Italian Language Stack Exchange
Italian Language Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [idioms]

An idiom is a sequence of words established by usage as conveying a meaning not directly deducible from its components

An idiom is a sequence of words established by usage as conveying a meaning not immediately deducible from those of the individual words. Idioms may refer to proverbs, as well as to figurative expressions.

There are several lists of Italian idioms on the Internet, including

http://dizionari.corriere.it/dizionario-modi-di-dire/

http://it.wikiquote.org/wiki/Proverbi_italiani.

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Perché si dice 'fare alla romana'?

Fare alla romana, riferito alla divisione di un conto da pagare (in genere del ristorante), significa dividere in parti uguali. Che origine ha questo modo di dire? È un'espressione usata sia al nord che al sud o ha una connotazione geografica?
user519
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Origin of the expression 'a tutta birra'

What is the origin of the Italian expression 'a tutta birra' meaning 'at full speed'? Is it really related to beer?
user519
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Why are ticket offenders called "portoghesi"?

In a number of press articles, people who abuse the public transport service by not buying a ticket are normally called "portoghesi" (Portugueses). What is the origin of that expression? Isn't it offensive against the inhabitants of Portugal who…
usr-local-ΕΨΗΕΛΩΝ
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Why do you say "schiacciare un pisolino"?

In a blog on Italian language to which I subscribe the writer used the idiom "schiacciare un pisolino". I love to know how language comes about and am very curious to know why one would squash a little nap. Does anyone know the origin of this term?
Jim's Mum
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Espressione "potenti mezzi"

Spesso mi capita di sentire, leggere o utilizzare l'espressione "I potenti mezzi...", quasi sempre come incipit ironico e sarcastico. Ma da dove deriva? È un riferimento a qualche frase famosa o è solo una consuetudine senza una particolare origine?
Fabio Filippi
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Meaning of “segnare la misura”

Does anybody know the meaning of the idiom “segnare la misura” (apart from its literal meaning)? I find it in a 1943 text about primary school curricula: «Si sconsiglia di attardarsi nel procedimento slegato degli insegnamenti artistici ..., dei…
DaG
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Different ways to express a misunderstanding

A common saying to express a misunderstanding in Italian is: Prendere fischi per fiaschi. What are other expressions or sayings that can be used to convey the same concept?
user519
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Cosa significa 'fare la punta agli aghi'?

I simply want to know what the idiom 'fare la punta agli aghi' actually means....if you can help me. I've been searching but can't find it anywhere.
Caterina
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Ways of paying the bill at a restaurant

What other ways are there other than "alla romana" (where the bill is split into equal parts and everyone pays one part) are there of paying at a restaurant in Italy? My question is about "modi di dire" and idiomatic expressions. For instance,…
Jack Maddington
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Perché si dice “avere la meglio”?

Qualcuno sa dire – fonti alla mano – perché si dice “avere la meglio” (per dire “riuscire superiore” etc.)? Cioè, da dove viene questa formulazione che alla lettera rasenta la scorrettezza?
DaG
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Idiom for “putting your cards on the table”

I am looking for a good idiom for the idea of being openly transparent with someone and being clear and straightforward, as in the English expression “putting all your cards on the table.” I found “metti le carte in tavola,” but I am looking for…
Kevin Miller
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In Italian, do you say "non andiamo d’accordo" figuratively when you are hopelessly bad at something?

Io e la cucina non andiamo d’accordo su niente. I mean, as if I and someone else {person} don't agree with each other? In French, we say "la cuisine et moi, ça fait deux" with the meaning of "io e la cucina facciamo due". Is this phrase "non…
Con-gras-tue-les-chiens
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Locuzione "mi piace da matti"

Ho letto la frase "[cosa] mi piace da matti". È probabilmente una espressione per dire "mi piace moltissimo". Ma non capisco perché "matti" è al plurale. È soltanto idiomatico o c'è una ragione? qui, "matti" è sostantivo o aggettivo? Ci sono altre…
Jan Berkel
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Appropriate expression (vulgar or not) to express serious shock/surprise/suddenly-perceived danger?

I'm seeking contextually-appropriate expressions for shocked surprise, even better would be seriously shocked/scared surprise. Vulgar is fine, For context, this query is for dialog for a character in a novel.) A literal translation of, "Oh, shit!"…
Catalyst
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Meaning of "scuglionari a pedate"

Presumably Sicilian. I came across this in Camilleri L'altro capo del filo, but can't find any translation. The context is a cop talking about a group of suspects they have just arrested for a vicious rape. He says «Dottore, aio 'na gana…
Tom Gewecke
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