In Italian we have a long list of idiomatic expressions. And some of these involve the word mano, hand. So, today I’ve decided to help you improve your knowledge of the Italian language by writing a small list of Italian idioms with the word mano.
Ready? Let’s start.
1. Avere le mani bucate
This Italian idiom literally translates to “having holes in one’s hands.” However, it’s used to describe someone who spends money freely or cannot hold onto it.
Examples:
Luca ha le mani bucate, spende sempre più di quanto guadagna.
Luca spends money like water; he always spends more than he earns.
La mia amica Marta vorrebbe risparmiare ma ha le mani bucate e finisce sempre per acquistare oggetti d’arte costosi.
My friend Marta would like to save money but she spends money like water and always ends up buying expensive art pieces.
2. Stare con le mani in mano
It literally translates to “to stand with hands in hand.” Figuratively, it means to do nothing, to be idle, or inactive in a given situation.
Examples:
Durante l’emergenza, alcuni cittadini non sono rimasti con le mani in mano ma hanno organizzato raccolte fondi per aiutare le vittime.
During the emergency, some citizens didn’t stand idly by; they organized fundraisers to help the victims.
La situazione richiede azione immediata, non possiamo stare con le mani in mano aspettando che qualcun altro risolva il problema.
The situation requires immediate action; we can’t stand idly by waiting for someone else to solve the problem.
3. Lavarsene le mani
This Italian idiom literally means “to wash one’s hands.” However, it actually means distancing oneself from a responsibility or situation.
Examples:
Tu hai causato il problema e tu lo risolvi. Non esiste che adesso te ne lavi le mani!
You caused the problem and you solve it. There is no way you are washing your hands of it now!
Sapevano del problema ma l’azienda se n’è lavata le mani e non ha fornito alcuna soluzione.
They knew about the problem but the company washed its hands of it and provided no solution.
4. Mettere le mani avanti
This is one of the most common Italian idioms. It literally translates to “to put one’s hands forward,” but it means to prevent difficult or unpleasant situations, to take precautionary measures to avoid the possibility of being involved in something or accused of a fault.
Examples:
Prima ancora di iniziare il progetto, Giulia ha messo le mani avanti, avvisando tutti che potrebbero verificarsi dei ritardi a causa della mancanza di risorse.
Even before starting the project, Giulia covered her back, warning everyone that delays might occur due to the lack of resources.
Antonio preferisce mettere le mani avanti e sentire un avvocato prima di prendere qualsiasi decisione importante riguardo alla casa, per evitare sorprese o complicazioni.
Antonio prefers to cover his back and consult a lawyer before making any important decision regarding the house, to avoid surprises or complications.
And now it’s up to you to use these idioms in everyday conversations!
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Credits
Original image by RobinHiggins
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