These idioms are common in all languages, and each is inextricably linked to the language itself and the culture of the country in which it originated. This means that the expressions in Italian are different from the expressions in English. In fact, when one has to translate a colloquial phrase from one language to another, it is nearly impossible to find a literal translation that matches the original meaning. All we can do is find the best explanation.
Having said that, here are some famous Italian expressions that you are sure to hear in everyday conversations with friends and family. enjoy!
fall on the beans
Literal translation: fall like a bean
Meaning in English: Happened at the right time, just when something was needed
beat cash
Literal translation: beat the cash register
Meaning in English: come for money, come for money
bankruptcy
Literal translation: in green
Meaning in English: bankruptcy
empty the bag
Literal translation: empty the sack
Meaning in English: to leaked news
have nerves
Literal translation: have a tough face
Meaning in English: have cheeks/nerves (do something)
have an advantage
Literal translation: There is an extra gear, there is a higher gear
Meaning in English: to be a step ahead, to have a leg up, to have the edge (over someone)
guess
Literal translation: in the eyes and cross
Meaning in English: more or less, roughly, about
open one’s eyes
Literal translation: open one’s eyes
Meaning in English: Open your eyes and realize
combustion stage
Literal translation: burn down the stage
Meaning in English: reach a goal earlier than expected, get somewhere (too) fast, rush to do something
change the cards on the table
Literal translation: Change the cards on the table (in the game)
Meaning in English: abruptly changing the rules
Looking for a needle in a haystack
Literal translation: Looking for a needle in a haystack
Meaning in English: Looking for a needle in a haystack
From the stars to the stables
Literal translation: From the stars to the stables
Meaning in English: From rich to shabby, from positive to negative
give a hard time
Literal translation: give some rope twist
Meaning in English: give someone a hard time and make someone run for their money
sleep between two pillows
Literal translation: sleep between two pillows
Meaning in English: fall asleep easily
in seventh heaven
Literal translation: in seventh heaven
Meaning in English: very happy in seventh heaven
