10 Italian Idiomatic Expressions for Authentic Speak
Idiomatic expressions are phrases or sayings that often have a metaphorical meaning that differs from the words’ literal meaning. Italians use idiomatic expressions as an integral part of the language in everyday conversation.
This article will explore some of the most common Italian idiomatic expressions and how they can be used in conversation.
Want to Sound Like a True Italian? Learn These 10 Idiomatic Italian Expressions
1. Fare buon viso a cattivo gioco
Translation and Meaning: Making a good face to a lousy game means “having a positive attitude even in an unfavorable situation.”
Example:
| Audio | Italian | English |
|---|---|---|
 |
Non mi piace la situazione ma faccio buon viso a cattivo gioco. | I don’t like the situation, but I keep a positive attitude. |
2. Essere alla frutta
Translation and Meaning: To be at the fruit, and the meaning is “to be at the end of something and be out of energy.”
Example:
| Audio | Italian | English |
|---|---|---|
|
Alla fine dell’allenamento ero alla frutta. | At the end of the workout I was out of energy. |
3. Essere al verde
Translation and Meaning: To be at the green means “to be without money, to be penniless.”
Example:
| Audio | Italian | English |
|---|---|---|
|
Come mai sei sempre al verde? | How come you’re always without money? |
Suggested Read: 47 Best Italian Sayings About Life: Proverbs & Quotes
4. Essere un pezzo di pane
Translation and Meaning: Being a piece of bread means “being a good person.”
Example:
| Audio | Italian | English |
|---|---|---|
|
Luigi è un pezzo di pane. | Luigi is a good person. |
5. Facile come bere un bicchier d’acqua
Translation and Meaning: As easy as drinking a glass of water. This metaphor shows how a specific action is easy or deemed easy. This is the equivalent of the English “easy as a piece of cake.”
Example:
| Audio | Italian | English |
|---|---|---|
|
L’esame è stato facile come bere un bicchier d’acqua. | The exam was a piece of cake. |
6. Fare le scarpe
Translation and Meaning: Making shoes means “to take someone else’s place.”
Example:
| Audio | Italian | English |
|---|---|---|
|
Gli ha fatto le scarpe e ha preso il suo posto. | He won and took over his position. |
Suggested Read: 20 Best Shoe Brands in Italy: Top Italian Shoes
7. Finché c’è vita c’è speranza
Translation and Meaning: As long as there is life, there is hope. Italians use this idiomatic expression to manifest hope.
Example:
| Audio | Italian | English |
|---|---|---|
|
Non ti arrendere, finché c’è vita c’è speranza. | Don’t give up. There’s still hope. |
8. Fischiare le orecchie
Translation and Meaning: Whistling the ears. In Italian jokes and humor, this amusing expression suggests someone is gossiping about you.
Example:
| Audio | Italian | English |
|---|---|---|
|
Ieri mi sono fischiate le orecchie. Stavate parlando di me? | Yesterday my ears were whistling. Were you talking about me? |
9. Gettare la spugna
Translation and Meaning: Throwing the sponge. This expression is the equivalent of the English “throwing the towel”. The meaning is “to surrender.”
Example:
| Audio | Italian | English |
|---|---|---|
|
Alla fine ha gettato la spugna. | In the end, he threw the towel. |
10. Non vedo l’ora
Translation and Meaning: I don’t see the hour. It’s used to express excitement and anticipation for something that’s going to happen soon
Example:
| Audio | Italian | English |
|---|---|---|
|
Non vedo l’ora di andare in vacanza! | I can’t wait to go on vacation! |
Further Reading:
- 35 Funny Italian Words: Must-Know Slang and Phrases.
- Unlock The Key To Saying Please In Italian: Here’s How.
- 10 Traditional Foods That Capture The Flavor Of Italian Cuisine.
