Italian idioms are an essential part of the Italian language and culture. Learning and understanding them is an excellent way to improve your Italian language skills and deepen your understanding of the Italian people and their way of life.
So, today I’m going to list eight Italian idioms that are widely used.
Popular Italian idioms
1. Avere le mani bucate
This idiom can be literally translated as to have holes in your hands: It is used to describe someone who is a spendthrift and cannot hold onto money.
Ex: Maria ha le mani bucate; usa tutto il suo stipendio per comprare scarpe nuove.
Maria spends money like water; she uses all her salary to buy new shoes.
2. Avere la testa tra le nuvole
It literally means to have your head in the clouds: It is used to describe someone who is absent-minded or unrealistic.
Ex: Da quando è innamorato, Paolo ha sempre la testa tra le nuvole
Since he is in love, Paul always has his head in the clouds.
3. Avere un diavolo per capello
This idiom can be literally translated as to have a devil in your hair: It is used to describe someone who is extremely angry or agitated.
Ex: Mia sorella ha appena scoperto che non ha passato l’esame di fisica e adesso ha un diavolo per capello
My sister just found out that she failed her physics exam and now she sees red.
4. Essere al settimo cielo
It literally means to be in the seventh heaven: This idiom is used to describe someone who is very happy and content.
Ex: Davide e Fabio sono al settimo cielo, hanno appena saputo di aver vinto una vacanza alle Hawaii.
Davide and Fabio are on cloud nine, they have just learnt that they have won a vacation to Hawaii.
5. Essere con l’acqua alla gola
This idiom can be literally translated as to be with water at your throat. It is used to describe a situation where someone is in trouble or has serious problems.
Ex: L’omicida è con l’acqua alla gola. E’ circondato, non ha vie di fuga. Deve arrendersi per forza.
The murderer is in trouble. He is surrounded, he has no way out. He has necessarily to surrender.
6. Essere in gamba
It literally means to be in the leg: This idiom is used to describe someone who is intelligent, capable, or skilled.
Ex: Dovresti assumere Federico. E’ in gamba. Ha già avuto diverse esperienze nel settore ed è molto preparato.
You should hire Federico. He is smart and capable. He has already had several experiences in the field and is very knowledgeable.
7. Fare una bella/brutta figura
This idiom can be literally translated as to make a good/bed impression. When “bella” is used, this idiom is used to describe someone who wants to make a good impression, especially in social situations. When “brutta” is used, it’s used to describe someone who makes a bad impression, especially in social situations.
Ex: Con quella torta ha fatto proprio una bella figura, era un capolavoro!
He really made a good impression with that cake, it was a masterpiece!
Ex: Ieri Davide ha fatto davvero una brutta figura; è arrivato alla riunione completamente ubriaco.
Yesterday David made a really bad impression; he arrived at the meeting completely drunk.
8. Non vedere l’ora
It literally means not to see the hour: It is used to describe someone who is eagerly waiting for something to happen.
Ex: Non vedo l’ora che arrivi l’estate, sono stanca del freddo!
I can’t wait for summer, I’m tired of the cold weather!
Now go ahead and try using some of these Italian idioms in your conversations with some Italian!
Did you already know these eight Italian idioms? What’s your favorite?
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Credits
Original image by Surprising_Shots
The stunning historical Italian town of Matera
