“In bocca al lupo”
This phrase means “into the mouth of the wolf” and is used as a way of wishing someone good luck, so the equivalent to “break a leg” in the acting world. It is said to have origins in the Latin phrase, ‘ad laborem’ or ‘to the work’ and is a way of wishing someone strength and courage to complete a task.
The traditional response to “In bocca al lupo” is “Crepi il lupo!” which literally means “May the wolf die!” But as most animal lovers do, Rina and I always reply “Viva il lupo!” – “May the wolf live!”
“Avere la botte piena piena e la moglie ubriaca”
Avere la botte piena e la moglie ubriaca is an Italian expression meaning “to have both a full barrel (of wine) and a drunk wife”. It is used to express the idea that someone is trying to have the advantages of two situations but without the consequences of either. The equivalent phrase in English is “to have your cake and eat it too”.
“Prendere un granchio”
Literally translated to “take a crab”, this is a popular expression used to indicate that someone has made a mistake or done something wrong. The phrase is thought to have originated in Venice, where fishermen would have to be careful not to get their hands caught in the crab traps.
“Non avere peli sulla lingua”
Meaning “to not have hair on the tongue”, this expression is used to describe someone who is honest and speaks their mind without any filter. Its origins are uncertain.
“Essere preso in giro”
This phrase literally translates to “be taken for a ride” and is used to describe someone who is being teased or made fun of. It is thought to have originated from the Italian practice of teasing those who had been taken for a ride on a donkey, as a way of making fun of them.
Despite modernizing his methods, Vincenzino was nonetheless determined to preserve the age-old traditions of his ancestors. The grapes are still pressed with his feet, and the fermentation process still relied solely on the use of natural yeasts. “I think it is essential to keep the old traditions alive,” said Vincenzino.
I was “taking you for a ride” (vi stavo prendendo in giro) with my last article. Great wines aren’t pressed by foot…..that’s I Love Lucy stuff!
“Mangiare la foglia”
This phrase literally means “to eat the leaf” and is used to describe someone who has realized something. It is thought to have its origins in the Italian custom of using olive leaves to communicate secret messages.
The leaves were used to pass information between people without being detected by the authorities. They were plucked from the tree and written on with a stylus, and then delivered to the intended recipient.
The Romans used the phrase “mangiare la foglia” to describe someone who had been able to decode the hidden meaning of the message.
“Darsi la zappa sui piedi”
This phrase literally translates to “strike oneself on the foot with the hoe.” Dating back to the Roman Empire, is used to express the idea of making a mistake that causes harm or damage to oneself. It is comparable to the English phrase “to shoot oneself in the foot,” and has come to be used as a warning to those whose actions could prove to be counterproductive or damaging to their own interests. It is often used as a humorous way of reminding someone to think before they act, or to be careful not to do something they might later regret.
Do YOU have a favorite Italian phrase that you heard or used growing up and want to know more about it? Please comment!
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