Piove sul bagnato
“When it rains, it pours.”
Used when more problems are added to an already difficult situation, or when someone who already has plenty receives even more.
Mettere il carro davanti ai buoi
“To put the cart before the horse.”
To do things in the wrong order, dealing with something before the necessary steps have been completed.
Essere tra l’incudine e il martello
“To be between a rock and a hard place.”
To be caught between two difficult choices or situations, with no easy way out.
Prendere lucciole per lanterne
“To get completely the wrong idea.”
Literally, “to mistake fireflies for lanterns.” It means misunderstanding something completely or mistaking one thing for another.
Arrampicarsi sugli specchi
“To clutch at straws.”
Literally, “to climb on mirrors.” Italians use it when someone desperately tries to justify themselves with weak or unbelievable excuses.
Avere la coda di paglia
“To have a guilty conscience.”
Literally, “to have a tail made of straw.” It describes someone who feels personally attacked by a general comment because they know they may be guilty.
Mettere il dito nella piaga
“To rub salt in the wound.”
Literally, “to put your finger in the wound.” It means bringing up a painful or sensitive subject and making someone feel even worse.
Essere un pesce fuor d’acqua
“To be a fish out of water.”
To feel uncomfortable, awkward or completely out of place in a particular situation.
Fare di tutta l’erba un fascio
“To tar everyone with the same brush.”
Literally, “to make one bundle out of all the grass.” It means generalizing and treating very different people or situations as though they were all the same.
Tirare i remi in barca
“To call it a day / To wind things down.”
Literally, “to pull the oars into the boat.” It means stopping an activity, reducing your effort or deciding that it is time to step back.