Italian is a rich and nuanced language, and one of the most interesting aspects is its fads. These are idioms or phrases that have a specific meaning in the Italian cultural context, and that cannot be translated literally into other languages. In this chapter of our e-book, we will explore 34 of these fads, to help you deepen your understanding of Italian at the intermediate level.
1. "In bocca al lupo": Literally, it means "in the wolf's mouth", but it is used by Italians to wish good luck, similar to our "break a leg". The appropriate response is "crepi il lupo", which means "may the wolf die".
2. "Non avere peli sulla lingua": This expression, which literally translates as "not having hair on the tongue", is used to describe someone who speaks directly and bluntly.
3. "Avere un chiodo fisso": Literally translated, it means "to have a fixed nail", but it is used to describe someone who is obsessed with something or someone.
4. "Fare orecchie da merchant": This expression literally means "to turn a merchant's ears", and is used when someone ignores advice or warnings.
5. "Avere la botte piena e la moglie ubriaca": This expression, which literally translates to "having a barrel full and a wife drunk", is used to describe a situation in which someone wants to have everything, even if it is impossible.
6. "Essere al verde": This expression literally means "to be in the green", but is used to describe someone who is broke.
7. "Fare il pont": This expression, which literally translates as "to bridge the gap", is used to describe the practice of taking a day off between a holiday and the weekend, thus creating a "bridge" of days off. time off.
8. "Avere le mani in pasta": This expression literally means "hands-on", and is used to describe someone who is very involved in something, usually in a positive way.
9. "Mettere il carro davanti ai buoi": This expression, which literally translates to "putting the cart before the horse," is used to describe someone who is doing things in the wrong order.
10. "Avere le mani bucate": This expression literally means "to have your hands pierced", and is used to describe someone who spends money irresponsibly.
11. "Dormire come un sasso": This expression, which literally translates to "sleeping like a rock," is used to describe someone who sleeps soundly.
12. "Fare un Salto in Città": This expression literally means "to take a trip to the city", and is used to describe a quick visit to a place.
13. "Avere le mani di pasta frolla": This expression, which literally translates to "having crumbly dough hands," is used to describe someone who is clumsy.
14. "Essere in alto mare": This expression literally means "being on the high seas", and is used to describe a situation that is far from resolved.
15. "Avere la forehead tra le nuvole": This expression, which literally translates to "having one's head in the clouds," is used to describe someone who is distracted or dreamy.
16. "Non vedere l'ora": This expression literally means "not seeing the time", and is used to express impatience or expectation for something.
17. "Fare un buco nell'acqua": This expression, which literally translates as "to make a hole in the water", is used to describe an effort that has not produced results.
18. "Essere come il prezzemolo": This expression literally means "to be like parsley", and is used to describe someone who is always present, often in an annoying way.
19. "Chi dormi non piglia pesci": This expression, which literally translates as "he who sleeps does not fish", is used to express that opportunity only comes to those who are willing to work for it.
20. "Avere la pelle d'oca": This expression literally means "to have the skin of a goose", and is used to describe the sensation of goosebumps or chills.
21. "Avere un diavolo per capello": This expression, which literally translates to "having a devil for a hair", is used to describe someone who is very angry.
22. "Fare la scarpetta": This expression literally means "to make the little shoe", and is used to describe the practice of cleaning one's plate with a piece of bread.
23. "Prendere due piccioni con una fava": This expression, which literally translates as "catching two pigeons with one bean", is similar to our expression "killing two birds with one stone".
24. "Essere al settimo cielo": This expression literally means "to be in seventh heaven", and is used to describe great happiness.
25. "Cercare il pelo nell'uovo": This expression, which literally translates to "looking for the hair in the egg", is used to describe someone who is looking for trouble.emus where they do not exist.
26. "Fare quattro chiacchiere": This expression literally means "to make four conversations", and is used to describe a casual conversation or small talk.
27. "Avere un cuore di leone": This expression, which literally translates to "having the heart of a lion", is used to describe someone who is very brave.
28. "Mettere il Dito nella piaga": This expression literally means "to put your finger on the wound", and is used to describe someone who is bringing up a painful or sensitive topic.
29. "Avere la luna storta": This expression, which literally translates to "having the moon crooked," is used to describe someone who is in a bad mood.
30. "Essere unamosca bianca": This expression literally means "to be a white fly", and is used to describe someone who is unique or rare.
31. "Essere un libro aperto": This expression, which literally translates to "being an open book," is used to describe someone who is easy to read or understand.
32. "Non tutti i mali vengono per nuocere": This expression, which literally translates as "not all evils come to harm", is similar to our expression "there are evils that come to good".
33. "Avere la coda di paglia": This expression literally means "having a straw tail", and is used to describe someone who feels guilty or has something to hide.
34. "Fare il grande": This expression, which literally translates to "do big," is used to describe someone who is showing off or trying to impress.
These are just some of the many fads you will find in Italian. They may be confusing at first, but with time and practice you will begin to recognize them and use them in your own speech. Remember, the key to learning a language is immersion - so don't be afraid to dive into Italian fads!
