What does the Italian idiom 'In bocca al lupo' mean?
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Common everyday idiomatic expressions to start understanding and using Italian idioms confidently.
By mastering these idioms, learners will enhance their conversational skills, gain cultural insights, and communicate more naturally in Italian by understanding and using common expressions in daily life.
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| # | Front | Back | Hint |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | What does the Italian idiom 'In bocca al lupo' mean? | It means 'Good luck' or 'Break a leg'. It is used to wish someone success, especially before a challenge or performance. | Think of a wolf's mouth—wishing someone to face challenges bravely. |
| 2 | Translate the idiom 'Piove sul bagnato' into English. | It means 'It rains on the wet' or more idiomatically, 'It’s an additional misfortune for someone already in trouble.' | Imagine rain falling on already wet ground—adding to the wetness. |
| 3 | What does 'Avere le mani in pasta' mean? | It means 'To have a hand in everything' or 'To be involved in many activities or projects.' | Think of having dough or pasta in your hands—being actively involved. |
| 4 | What is the meaning of 'Essere in gamba'? | It means 'To be smart, capable, or quick-witted.' | Gamba means leg—someone who is 'in gamba' is physically and mentally capable. |
| 5 | Translate 'Tenerci con le mani in pasta' into Italian idiom. | Avere le mani in pasta | The literal translation helps recall the idiom’s meaning. |
| 6 | What does the idiom 'Non è acqua' mean? | It means 'It’s not water', used to say 'It’s serious' or 'It’s a big deal.' | Think of something that isn't as simple or harmless as water. |
| 7 | Translate the idiomatic expression 'Fare il passo più lungo della gamba' into English. | To take a step longer than your leg (to bite off more than you can chew). | Imagine trying to take a big step beyond your reach. |
| 8 | What does 'Chi dorme non piglia pesci' mean? | It means 'He who sleeps doesn’t catch fish,' similar to 'You snooze, you lose.' | Encourages being alert to seize opportunities. |
| 9 | Translate 'Mettere i bastoni tra le ruote' into English. | To put sticks in the wheels (to obstruct or hinder someone). | Think of trying to stop a moving wheel by placing sticks in its path. |
| 10 | What is the meaning of 'Avere qualcuno sulle spine'? | To have someone on pins and needles; to be anxious or worried about someone. | Spines = feeling tense or nervous. |
| 11 | Translate 'Prendere due piccioni con una fava' into English. | To kill two birds with one stone. | Think of catching two pigeons with one bean. |
| 12 | What does 'Lavorare con il cuore' mean? | To work with the heart; to work passionately or sincerely. | Heart symbolizes passion and sincerity. |
| 13 | Translate 'Andare in tilt' into Italian idiom. | Andare in tilt (to go out of control or to fail). | Borrowed from English, used in Italian contexts. |
| 14 | What does 'Fare una bella figura' mean? | To make a good impression or look good. | Figure = appearance or impression made. |
| 15 | Translate 'Stare con le mani in mano' into English. | To stand with hands in hand (to do nothing or be idle). | Hands in hands = being inactive. |
| 16 | What does 'Non avere peli sulla lingua' mean? | To not have hairs on your tongue; to speak frankly or bluntly. | Hairs on the tongue = speaking without filters. |
| 17 | Translate 'Mettere il carro davanti ai buoi' into English. | To put the cart before the horse (to do things in the wrong order). | Think of reversing the natural order. |
| 18 | What does 'Avere le ragnatele in testa' mean? | To have cobwebs in your head; to be forgetful or confused. | Cobwebs symbolize mental clutter or forgetfulness. |
| 19 | Translate 'Chi trova un amico, trova un tesoro' into English. | He who finds a friend, finds a treasure. | Cherish true friendship as priceless. |
| 20 | What does 'Andare a gonfie vele' mean? | To go full sail; to go smoothly or successfully. | Vele (sails) full of wind = smooth sailing. |
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