Common Italian Idiomatic Expressions to Know for AP Italian

Understanding common Italian idiomatic expressions is essential for mastering the language. These phrases not only enrich conversations but also reveal cultural insights, making them valuable for AP Italian students. Here are some key expressions to know and use.

1. "In bocca al lupo" (Good luck)

   • Commonly used to wish someone success in a challenging situation.
   • The literal translation is "in the wolf's mouth," symbolizing facing danger.
   • The typical response is "Crepi il lupo" (May the wolf die).

2. "Acqua in bocca" (Keep it secret)

   • Used to ask someone to keep information confidential.
   • Literally means "water in the mouth," suggesting silence.
   • Often used in informal conversations.

3. "Avere le mani in pasta" (To be involved in something)

   • Indicates being actively engaged or involved in a situation or project.
   • Literally translates to "having hands in the dough."
   • Can imply a level of influence or control over the matter.

4. "Non c'è due senza tre" (Good/bad things come in threes)

   • Suggests that events often occur in groups of three.
   • Can be used for both positive and negative situations.
   • Reflects a cultural belief in patterns and cycles.

5. "Fare il ponte" (To take a long weekend)

   • Refers to taking an extra day off to create a long weekend.
   • Commonly used around holidays or special occasions.
   • Literally means "to make the bridge."

6. "Essere al verde" (To be broke)

   • Describes a state of having no money.
   • Literally translates to "to be at green," possibly referring to being in the red financially.
   • Used in both casual and serious contexts.

7. "Costare un occhio della testa" (To be very expensive)

   • Indicates that something is very costly.
   • Literally means "to cost an eye from the head."
   • Often used to express frustration over high prices.

8. "Prendere due piccioni con una fava" (To kill two birds with one stone)

   • Means to achieve two objectives with a single action.
   • Highlights efficiency and resourcefulness.
   • Commonly used in both personal and professional contexts.

9. "Tutto fa brodo" (Everything helps)

   • Suggests that all contributions, no matter how small, are valuable.
   • Literally translates to "everything makes broth."
   • Encourages a positive outlook on efforts and resources.

10. "Fare una figuraccia" (To make a fool of oneself)

    • Refers to embarrassing oneself in public.
    • Literally means "to make a bad figure."
    • Often used in social contexts to describe awkward situations.

11. "Avere la testa fra le nuvole" (To have one's head in the clouds)

    • Describes someone who is daydreaming or not paying attention.
    • Literally translates to "to have one's head among the clouds."
    • Can imply a lack of practicality or focus.

12. "Non avere peli sulla lingua" (To speak one's mind)

    • Indicates someone who is straightforward and honest.
    • Literally means "to not have hair on the tongue."
    • Often used to describe candid or blunt communication.

13. "Essere in gamba" (To be capable/smart)

    • Refers to someone who is competent and intelligent.
    • Literally translates to "to be on leg."
    • Used to praise someone's abilities or skills.

14. "Fare il filo a qualcuno" (To flirt with someone)

    • Describes the act of flirting or showing romantic interest.
    • Literally means "to make thread to someone."
    • Commonly used in social and dating contexts.

15. "Mettere i puntini sulle i" (To dot the i's and cross the t's)

    • Refers to paying attention to details and being thorough.
    • Literally translates to "to put the dots on the i's."
    • Emphasizes the importance of precision in tasks.