up to its neck in it.
Work & money

Mettere nero su bianco

Word for word„To put black on white”
MeaningTo put something officially in writing
How we say itTo put it in black and white
Origin & usage: Black ink on white paper makes an agreement clear and verifiable.
Example
Mi fido di te, ma preferisco mettere tutto nero su bianco.
I trust you, but I'd rather put everything in black and white.
Work & money

Andare a gonfie vele

Word for word„To go with swollen sails”
MeaningTo go very well
How we say itTo go swimmingly
Origin & usage: It comes from sailing: with its sails full of wind, a ship moves quickly.
Example
Da quando abbiamo aperto il sito, gli affari vanno a gonfie vele.
Since we launched the website, business has been going swimmingly.
Work & money

Tagliare la testa al toro

Word for word„To cut the bull's head off”
MeaningTo settle a matter once and for all
How we say itTo cut the Gordian knot
Origin & usage: Used when making a drastic decision to end a problem or an endless discussion.
Example
Per tagliare la testa al toro, decidiamo con una votazione.
To cut the Gordian knot, let's decide by vote.
Work & money

Fare il passo più lungo della gamba

Word for word„To take a step longer than the leg”
MeaningTo take on more than you can afford
How we say itTo bite off more than you can chew
Origin & usage: Used especially for spending or commitments beyond one's means.
Example
Comprare quella macchina è stato fare il passo più lungo della gamba: ora non riesco a pagare le rate.
Buying that car was biting off more than I could chew: now I can't pay the instalments.
Work & money

Salvare capra e cavoli

Word for word„To save the goat and the cabbages”
MeaningTo find a solution that satisfies everyone
How we say itTo have the best of both worlds
Origin & usage: It comes from the riddle of ferrying a wolf, a goat and cabbages across a river without losing any.
Example
Con questo compromesso abbiamo salvato capra e cavoli: contenti i clienti e contenti noi.
With this compromise we got the best of both worlds: the customers are happy and so are we.
Work & money

Avere un santo in paradiso

Word for word„To have a saint in paradise”
MeaningTo have a powerful protector or connections
How we say itTo have friends in high places
Origin & usage: Just as a saint intercedes with God, a powerful protector helps someone obtain favours or jobs.
Example
Ha ottenuto il posto senza nessuna esperienza: avrà un santo in paradiso.
He got the job with no experience at all: he must have friends in high places.
Emotions

Non vedere l'ora

Word for word„Not to see the hour”
MeaningTo look forward to something eagerly
How we say itCan't wait
Origin & usage: A very common everyday phrase expressing impatience and eagerness for something pleasant.
Example
Non vedo l'ora di partire per le vacanze!
I can't wait to go on holiday!
Emotions

Avere la luna storta

Word for word„To have the crooked moon”
MeaningTo be in a bad mood
How we say itTo get out of bed on the wrong side
Origin & usage: It reflects the old belief that the phases of the moon affect people's moods.
Example
Oggi Marta ha la luna storta, meglio lasciarla in pace.
Marta got out of bed on the wrong side today, better leave her alone.
Emotions

Essere giù di corda

Word for word„To be down of rope”
MeaningTo feel low, dejected
How we say itTo be down in the dumps
Origin & usage: It probably evokes a slack string; said of someone who is tired or low in spirits.
Example
Dopo la rottura con Luca, Anna è un po' giù di corda.
After breaking up with Luca, Anna is a bit down in the dumps.
Emotions

Avere i nervi a fior di pelle

Word for word„To have one's nerves at skin level”
MeaningTo be very tense and irritable
How we say itTo be on edge
Origin & usage: As if your nerves were exposed: the slightest thing makes you react.
Example
Prima degli esami ho sempre i nervi a fior di pelle.
Before exams I'm always on edge.
Emotions

Mettersi le mani nei capelli

Word for word„To put one's hands in one's hair”
MeaningTo be in despair
How we say itTo tear one's hair out
Origin & usage: It describes the instinctive gesture of someone shocked or desperate at bad news.
Example
Quando ha visto il conto, si è messo le mani nei capelli.
When he saw the bill, he tore his hair out.
Emotions

Sentirsi un pesce fuor d'acqua

Word for word„To feel like a fish out of water”
MeaningTo feel uncomfortable, out of place
How we say itTo feel like a fish out of water
Origin & usage: Like a fish out of water, you feel lost where you are not in your element.
Example
Alla festa non conoscevo nessuno e mi sentivo un pesce fuor d'acqua.
At the party I didn't know anyone and felt like a fish out of water.
Luck & chance

Toccare ferro

Word for word„To touch iron”
MeaningTo ward off bad luck
How we say itTouch wood
Origin & usage: Italians touch iron, not wood, to ward off bad luck, often making the actual gesture.
Example
Finora è andato tutto bene, tocchiamo ferro!
So far everything has gone well, touch wood!
Luck & chance

Cadere in piedi

Word for word„To fall on one's feet”
MeaningTo come out of a difficulty well
How we say itTo land on one's feet
Origin & usage: Like a cat that always lands on its feet, said of someone who gets through a setback well.
Example
Ha perso il lavoro, ma è caduto in piedi: dopo una settimana ne ha trovato uno migliore.
He lost his job, but he landed on his feet: a week later he found a better one.
Luck & chance

Vincere un terno al lotto

Word for word„To win a trio at the lottery”
MeaningTo have a great stroke of unexpected luck
How we say itTo hit the jackpot
Origin & usage: The 'terno' is a winning combination of three numbers in the Italian Lotto, rare and lucky.
Example
Trovare un appartamento così a questo prezzo è stato come vincere un terno al lotto.
Finding a flat like this at this price was like hitting the jackpot.
Luck & chance

Fare un buco nell'acqua

Word for word„To make a hole in the water”
MeaningTo fail, to achieve nothing
How we say itTo get nowhere
Origin & usage: A hole in water closes at once: the image suggests an effort that has no effect at all.
Example
Ho provato a convincerlo, ma ho fatto un buco nell'acqua.
I tried to convince him, but I got nowhere.
Luck & chance

Per il rotto della cuffia

Word for word„Through the tear of the cap”
MeaningOnly just, by a narrow margin
How we say itBy the skin of one's teeth
Origin & usage: A popular explanation links it to medieval jousts; today it means succeeding only just.
Example
Ho superato l'esame per il rotto della cuffia.
I passed the exam by the skin of my teeth.
Luck & chance

Fare tredici

Word for word„To make thirteen”
MeaningTo strike it lucky
How we say itTo strike gold
Origin & usage: In the Italian football pools (Totocalcio), guessing all 13 results won the top prize.
Example
Con quel nuovo cliente abbiamo fatto tredici!
With that new client, we've struck gold!
Communication

Fare orecchie da mercante

Word for word„To make merchant's ears”
MeaningTo pretend not to hear
How we say itTo turn a deaf ear
Origin & usage: The merchant supposedly heard only what suited him; it describes someone deliberately ignoring a request.
Example
Gli ho chiesto tre volte di restituirmi i soldi, ma fa orecchie da mercante.
I've asked him three times to pay me back, but he turns a deaf ear.
Communication

Mettere le mani avanti

Word for word„To put the hands forward”
MeaningTo protect oneself in advance from blame
How we say itTo cover oneself
Origin & usage: Like someone falling who puts their hands out, you guard in advance against future criticism.
Example
Metto le mani avanti: non so se riuscirò a finire tutto per domani.
Just to cover myself: I don't know if I'll manage to finish everything by tomorrow.
Communication

Menare il can per l'aia

Word for word„To lead the dog around the threshing floor”
MeaningTo avoid getting to the point
How we say itTo beat around the bush
Origin & usage: Used for someone who wastes time talking so as not to face the real issue.
Example
Smettila di menare il can per l'aia e dimmi cosa vuoi.
Stop beating around the bush and tell me what you want.
Communication

Parlare a vanvera

Word for word„To speak at random”
MeaningTo talk without thinking, talk nonsense
How we say itTo talk through one's hat
Origin & usage: The word 'vanvera' is used only here; it describes someone speaking at random, without basis.
Example
Non ascoltarlo, parla sempre a vanvera.
Don't listen to him, he's always talking through his hat.
Communication

Tagliare corto

Word for word„To cut short”
MeaningTo get straight to the point
How we say itTo cut a long story short
Origin & usage: Used to cut off long explanations and get to the heart of the matter.
Example
Taglio corto: il progetto è stato cancellato.
To cut a long story short: the project has been cancelled.
Communication

Essere una tomba

Word for word„To be a tomb”
MeaningTo be able to keep a secret
How we say itMy lips are sealed
Origin & usage: Like a tomb, someone keeping a secret lets nothing slip out.
Example
Puoi dirmelo tranquillamente, sono una tomba.
You can tell me, don't worry: my lips are sealed.
Communication

Prendere in giro

Word for word„To take around”
MeaningTo make fun of or fool someone
How we say itTo poke fun at someone
Origin & usage: A very common phrase, used both for harmless teasing and for real deception.
Example
Smettila di prendere in giro tuo fratello per i suoi occhiali!
Stop poking fun at your brother because of his glasses!
Communication

Fare lo gnorri

Word for word„To play the gnorri”
MeaningTo pretend to know nothing
How we say itTo play dumb
Origin & usage: 'Gnorri' probably comes from 'ignorare' (not to know); said of someone feigning ignorance out of convenience.
Example
Non fare lo gnorri: sai benissimo chi ha rotto il vaso.
Don't play dumb: you know perfectly well who broke the vase.
Communication

Avere la lingua lunga

Word for word„To have a long tongue”
MeaningTo gossip, to be unable to keep secrets
How we say itTo have a big mouth
Origin & usage: Said of someone who repeats everything to others; sometimes also of someone cheeky.
Example
Non raccontare niente a Carla, ha la lingua lunga.
Don't tell Carla anything, she has a big mouth.
Relationships

Farsi in quattro

Word for word„To make oneself into four”
MeaningTo go to great lengths for someone
How we say itTo bend over backwards
Origin & usage: As if splitting yourself into four people to do several things at once.
Example
Mia madre si fa in quattro per aiutare tutti noi.
My mother bends over backwards to help us all.
Relationships

Essere pappa e ciccia

Word for word„To be mush and meat”
MeaningTo be inseparable friends
How we say itTo be thick as thieves
Origin & usage: A familiar phrase from children's language for two people who are very close and always together.
Example
Luca e Marco sono pappa e ciccia: fanno tutto insieme.
Luca and Marco are thick as thieves: they do everything together.
Relationships

Fare il filo a qualcuno

Word for word„To make the thread to someone”
MeaningTo court or flirt with someone
How we say itTo make eyes at someone
Origin & usage: Used for persistent but discreet courting; the origin of the 'thread' image is uncertain.
Example
Mi sa che Paolo fa il filo alla nuova collega.
I think Paolo is making eyes at the new colleague.
Relationships

Prendere una cotta

Word for word„To take a cooked one”
MeaningTo suddenly become infatuated
How we say itTo have a crush on someone
Origin & usage: Someone in love is 'cooked', as if burnt by passion; often used for teenage infatuations.
Example
A quindici anni ho preso una cotta per il mio insegnante di chitarra.
At fifteen I had a crush on my guitar teacher.
Relationships

Dare buca

Word for word„To give a hole”
MeaningTo fail to show up for a date
How we say itTo stand someone up
Origin & usage: Colloquial phrase for missing an appointment, often without warning.
Example
Doveva venire al cinema con me, ma all'ultimo momento mi ha dato buca.
He was supposed to come to the cinema with me, but he stood me up at the last minute.
Relationships

Piantare in asso

Word for word„To plant in ace”
MeaningTo abandon someone suddenly
How we say itTo leave someone in the lurch
Origin & usage: Probably from 'in Nasso': on the island of Naxos, Theseus abandoned Ariadne.
Example
Il suo fidanzato l'ha piantata in asso il giorno prima del matrimonio.
Her fiancé left her in the lurch the day before the wedding.
Relationships

Mettere le corna

Word for word„To put horns on”
MeaningTo cheat on one's partner
How we say itTo cheat on someone
Origin & usage: An old image, widespread in Europe: horns symbolize the betrayed partner.
Example
Ha scoperto che il marito le metteva le corna da anni.
She found out her husband had been cheating on her for years.
Relationships

Rompere il ghiaccio

Word for word„To break the ice”
MeaningTo overcome initial awkwardness
How we say itTo break the ice
Origin & usage: Used for the first gesture or word that relaxes a meeting between strangers.
Example
Per rompere il ghiaccio, ho raccontato una barzelletta.
To break the ice, I told a joke.
Relationships

Essere la pecora nera

Word for word„To be the black sheep”
MeaningTo be the odd one out or disapproved of in a group
How we say itTo be the black sheep
Origin & usage: Black wool was less valuable, and a black sheep stands out in the flock.
Example
In famiglia sono tutti medici: io sono la pecora nera perché faccio il musicista.
Everyone in my family is a doctor: I'm the black sheep because I'm a musician.
Relationships

Tenere il piede in due staffe

Word for word„To keep one's foot in two stirrups”
MeaningTo keep two opposing options open
How we say itTo play both sides
Origin & usage: With a foot in two stirrups you ride neither horse; it suggests ambiguity and opportunism.
Example
Non puoi tenere il piede in due staffe: devi scegliere tra noi due.
You can't play both sides: you have to choose between the two of us.
Relationships

Chi trova un amico trova un tesoro

Word for word„Who finds a friend finds a treasure”
MeaningA true friend is precious
How we say itA friend in need is a friend indeed
Origin & usage: A proverb of biblical origin (Sirach): whoever finds a faithful friend finds a treasure.
Example
Mi ha aiutato a traslocare senza chiedere niente: chi trova un amico trova un tesoro.
He helped me move without asking for anything: a friend in need is a friend indeed.
Everyday life

Prendere due piccioni con una fava

Word for word„To catch two pigeons with one bean”
MeaningTo achieve two goals with one action
How we say itTo kill two birds with one stone
Origin & usage: The image is of catching two pigeons using a single broad bean as bait.
Example
Passo in banca mentre vado al lavoro: così prendo due piccioni con una fava.
I'll stop by the bank on my way to work: that way I kill two birds with one stone.
Everyday life

Piovere a catinelle

Word for word„To rain by the basinful”
MeaningTo rain very heavily
How we say itTo rain cats and dogs
Origin & usage: A 'catinella' is a washbasin: the rain falls as if poured out by the bowlful.
Example
Prendi l'ombrello: fuori piove a catinelle!
Take the umbrella: it's raining cats and dogs outside!
Everyday life

Dormire come un ghiro

Word for word„To sleep like a dormouse”
MeaningTo sleep very deeply
How we say itTo sleep like a log
Origin & usage: The dormouse hibernates for many months in a very deep sleep.
Example
Dopo la gita in montagna ho dormito come un ghiro.
After the trip to the mountains I slept like a log.
Everyday life

Avere una fame da lupi

Word for word„To have a hunger of wolves”
MeaningTo be extremely hungry
How we say itCould eat a horse
Origin & usage: The wolf has long symbolized voracity and insatiable hunger.
Example
Non ho pranzato e adesso ho una fame da lupi.
I skipped lunch and now I could eat a horse.
Everyday life

Fare le ore piccole

Word for word„To make the small hours”
MeaningTo stay up very late
How we say itTo stay up till the small hours
Origin & usage: The 'small hours' are those after midnight: one, two, three o'clock.
Example
Ieri sera abbiamo fatto le ore piccole a chiacchierare.
Last night we stayed up chatting till the small hours.
Everyday life

Ogni morte di papa

Word for word„Every death of a pope”
MeaningVery rarely
How we say itOnce in a blue moon
Origin & usage: A pope usually reigns for many years, so his death is a rare event.
Example
Mio cugino viene a trovarci ogni morte di papa.
My cousin comes to visit us once in a blue moon.
Everyday life

Avere la testa tra le nuvole

Word for word„To have the head among the clouds”
MeaningTo be absent-minded
How we say itTo have one's head in the clouds
Origin & usage: Said of a dreamer or an absent-minded person whose thoughts are far from reality.
Example
Scusa, avevo la testa tra le nuvole e non ho sentito la domanda.
Sorry, I had my head in the clouds and didn't hear the question.
Everyday life

Fare la scarpetta

Word for word„To make the little shoe”
MeaningTo mop up the sauce on your plate with bread
How we say itTo mop up the sauce with bread
Origin & usage: A very Italian habit: normal at family meals, considered less elegant at formal dinners.
Example
Il sugo era così buono che ho fatto la scarpetta.
The sauce was so good that I mopped it up with bread.
Everyday life

Stare con le mani in mano

Word for word„To stay with hands in hands”
MeaningTo sit idle
How we say itTo twiddle one's thumbs
Origin & usage: Used mainly to scold someone who stays passive when there is work to do.
Example
Invece di stare con le mani in mano, aiutami a sparecchiare!
Instead of twiddling your thumbs, help me clear the table!
Everyday life

Essere in alto mare

Word for word„To be on the high sea”
MeaningTo be far from finishing
How we say itTo have a long way to go
Origin & usage: Like a ship out at sea, far from port: the goal is still a long way off.
Example
Il trasloco è tra due giorni e siamo ancora in alto mare.
The move is in two days and we still have a long way to go.
Wisdom

Chi va piano va sano e va lontano

Word for word„Who goes slowly goes safely and goes far”
MeaningCalm and caution pay off
How we say itSlow and steady wins the race
Origin & usage: A proverb urging people not to rush: caution prevents mistakes and accidents.
Example
Non correre con la macchina: chi va piano va sano e va lontano.
Don't speed in the car: slow and steady wins the race.
Wisdom

Meglio un uovo oggi che una gallina domani

Word for word„Better an egg today than a hen tomorrow”
MeaningA small sure gain beats a big uncertain one
How we say itA bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
Origin & usage: A proverb advising you to prefer an immediate, certain benefit to a bigger but uncertain promise.
Example
Accetto questa offerta: meglio un uovo oggi che una gallina domani.
I'll accept this offer: a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
Wisdom

Tra il dire e il fare c'è di mezzo il mare

Word for word„Between saying and doing there's the sea”
MeaningPromising is easy, doing is hard
How we say itEasier said than done
Origin & usage: The Italian rhyme dire/fare/mare makes it memorable; used for promises that are hard to keep.
Example
Dice che smetterà di fumare, ma tra il dire e il fare c'è di mezzo il mare.
He says he'll quit smoking, but that's easier said than done.
Wisdom

L'abito non fa il monaco

Word for word„The habit doesn't make the monk”
MeaningDon't judge by appearances
How we say itDon't judge a book by its cover
Origin & usage: Wearing a monk's habit is not enough to make someone a real monk.
Example
Sembra un uomo d'affari serio, ma l'abito non fa il monaco.
He looks like a serious businessman, but don't judge a book by its cover.
Wisdom

Il lupo perde il pelo ma non il vizio

Word for word„The wolf loses its fur but not its vice”
MeaningPeople don't change their bad habits
How we say itA leopard can't change its spots
Origin & usage: With age a wolf changes its coat but stays a predator; likewise people keep their flaws.
Example
Ha promesso di non giocare più d'azzardo, ma il lupo perde il pelo ma non il vizio.
He promised to stop gambling, but a leopard can't change its spots.
Wisdom

Non è tutto oro quel che luccica

Word for word„It's not all gold that glitters”
MeaningAppearances can be deceptive
How we say itAll that glitters is not gold
Origin & usage: An old proverb found in many European languages: outward beauty can hide flaws.
Example
Quel lavoro sembra perfetto, ma non è tutto oro quel che luccica.
That job looks perfect, but all that glitters is not gold.
Wisdom

Non tutte le ciambelle riescono col buco

Word for word„Not all ring cakes come out with the hole”
MeaningThings don't always turn out as planned
How we say itYou can't win them all
Origin & usage: A ring cake without a hole is a baking failure; said to console oneself over an imperfect result.
Example
La torta è venuta un po' bruciata: non tutte le ciambelle riescono col buco.
The cake came out a bit burnt: you can't win them all.
Wisdom

Volere la botte piena e la moglie ubriaca

Word for word„To want the barrel full and the wife drunk”
MeaningTo want two incompatible things
How we say itTo have one's cake and eat it
Origin & usage: If the wife gets drunk on the wine, the barrel can't stay full: the two wishes cancel each other out.
Example
Vuoi lavorare meno e guadagnare di più? Vuoi la botte piena e la moglie ubriaca!
You want to work less and earn more? You want to have your cake and eat it!
Wisdom

Fare di tutta l'erba un fascio

Word for word„To make one bundle of all the grass”
MeaningTo generalize unfairly
How we say itTo tar everyone with the same brush
Origin & usage: Like binding good and bad grass together without telling them apart.
Example
Non tutti i politici sono corrotti: non fare di tutta l'erba un fascio.
Not all politicians are corrupt: don't tar them all with the same brush.
Wisdom

Ride bene chi ride ultimo

Word for word„He laughs well who laughs last”
MeaningThe real winner is seen at the end
How we say itHe who laughs last laughs best
Origin & usage: Used to warn that those who celebrate too early may be proved wrong.
Example
Adesso mi prendono in giro, ma ride bene chi ride ultimo.
They're making fun of me now, but he who laughs last laughs best.
Conflict

Essere come cane e gatto

Word for word„To be like dog and cat”
MeaningTo argue all the time
How we say itTo fight like cat and dog
Origin & usage: Dogs and cats are traditionally seen as natural enemies.
Example
I miei due figli sono come cane e gatto: litigano sempre.
My two children fight like cat and dog: they're always arguing.
Conflict

Dirne quattro a qualcuno

Word for word„To tell someone four”
MeaningTo tell someone off harshly
How we say itTo give someone a piece of one's mind
Origin & usage: The 'four' stands for a few frank, stern words said without beating around the bush.
Example
Se lo vedo, gliene dico quattro!
If I see him, I'll give him a piece of my mind!
Conflict

Gettare benzina sul fuoco

Word for word„To throw petrol on the fire”
MeaningTo make a tense situation worse
How we say itTo add fuel to the fire
Origin & usage: Used when words or actions make a quarrel worse instead of calming it.
Example
Con quel commento hai solo gettato benzina sul fuoco.
With that comment you only added fuel to the fire.
Conflict

Fare le scarpe a qualcuno

Word for word„To make someone's shoes”
MeaningTo secretly undermine someone to take their place
How we say itTo stab someone in the back
Origin & usage: Used mostly at work for someone secretly plotting against a colleague; the origin of the image is uncertain.
Example
Si comportava da amico, ma intanto cercava di farmi le scarpe per prendere il mio posto.
He acted like a friend, but all the while he was stabbing me in the back to take my job.
Conflict

Seppellire l'ascia di guerra

Word for word„To bury the war axe”
MeaningTo make peace after a long conflict
How we say itTo bury the hatchet
Origin & usage: It comes from a custom of some Native North American peoples, who buried weapons as a sign of peace.
Example
Dopo anni di litigi, i due fratelli hanno deciso di seppellire l'ascia di guerra.
After years of quarrels, the two brothers decided to bury the hatchet.
Conflict

La goccia che fa traboccare il vaso

Word for word„The drop that makes the vase overflow”
MeaningThe final thing that exhausts one's patience
How we say itThe last straw
Origin & usage: A small event that, added to many others, makes you lose patience for good.
Example
Il suo ennesimo ritardo è stato la goccia che ha fatto traboccare il vaso.
His umpteenth late arrival was the last straw.
Conflict

Avere il dente avvelenato

Word for word„To have the poisoned tooth”
MeaningTo bear a grudge against someone
How we say itTo hold a grudge
Origin & usage: Like a venomous bite, it suggests resentment ready to strike whoever wronged you.
Example
Da quando non l'hanno promosso, ha il dente avvelenato con il direttore.
Since he wasn't promoted, he's been holding a grudge against the director.