IN BOCCA AL LUPO!
Literal meaning: “Into the wolf’s mouth!”
Real meaning: Good luck!
Traditional reply: “Crepi!” or, more recently, “Viva il lupo!”
ACQUA IN BOCCA!
Literal meaning: “Water in your mouth!”
Real meaning: Keep it secret. Don’t tell anyone.
Example: “I’ll tell you something, but acqua in bocca!”
PRENDERE DUE PICCIONI CON UNA FAVA
Literal meaning: “To catch two pigeons with one bean.”
Real meaning: To achieve two results with one action.
Similar to: “Kill two birds with one stone.”
AVERE LE MANI BUCATE
Literal meaning: “To have holes in your hands.”
Real meaning: To spend money too easily.
Example: “Marco has holes in his hands. He spends everything he earns!”
NON AVERE PELI SULLA LINGUA
Literal meaning: “To have no hair on your tongue.”
Real meaning: To speak very openly and directly, without holding back.
ESSERE AL VERDE
Literal meaning: “To be at the green.”
Real meaning: To be broke or have no money left.
Example: “I spent too much this month. I’m completely broke!”
CADERE DALLE NUVOLE
Literal meaning: “To fall from the clouds.”
Real meaning: To be completely surprised, or to pretend you knew nothing about something.
FARE ORECCHIE DA MERCANTE
Literal meaning: “To make a merchant’s ears.”
Real meaning: To pretend not to hear something you don’t want to hear.
ESSERE IN GAMBA
Literal meaning: “To be in the leg.”
Real meaning: To be smart, capable, talented, or very good at something.
Example: “She’s really in gamba!”
AVERE UN DIAVOLO PER CAPELLO
Literal meaning: “To have a devil for every hair.”
Real meaning: To be extremely angry or irritated.
Example: “The boss is furious today. Better stay out of his way!”
Did you already know these Italian expressions?