Ten common Italian expressions about fish

In Italy summer is approaching fast and Italians can’t wait to go on holidays to relax. Usually, Italians either go to the mountains or to the sea.

So, since my mind is already riding towards golden sands and crystal clear waters, I’ve decided to write a post that is somewhat linked to it.

Today, you’re going to learn ten common Italian expressions about fish.

1. SENTIRSI UN PESCE FUOR D’ACQUA

This Italian expression literally means to feel like a fish out of water. Idiomatically it’s used to indicate that a person feels uncomfortable in a certain situation.

Ex:
Sono tutti vestiti eleganti, mi sento un pesce fuor d’acqua
They’re all dressed-up, I feel like a fish out of water

2. NON SAPERE CHE PESCI PIGLIARE

This is one of the most common Italian expressions about fish. Literally, it can be translated as “not to know which fish to grab”. Idiomatically, it means not to know what to do.

Ex:
Glielo dico o no? Non so proprio che pesci pigliare!
Should I tell him or not. I don’t really know what to do!

3. FARE GLI OCCHI DA TRIGLIA

This is an interesting Italian expression that literally means to make surmullet eyes. Idiomatically, however, it means to look at someone with adoration.

Ex:

E’ follemente inamorato, ti ha fatto gli occhi da triglia tutto il tempo
He’s madly in love with you. He made goo-goo eyes at you all the time

4. ESSERE MUTO COME UN PESCE

Essere muto come un pesce literally means to be as silent as a fish. This expression idiomatically means to be silent in order not to reveal a secret.

Ex:
Ti puoi fidare di lei, sarà muta come un pesce
You can trust her, she won’t tell your secret

5. PRENDERE A PESCI IN FACCIA

This Italian expression literally means to hit someone’s face with some fish. Idiomatically it means to be rude or impolite to someone.

Ex:
Quando ha aperto la porta, mi ha preso a pesci in faccia
When he opened the door, he treated me like dirt

6. CHI DORME NON PIGLIA PESCI

Literally it means who sleeps doesn’t take any fish. Idiomatically, this Italian expression means that you should not waste time, otherwise you won’t do anything in your life.

Ex:
Chi dorme non piglia pesci! Non troverai mai un lavoro se stai sempre a casa
You snooze, you lose! You’ll never find a job if you always stay at home

7. BUTTARSI A PESCE

Buttarsi a pesce literally means to throw yourself like a fish. Idiomatically it can have three different meanings. It can mean to take advantage of a situation, to dedicate yourself to a project with passion, and to eat food with alacrity.

Ex:
Si è buttato a pesce su un nuovo progetto
He dedicated himself to a new project

8. ESSERE UNA PIOVRA/POLIPO

Literally this Italian expression means to be an octopus . Idiomatically it refers to a person who is too clingy.

Ex:

E’ un polipo, non riesco mai a staccarmelo di dosso
He’s very clingy I can never shake him off

9. ESSERE UNO STOCCAFISSO

Essere uno stoccafisso literally means to be a stockfish. Idiomatically, it means to be still, unable to act or react.

Ex:
Non stare lì come uno stoccafisso! Aiutami!
Do not just stand there! Help me!

10. ESSERE UN BACCALA’

Finally, this last Italian expression literally means to be a salted codfish. Idiomatically it means to be awkward.

Ex:

Sei proprio un baccalà! Perché non le hai chiesto di uscire?
You’re really awkward! Why didn’t you ask her out?

 

Did you already know these ten Italian expressions about fish? Which one of these Italian expressions is your favourite?

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Credits

Original image by visavietnam