CHI DORME NON PIGLIA PESCI
Literal meaning: “Those who sleep don’t catch fish.”
Real meaning: If you want to achieve something, you have to be active and take opportunities when they come.
TRA IL DIRE E IL FARE C’è DI MEZZO IL MARE
Literal meaning: “Between saying and doing, there is the sea.”
Real meaning: Saying you will do something is much easier than actually doing it.
MEGLIO TARDI CHE MAI
Literal meaning: “Better late than never.”
Real meaning: It is better to do something late than not do it at all.
IL LUPO PERDE IL PELO MA NON IL VIZIO
Literal meaning: “The wolf loses its fur, but not its habits.”
Real meaning: People may change their appearance, but their true habits and character are difficult to change.
A CAVAL DONATO NON SI GUARDA IN BOCCA
Literal meaning: “Don’t look inside the mouth of a gifted horse.”
Real meaning: When someone gives you a gift, you shouldn’t complain about it or judge its value.
RIDE BENE CHI RIDE ULTIMO
Literal meaning: “He who laughs last, laughs best.”
Real meaning: Don’t celebrate too early, because the final result is what really matters.
VOLERE LA BOTTE PIENA E LA MOGLIE UBRIACA
Literal meaning: “To want the wine barrel full and the wife drunk.”
Real meaning: To want two advantages that are impossible to have at the same time.
NON TUTTE LE CIAMBELLE RIESCONO COL BUCO
Literal meaning: “Not all doughnuts come out with a hole.”
Real meaning: Things don’t always turn out exactly as planned, even when you do your best.
QUANDO IL GATTO NON C’è I TOPI BALLANO
Literal meaning: “When the cat is away, the mice dance.”
Real meaning: When the person in charge is absent, everyone feels free to do whatever they want.
CARTA CANTA
Literal meaning: “Paper sings.”
Real meaning: Written proof is more reliable than promises or spoken words. If something is written down, it is much harder to deny.
Did you already know these Italian expressions? Have you ever heard an Italian use one of them? Which one is your favorite?