Headed for Italy? Whether your travels are from the armchair or up and away, the Italian idioms and phrases will have you speaking the lingua franca Italia just like a native!
Italian, with its colorful history and diverse regional influences, boasts a captivating array of slang and idioms that add flavor to everyday conversations. Here is a brief explanation that explores the top 20 slang expressions and idioms frequently used by native Italians, along with their explanations, giving you insight into the linguistic tapestry of Italy.
Fare il chilo - To ignore someone: Literally meaning "to do the kilo," this expression suggests ignoring or disregarding someone or something, often used when someone is giving you the cold shoulder.
"Avere le mani in pasta" - To have one's hands in the dough: This idiom means being involved or having a hand in something, usually in a practical or organizational context. (Pronunciation Here)
"Andare a ruba" - To go like hotcakes: Used to describe a product or service that sells out quickly, just like hotcakes in English. (Pronunciation Here)
"Avere sale in zucca" - To have salt in one's pumpkin: Translated as "to have salt in one's pumpkin," it means to be smart or clever.
"In bocca al lupo" - In the mouth of the wolf: Equivalent to "break a leg" in English, this phrase is used to wish someone good luck. (Pronunciation Here)
"Tirare acqua al proprio mulino" - To throw water on one's own mill: This idiom means promoting or benefiting oneself, often at the expense of others. (Pronunciation Here)
"Essere al verde" - To be in the green: Similar to being "broke" in English, it means to be financially struggling or out of money. (Pronunciation Here)
"Togliere le castagne dal fuoco" - To take the chestnuts out of the fire: Refers to helping someone out of a difficult or dangerous situation.
"Avere le pezze al culo" - To have patches on one's butt: This expression humorously means to be really broke or impoverished.
"Prendere il toro per le corna" - To take the bull by the horns: Equivalent to "grasping the nettle" in English, it means facing a problem directly and courageously. (Pronunciation Here)
"L'onda lunga" - The long wave: Used to describe a long-lasting trend or phenomenon.
"Avere la botte piena e la moglie ubriaca" - To have a full barrel and a drunk wife: This saying refers to wanting to have it all, which is often unrealistic. (Pronunciation Here)
"Buono come il pane" - Good as bread: A compliment, meaning someone is good-hearted or kind. (Pronunciation Here)
"Chi dorme non piglia pesci" - He who sleeps doesn't catch fish: A motivational saying, encouraging action and productivity.
"Ridere come una iena" - To laugh like a hyena: Describes someone who laughs uncontrollably.
"Mettere la pulce nell'orecchio" - To put a flea in someone's ear: To sow doubt or suspicion in someone's mind. (Pronunciation Here)
"Acqua in bocca" - Water in the mouth: Equivalent to "keep it under your hat" in English, used to tell someone to keep a secret. (Pronunciation Here)
"Essere un fannullone" - To be a lazybones: Refers to someone who is lazy or avoids work.
"Chi fa da sé fa per tre" - Who does things by himself does them for three: Means that doing something yourself is more efficient than relying on others. (Pronunciation Here)
"Avere il prosciutto sugli occhi" - To have ham on one's eyes: Used to criticize someone who fails to notice something obvious.
(Essere un fannullone??)
You can easily tell that Italian slang/idioms meld in a beautiful way with the culture and heritage. By familiarizing yourself with these top 20 expressions, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the linguistic richness and charm that underpins native Italian conversations....and of course, you'll impress your Italian friends!