Idiomatic Expressions (Espressione Idiomatiche)

Question 1

Lavarsene le mani

Answer 1

to wash your hands of something

Question 2

Meglio tardi che mai

Answer 2

It is better late than never

Question 3

È inutile piangere sul latte versato

Answer 3

It is pointless to cry over spilled milk

Question 4

Avere un chiodo fisso

Answer 4

to have a fixation (to fixate on an idea)

Question 5

Avere la testa fra le nuvole.

Answer 5

to have your head in the clouds

Question 6

Avere paura della propria ombra.

Answer 6

to fear one’s own shadow

Question 7

Dormire sugli allori

Answer 7

to rest on one’s laurels

Question 8

Fare orecchie da mercante

Answer 8

to not Listen!

Question 9

Essere un libro aperto per qualcuno.


Answer 9

to be an open book

Question 10

Cercare un ago in un pagliaio

Answer 10

to look for a needle in a haystack

Question 11

Trovare il pelo nell’uovo

Answer 11

to find the hair of an egg (to look for any excuse)

Question 12

Alzarsi con il piede sinistro.

Answer 12

to be in a bad mood, also to incur a series of mishaps..

Question 13

Avere un diavolo per capello.

Answer 13

to be particularly nervous

Question 14

Gettare la spugna

Answer 14

to throw in the towel. to give up

Question 15

Conoscere qualcosa o qualcuno come le proprie tasche.

Answer 15

knowing something inside and out

Question 16

Non promettere mari e monti.

Answer 16

don’t promise mountains and seas (something you can’t give)

Question 17

Mettere qualcuno in riga

Answer 17

to impose discipline on someone

Question 18

Non tutte le ciambelle escono col buco.

Answer 18

“Not all cakes come with a hole”. Things do not always succeed as you would like..

Question 19

Fare l’avvocato del diavolo.


Answer 19

to (do) the devil’s advocate

Question 20

Avere l’argento vivo addosso.

Answer 20

Having “quicksilver”. To be very lively and restless.

Question 21

Avere le ali ai piedi.

Answer 21

Have wings on their feet. To run fast

Question 22

Essere pazzo come un cavallo.


: Essere completamente pazzo.

Answer 22

to be crazy like a horse. to be completely crazy!

Question 23

Salvarsi per un pelo.


Answer 23

A narrow escape. Saved at the last minute, just in time.

Question 24

Avere l’aspetto di un cane bastonato.

Answer 24

to look like a beaten dog. Have the appearance of a person who has been abused / harshly criticized.

Question 25

Chi la dura la vince.


Answer 25

it is important to persevere to win and get your objective

Question 26

Natale con i tuoi, Pasqua con chi vuoi.

Answer 26

Christmas with yours, Easter with whoever you want..

Question 27

Mogli e buoi dei paesi tuoi.


Answer 27

“Wives and Oxen from your own”. It is better to marry someone from your area.

Question 28

Meglio soli che mal accompagnati.


Answer 28

It is better to be alone than badly accompanied

Question 29

Meglio tardi che mai.

Answer 29

It is better late than never

Question 30

Trovare l’America.


Answer 30

To find the best person or place

Question 31

Ampliare i propri orizzonti.


Answer 31

to expand horizons

Question 32

Piovere sul bagnato.


Answer 32

Rain on the already wet…: when the rich get richer..

Question 33

Restarci di sasso.


Answer 33

to be amazed

Question 34

Morire dalla voglia di..

Answer 34

to not be able to wait for…

Question 35

Non vedere l’ora.


Answer 35

to not be able to wait

Question 36

andare con i piedi di piombo

Answer 36

being cautious because you have lead feet

Question 37

andare in giro a zonzo (senza una meta)

Answer 37

To walk around without a destination

Question 38

Andare a gonfie vele

Answer 38

to go well

Questa l’estate il business del mio fratello è andato a gonfie vele perché ci sono stati tanti turisti in Liguria.

Question 39

Fare del bene

Answer 39

to do good, to help others

Question 40

Dare retta a qualcuno

Answer 40

to pay attention or listen to someone