Just like English, the Italian language has plenty of non-literal phrases that can sound strange to language learners hearing them for the first time.
You’re far more likely to hear this kind of phrase during conversation than in a language class. But when chatting to an Italian, unexpected talk about wolves, hairy tongues, and drowning can be confusing – and a bit alarming – if you’ve never come across such expressions before.
But learning a few of these phrases will no doubt help you better understand what’s happening around you – plus, dropping an idiom (correctly) into conversation is sure to impress. So here are just 15 curious – but everyday – idiomatic phrases which really are used in conversation.
QUIZ: How well do you know your Italian proverbs?
Affogare in un bicchier d’acqua
English translation: To drown in a glass of water.
This phrase is used to describe someone being overwhelmed by minor problems. Instead of making a mountain out of a molehill, or being a drama queen, they’re drowning in a glass of water.
Ogni morte di papa
English translation: Every death of a pope
New popes don’t come around very often, which is why this phrase is used when talking about rare occurrences. It’s the Italian equivalent of saying something happens “once in a blue moon”.
In bocca al lupo
English translation: Into the wolf’s mouth
Why say “good luck” when you can use this phrase instead? In fact, in Italy, simply saying good luck or buona fortuna is sometimes considered to be unlucky.
It’s not too different from the English “break a leg”. If someone says this phrase to you, the correct response is “crepi il lupo” (may the wolf die). Thanking them is also considered to reverse any good fortune.
Ad for where the phrase comes from, the most popular theory seems to be that it has something to do with Romulus and Remus, the mythical founders of Rome, who were suckled by a she-wolf.
When might you wish someone ‘into the wolf’s mouth’ in Italian? Photo: Carsten Rehder/DPA/AFP
Avere le braccine corte
English translation: To have short arms
This phrase is used to describe that person who never pays for coffees at the bar. We might call them “tight-fisted” or say they have “deep pockets” in English. Either way, the person you’re describing seems to have trouble reaching for their cash.
Brutto come la fame
English translation: Ugly as hunger
What could possibly be uglier than the feeling of hunger? To Italians, nothing. To be used wherever the English might say something is as “ugly as sin”.
Buono come il pane
English translation: Good as bread
A bit like describing someone as “salt of the earth”. While it sounds a bit like the English “as good as gold”, the Italian phrase can be used for anyone, not just well-behaved children. it’s used to praise an all-round good character, and seems to imply kindness, generosity, and humility.
Forget gold. Are you as good as bread? Photo: Rebecca Siegel/Flickr
Hai voluto la bicicletta? E adesso pedala!
English translation: You wanted the bike? Now ride it!
When the consequences of someone’s actions catch up with them, here’s a sarcastic phrase used to say “I told you so”. A bit like the English “you’ve made your bed, now lie in it.”
Vai a quel paese
English translation: Go to that town
If someone says this to you, they’re probably not giving you directions. A bit like telling someone to “get lost” in English, it’s impolite without being terribly offensive.
Fare le corna a qualcuno
English translation: To have the horns put on you
This is a slightly tricky one, but it’s also very commonly used. To “put the horns on” someone means to curse them or insult them in some way, or possibly to cheat on them.. And of course, the phrase has its own hand gesture – a fist with the forefinger and little finger outstretched – an offensive signal seemingly used most often by angry drivers.
Piantala!
English translation: Plant it!
Used to tell someone to stop doing something, usually when they’re being irritating and you’ve had enough of asking nicely. English equivalents include “quit it” or “knock it off”.
Sputi il rospo
English translation: Spit out the toad
Not the same as “having a frog in your throat” in English, this phrase refers to finally telling the truth or revealing a secret. Just as we might tell someone to “spit it out” or “spill the beans” in English.
Conosco i miei polli
English translation: I know my chickens
When someone feels they know what they’re talking about, they might tell you they know their chickens – whatever the actual subject of conversation may be. A lot like “knowing your onions” in English.
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Non avere peli sulla lingua
English translation: Without hair on his tongue
Italians aren’t generally known for hiding their real feelings, but if you ever feel like someone’s holding back and you want them to be brutally honest, you could use this phrase. If you don’t want them to sugarcoat the truth, you’d ask them to speak ‘without hair on their tongue’.
Tirare il pacco
English translation: To throw the package
One to use on your flaky friend or a date who fails to show up, in Italian, they’ve thrown the package. It’s unclear where this one comes from, though it conjures the image of an unreliable postman tossing a parcel over the hedge.
Minestra riscaldata
English translation: Reheated soup
Another food-related one, this is used when you want to “reheat” a relationship. A bit like rekindling a flame in English, although as well as for romantic relationships, the Italian version can be used for any sort of relationship that’s fizzled out, including friendships and even business partnerships.
Photo: Unsplash/Henrique Felix
Do you have a favourite everyday Italian idiom which isn’t listed here? Let us know.
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