Five Common Italian Idioms and Expressions

Italian is a beautiful and expressive language, filled with idioms and sayings that add color and nuance to everyday conversations. So, understanding and using these Italian idioms and expressions correctly will help you sound more natural and fluent.

a. In bocca al lupo

Literal translation: In the mouth of the wolf

This idiom is used to wish someone good luck, especially before an important event like an exam or performance. The appropriate response is “Crepi il lupo!” or simply “Crepi!”, meaning “May the wolf die!”. Recently, since the attention towards animals’ rights has increased, some people tend to answer “Viva il lupo!” “May the wolf live!”

Example:

In bocca al lupo per l’esame di domani!
Good luck with tomorrow’s exam!

b. Avere le mani in pasta

Literal translation: To have hands in dough

This expression suggests someone has a lot of influence or is actively engaged in many activities or projects, often with a sense of control or authority. This expression is often used to convey a negative concept, in the sense of being involved in shady dealings or dishonest situations.

Example:

Maria ha le mani in pasta in tutti i progetti aziendali.
Maria is involved in all the company’s projects.

c. Essere al verde

Literal translation: To be at green

This phrase refers to someone who has run out of money, that is broke, similar to the English idiom “to be in the red.”

Example:

Dopo aver pagato le bollette, sono al verde.
After paying my bills, I’m broke.

d. Prendere due piccioni con una fava

Literal translation: To catch two pigeons with one fava bean

This idiom refers to accomplishing two tasks at once with a single effort: to kill two birds with one stone

Example:

Domani invitiamo a cena tua sorella dal momento che non la vediamo da un po’, e ne approfittiamo per farle anche firmare i documenti. Così, prendiamo due piccioni con una fava.
Tomorrow we’re inviting your sister over for dinner since we haven’t seen her in a while, and we’ll take the opportunity to have her sign the documents too. That way, we kill two birds with one stone.

e. Andare a gonfie vele

Literal translation: To go with full sails

This nautical expression is used to indicate that something is going very well.

Example:

Il progetto sta andando a gonfie vele!
The project is going smoothly!

How to Incorporate Italian Idioms in Your Conversations

Incorporating Italian idioms and expressions into your speech can make you sound more natural and confident in Italian. Here are a few tips on how to use them:

• Start small: Begin with a few easy-to-remember idioms like “In bocca al lupo” or “Essere al verde”, which are commonly used in daily life.
• Context is key: Make sure you understand the situation in which an idiom is appropriate.
• Practice with native speakers: The best way to learn idioms is by listening to how native speakers use them. Watching Italian TV shows or listening to podcasts can expose you to idiomatic expressions in context.

Tips for Mastering Italian Idioms

• Flashcards: Create flashcards with idioms on one side and their meanings on the other to quiz yourself.
• Use them in writing: Try incorporating idioms in written exercises, emails, or journal entries.
• Repeat them aloud: Pronouncing idioms helps with memory retention and pronunciation.
• Make connections: Relate new idioms to ones you already know in your native language to make them easier to remember.

Mastering Italian idioms and expressions is a great way to enrich your vocabulary and deepen your understanding of the language. Idioms not only reflect the Italian way of thinking but also make your conversations more engaging and authentic. So, keep practicing, and don’t be afraid to experiment with these Italian idioms and expressions in your daily conversations!

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