Learning a language is not just about grammar and vocabulary; it’s also about understanding the expressions that native speakers use daily. Italian is full of colorful idioms that can make your speech sound more natural and fluent. In this article, I’ll list 10 fun and useful Italian idioms, explain their meanings, and provide examples with English translations.
1. Attaccare bottone – To sew a button on someone
This Italian idiom means to start a long and often boring conversation with someone. It is often used when someone talks excessively without letting the other person leave.
Esempio: Ero di fretta, ma lui ha attaccato bottone e non smetteva più di parlare!
Example: I was in a hurry, but he started chatting and wouldn’t stop talking!
2. Rompere il ghiaccio – To break the ice
This expression means overcoming the initial awkwardness in a social situation.
Esempio: All’inizio eravamo tutti timidi, ma poi abbiamo rotto il ghiaccio facendo un bel brindisi insieme!
Example: At first we were all shy, but then we broke the ice by making a nice toast together!
3. Fare il filo (a qualcuno) – To thread someone
It means to court or show romantic interest in someone.
Esempio: Da giorni sta facendo il filo alla nuova collega!
Example: He has been flirting with the new colleague for days!
4. Tagliare corto – To cut short
This Italian idiom is used when someone wants to end a conversation abruptly.
Esempio: Ero stanco di ascoltare le sue lamentele, così ho tagliato corto e me ne sono andato!
Example: I was tired of listening to his complaints, so I cut it short and left!
5. Avere la lingua lunga – To have a long tongue
It means being very talkative or saying things that should remain secret.
Esempio: Non raccontarle i tuoi segreti, ha la lingua lunga e li dirà a tutti!
Example: Don’t tell her your secrets, she has a long tongue and will tell everyone!
6. Parlare a vanvera – To speak nonsense
This Italian idiom describes someone who talks without thinking or says things that don’t make sense.
Esempio: Non ascoltarlo, sta parlando a vanvera come al solito!
Example: Don’t listen to him, he’s talking nonsense as usual!
7. Avere un diavolo per capello – To have a devil on each hair
It means being very angry or irritated.
Esempio: Dopo quella telefonata, aveva un diavolo per capello!
Example: After that phone call, she was furious!
8. Stare con il fiato sul collo – To stay with breath on someone’s neck
This Italian idiom is used when someone is pressuring or closely monitoring another person.
Esempio: Il capo mi sta con il fiato sul collo per finire il progetto!
Example: My boss is breathing down my neck to get the project finished!
9. Avere la puzza sotto il naso – To have a bad smell under the nose
It means being snobbish or looking down on others.
Esempio: Non saluta mai nessuno, ha sempre la puzza sotto il naso!
Example: She never greets anyone; she always acts snobbish!
10. Restare di sasso – To remain like a stone
It describes someone who is shocked or speechless.
Esempio: Quando ho sentito la notizia, sono rimasto di sasso!
Example: When I heard the news, I was speechless!
Conclusion
Using Italian idioms in conversations will help you sound more like a native speaker and better understand Italian culture. These expressions are not only fun but also useful in everyday situations. Next time you’re speaking Italian, try using one of these Italian idioms and impress your Italian friends!
Have you heard any of these idioms before? Do you know other funny Italian expressions? Let me know in the comments!
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Credits:
Image by Copilot
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