Italian is a language rich with expressions and idioms that offer a glimpse into the cultural and historical nuances of Italy. Mastering these phrases not only enhances your vocabulary but also helps you sound more like a native speaker. Here’s a guide to some of the most interesting and widely used Italian idioms and their meanings.
In bocca al lupo
This phrase literally translates to “in the mouth of the wolf” and is used to wish someone good luck, similar to “break a leg” in English.
Crepi il lupo! Rispose l’attore prima di salire sul palcoscenico.
Essere in gamba
Literally meaning “to be in leg,” this idiom is used to describe someone who is smart, clever, or competent.
Mario è davvero in gamba a scuola, prende sempre voti alti.
Costare un occhio della testa
This translates to “cost an eye from the head” and is used when something is very expensive, similar to the English expression “cost an arm and a leg.”
Quella borsa costa un occhio della testa, non posso permettermela!
Acqua in bocca!
Meaning “water in the mouth,” this phrase is used to tell someone to keep a secret or to not say anything about a particular matter.
Acqua in bocca, non dire a nessuno quello che ti ho raccontato!
Non vedere l’ora
This idiom translates to “not see the hour” and is used when someone can’t wait for something to happen.
Non vedo l’ora che arrivi il weekend per riposarmi un po’.
Piombo le piume
Literally meaning “lead the feathers,” this is an expression used to describe something very heavy.
Questo pacco è piombo le piume, aiutami a sollevarlo.
Fare le corna
This phrase means “to make horns” and is a superstitious gesture used to ward off bad luck, similar to knocking on wood.
Facciamo le corna per sperare che la situazione migliori.
Tirare il pacco
Translated as “to pull the package,” this idiom is used when someone stands someone else up or fails to meet an obligation.
Mi ha tirato il pacco all’ultimo minuto, non è venuto all’appuntamento.
Prendere fischi per fiaschi
This means “to take whistles for flasks” and is used when someone misunderstands or misinterprets something.
Ho preso fischi per fiaschi, pensavo che fossero d’accordo con me invece erano contrari.
Avere la botte piena e la moglie ubriaca
This translates to “to have the barrel full and the wife drunk.” It’s used to express a desire to have it both ways, or to want two incompatible things at the same time.
Vuole avere la botte piena e la moglie ubriaca, ma così non può funzionare!
Mettere il carro davanti ai buoi
Meaning “to put the cart before the oxen,” this idiom is used to describe doing things in the wrong order.
Stai mettendo il carro davanti ai buoi, dovresti finire il progetto prima di venderlo.
Essere al verde
Literally translating to “to be at the green,” this phrase is used when someone is out of money.
Non posso venire al cinema stasera, sono al verde.
Chiudere bottega
This means “to close shop” and is used when someone decides to stop working, either at the end of the day or retiring from their career.
Dopo tanti anni di lavoro, ha deciso di chiudere bottega e godersi la pensione.
Essere pane per i tuoi denti
Translating to “to be bread for your teeth,” this idiom is used to describe something that is perfectly suitable or easy for someone to handle.
Questo tipo di lavoro è pane per i tuoi denti, lo farai benissimo.
Understanding these idioms not only helps you communicate more effectively in Italian but also enriches your understanding of Italian culture. Whether you’re planning a trip to Italy or just want to impress your Italian friends, knowing these expressions will surely add depth to your conversational skills.
