Italian language is rich with colorful expressions that vividly depict various aspects of life. When it comes to describing speed, we have some fascinating idioms that perfectly capture the essence of swiftness or slowness. In this article, I’ll list six Italian expressions related to speed and uncover their meanings and usage.
1. Andare a tutta birra
The first of these Italian expressions is “andare a tutta birra”. Literally translating to “go at full beer,” this lively expression conveys the idea of moving or acting at top speed, with great enthusiasm and energy. It’s commonly used to describe someone who is moving very fast or engaging in an activity with full dedication.
Ex: Il ciclista stava andando a tutta birra lungo la strada principale.
The cyclist was speeding along the main road.
Ex: La festa è domani e dobbiamo ancora preparare 5 torte, 600 pasticcini e 300 salatini; quindi, a tutta birra!
The party is tomorrow, and we still need to prepare 5 cakes, 600 pastries, and 300 savory snacks; so, full speed ahead!
2. Andare a tavoletta
This expression literally translates to “go at a board” and is used to describe moving at top speed, typically while driving a vehicle. It implies going as fast as possible, often without holding back.
Ex: Il pilota ha vinto la gara andando a tavoletta per tutto il percorso.
The driver won the race going at top speed throughout the course.
Ex: Quando viaggio in autostrada, preferisco andare a tavoletta per arrivare in fretta.
When I travel on the highway, I prefer going full speed to arrive quickly.
3. Essere un fulmine
“Essere un fulmine” literally translates to “be a lightning bolt” and refers to someone who is extremely fast, agile, or quick in their actions or movements.
Ex: Maria è una sprinter eccezionale, è un fulmine sulle piste di atletica.
Maria is an exceptional sprinter; she’s very fast on the athletic tracks.
Ex: Il nostro postino è sempre un fulmine nella consegna della posta.
Our mailman is always very fast in delivering the mail.
4. Essere una tartaruga/lumaca
These two expressions, “Essere una tartaruga” and “Essere una lumaca,” literally translate respectively to “be a turtle” “to be a snail” and are used to describe someone or something that is very slow or sluggish.
Ex: Ci hai messo un’ora per fare 2 chilometri? Ma sei una lumaca!
It took you an hour to go 2 kilometers? You’re a snail!
Ex: Quando fa caldo, il computer va come una tartaruga. Ci mette una vita ad accendersi e a caricare le pagine.
When it’s hot, the computer runs like a snail. It takes forever to turn on and load pages.
5. In un batter d’occhio
This expression translates to “in the blink of an eye” and is used to describe something that happens very quickly, almost instantaneously.
Ex: L’artista ha dipinto il quadro in un batter d’occhio, dimostrando grande maestria.
The artist painted the picture in the blink of an eye, demonstrating great skill.
Ex: Grazie alla sua velocità, il corridore ha attraversato la linea del traguardo in un batter d’occhio.
Thanks to his speed, the runner crossed the finish line in the blink of an eye.
6. Ingranare la marcia
This expression literally translates to “engage the gear” and is used metaphorically to describe someone getting into action or starting to work with great speed and efficiency.
Ex: Dopo una breve pausa, il team ha ingranato la marcia e ha completato il progetto in tempo.
After a short break, the team sped up and finished the project on time.
Ex: Forza, adesso ingrana la marcia che dobbiamo arrivare all’auto prima che scoppi il temporale.
Come on, now speed up that we have to get to the car before the storm breaks.
As you can see, Italian language offers a delightful array of expressions related to speed. So, next time you’re talking about speed, don’t forget to use these Italian expressions!
If you found this article useful, don’t forget to share it with the world and to like our Facebook Page!
Credits
Original image by 27707
Cracking the Code of Parking in Italy
