Discover the Italian Idioms Native Speakers Actually Use (Not the Tourist Brochure Ones)

When most people think of Italian expressions, they imagine movie clichés: “Mamma mia!”, “Ciao bella!”, or “Buona fortuna!”. While these are real, they’re often what I call tourist brochure Italian—the kind of phrases Hollywood exports because they “sound Italian.” 

However, to speak authentically, you need to dive into the world of Italian idioms, expressions that reveal how Italians think, feel, and interact. In this article, you’ll discover 10 idioms locals actually use, with tips on how to use them in context.

Why Italian Idioms Matter

Idioms are shortcuts to understanding Italian culture. They carry history, humor, and worldview in a few words. Using idioms connects you with locals because you’re speaking their emotional and cultural language.

10 Italian Idioms You’ll Actually Hear

Certo! Ecco la lista completa con un esempio d’uso per ogni idiom e la traduzione in inglese tra parentesi:

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1. In bocca al lupo

Literally: In the mouth of the wolf
Meaning: Good luck!
Native response: Crepi il lupo! (“May the wolf die!”)
Example: “Domani ho il colloquio di lavoro.” “In bocca al lupo!”
(“I have a job interview tomorrow.” “Good luck!”)

2. Chi dorme non piglia pesci

Literally: Those who sleep don’t catch fish
Meaning: You snooze, you lose.
Example: “Se vuoi quel biglietto per il concerto, devi prenotare subito. Chi dorme non piglia pesci!”
(“If you want that concert ticket, you have to book it right away. You snooze, you lose!”)

3. Essere al verde

Literally: To be at the green
Meaning: To be broke
Example: “Non posso venire al ristorante stasera, sono al verde.”
(“I can’t go to the restaurant tonight, I’m broke.”)

4. Prendere qualcosa con le pinze

Literally: To take something with tweezers
Meaning: Take it with a grain of salt
Example: “Ha detto che riceverà un’eredità milionaria, ma prendo le sue parole con le pinze.”
(“He said he will receive a million-dollar inheritance, but I take his words with a grain of salt.”)

5. Avere le mani bucate

Literally: To have holes in your hands
Meaning: To be a big spender
Example: “Non riesco a risparmiare, ho le mani bucate.”
(“I can’t save money; I’m a big spender.”)

6. Attaccare bottone

Literally: To attach a button
Meaning: To start chatting too much
Example: “Al bar, quel tipo mi ha attaccato bottone per mezz’ora.”
(“At the bar, that guy kept chatting me up for half an hour.”)

7. Non avere peli sulla lingua

Literally: Not to have hairs on your tongue
Meaning: To be very direct
Example: “Lui non ha peli sulla lingua e ti dirà sempre la verità.”
(“He’s very direct and will always tell you the truth.”)

8. Fare orecchie da mercante

Literally: To make ears like a merchant
Meaning: To turn a deaf ear / pretend not to hear
Example: “Quando gli ho chiesto di aiutarmi, ha fatto orecchie da mercante.”
(“When I asked him for help, he turned a deaf ear.”)

9. Acqua in bocca!

Literally: Water in your mouth!
Meaning: Keep it secret
Example: “Non dire a nessuno del regalo, acqua in bocca!”
(“Don’t tell anyone about the gift, keep it secret!”)

10. Cascare dalle nuvole

Literally: To fall from the clouds
Meaning: To be completely surprised or unaware
Example: “Quando gli ho detto che avevamo perso il treno, è cascato dalle nuvole.”
(“When I told him we missed the train, he was completely surprised.”)

Tips for Learning and Using Italian Idioms

• Listen to native speakers: Podcasts, YouTube, and TV shows are rich sources.
  
• Practice in context: Don’t just memorize; use each idiom in a real sentence.
  
• Don’t overdo it: Sprinkle idioms naturally to avoid sounding forced.
  

Idioms as Cultural Keys

Idioms reveal Italian creativity, humor, and vivid imagery. Instead of “keep it secret,” Italians say acqua in bocca!; instead of “don’t be lazy,” they warn chi dorme non piglia pesci. Using these expressions makes your Italian colorful, alive, and culturally rich.

Final Thoughts

Learning idioms is like upgrading Italian from black-and-white to full color. They are more than words—they are authentic Italian expressions that carry history, personality, and cultural insight.

Next time you practice Italian, skip tourist clichés and try an authentic idiom. Whether you want to sound funny, wise, or natural, idioms are your best tool.

As Italians say: “Chi dorme non piglia pesci!” (“You snooze, you lose!”)

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Credits:

Image by Gemini