If you’ve ever tried to describe someone as beautiful in English, you might opt for phrases like natural beauty or fresh-faced. But in Italian, they take a much more literal – and, dare I say, charming – approach. Enter the idiomatic expression acqua e sapone, which translates as water and soap. Yes, you read that …
There are many things we hope to avoid in life – feeling stressati (stressed), being ammalati (unwell), and experiencing infelicità (unhappiness) – but one situation that can lead to all of these is finding oneself al verde, completely broke and without a penny. essere al verde to be broke The literal translation is “to be …
Essere in vena is a very common Italian expression used when you feel inspired to experience or tackle something, or when you feel in the mood to do something. If you are in vena, you are in the best possible frame of mind and body to take on a specific task. essere in vena to …
What do you do when something annoys or discourages you to the point of feeling completely drained? You probably let your arms fall to your sides like dead weight, right? That’s exactly the image behind the Italian expression far cadere le braccia – literally “to make your arms drop,” used when something is so frustrating …
I often joke with my son about the sheer quantity of stuffed animals he’s accumulated over the years – some inherited from my own rather abundant collection, others given to him as presents. If I were to count them all, I’m pretty sure I’d still be here in an hour’s time! An expression that perfectly …
When you’re faced with a seemingly insurmountable task or challenge, it’s easy to want to throw your hands up and walk away. And yes, sometimes it really is best to let certain things go. But if you genuinely want to succeed, remember: non darti per vinto – don’t give up! darsi per vinto to give …