15. Idiomatic expressions in Italian

When learning a new language, it is essential to understand the language's idiomatic expressions. In Italian, these expressions are a vital part of everyday communication. In this chapter of our Intermediate Italian Course, we will explore 15 idiomatic expressions in Italian.

1. "In mouth al lupo"

Literally, this expression is translated as "in the wolf's mouth". However, it is used in a similar way to the English expression "break a leg", wishing someone good luck before an important performance or event. The appropriate response is "crepi il lupo", which means "may the wolf die".

2. "Avere gli occhi più grande della pancia"

This expression, which literally translates as "having eyes bigger than one's belly", is used when someone takes more food than they can eat. It's similar to the English expression "your eyes are bigger than your stomach".

3. "Non tutte le ciambelle riescono col buco"

Literally translated as "not all donuts come out with a hole", this expression is used to express that not everything in life always goes as planned.

4. "Cercare il pelo nell'uovo"

This expression, which literally translates to "looking for a hair in an egg," is used when someone is being overly critical or looking for flaws where none exist.

5. "Essere al verde"

Literally translated as "being in the green", this expression is used to indicate that someone is out of money. It is similar to the English expression "to be broke".

6. "Avere un chiodo fisso"

This expression, which literally translates to "having a nail in the head," is used to describe someone who is obsessively focused on a single idea or thought.

7. "Fare il bridge"

Literally translated as "bridging the gap", this expression is used to describe the act of taking a day off between a holiday and the weekend, thus creating a "bridge" of days off.

8. "Avere le mani in pasta"

This expression, which literally translates as "hands-on", is used to describe someone who is very involved in a project or activity.

9. "Dormire come un saso"

This expression, which literally translates to "sleeping like a log," is used to describe someone who is sleeping soundly.

10. "Fare orecchie da merchant"

Literally translated as "turning a deaf ear", this expression is used to describe someone who is ignoring advice or warnings.

11. "Prendere due piccioni con una fava"

This expression, which literally translates as "to catch two pigeons with one bean", is similar to the English expression "kill two birds with one stone". It is used to describe a situation in which someone achieves two goals with a single action.

12. "Non vedere l'ora"

Literally translated as "can't wait", this expression is used to express anxiety or excitement about something that is coming.

13. "Avere la forehead tra le nuvole"

This expression, which literally translates to "having your head in the clouds," is used to describe someone who is distracted or daydreaming.

14. "Costare un occhio della forehead"

This expression, which literally translates as "to cost an eye out of your head", is used to describe something that is very expensive. It is similar to the English expression "cost an arm and a leg".

15. "Put the car in there"

Literally translated as "putting the cart before the horse", this expression is used to describe someone who is doing things in the wrong order.

By learning these idiomatic expressions, you will be one step closer to speaking Italian like a native. Remember, practice makes perfect, so continue to use these expressions in your daily conversations to become familiar with them.

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