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Most commonly used idioms in Italian
LikeIdioms are often quite difficult to catch and understand for non-native speakers. Being an Italian living in an English-speaking country, I still find myself confused by English idioms from time to time.
So this is why I thought it would be useful to list here, and explain, some of the most commonly used Italian idioms. It is important to note that some idioms do change from region to region, and so to avoid any confusion I will limit this post to idioms that are known and used nationwide. If you still have difficulties after reading this post, feel free to find an Italian tutor and start Italian classes.
1. Saperla lunga: to know a thing or two. Usually refers to someone that knows what's what but will not reveal.
2. In bocca al lupo: literally "in the mouth of the wold". It is the equivalent of "break a leg". Used to wish someone luck before an important event, exam, interview etc.
3. A mali estremi, estremi rimedi: literally "to extreme evils, extreme remedies". It would be the equivalent of "desperate times need desperate measures" and basically means that in very bad situations one is justified to find an extreme/desperate solution.
4. Falso come Giuda: literally means "fake like Judas" and refers to people who are indeed fake and potentially traitors.
5. Conosco i miei polli: literally means "I know my chickens". For example, if that one friend who's always late tells you they will arrive on time, you can answer "Nah, conosco i miei polli". This basically means that you know them too well and therefore you won't be fooled.
6. Non avere peli sulla lingua: literally "not to have hair on your tongue". It's used to refer to someone who is straightorward and speaks their mind without holding back, regarless of the possibility of upsetting the other person.
7. Rompere il ghiaccio: it literally means "break the ice" and this one is also used in English, with exactly the same meaning - do or say something to avoid the initial awkwardness in a certain situation.
8. Ogni morte di papa: literally means "once every death of a pope" and it refers to something that occurs very rarely. The English equivalent would be "once in a blue moon".
9. Avere le braccia/braccine corte: it literally means "to have short arms" and it is used to refer to someone who is cheap and does not like paying for anything.
10. Non vedo l'ora: it literally means "I can't see the hour" but it really means that you cannot wait for something to happen. It is used very frequently in everyday's conversations.
...make sure you use these idioms when you get the chance to show off your Italian skills!