What are the 100 most commonly used Italian idioms

When you learn Italian, you quickly realise that knowing grammar and verbs is not enough. Suddenly, Italian idioms such as “acqua in bocca” pop up, and you’re left wondering what on earth they mean! What do they really mean? And why do Italians use them so often?

In this guide, you’ll discover the most common Italian idiomatic expressions, with clear examples and simple explanations. They’ll help you understand who you’re talking to better, sound more natural when you respond, and even have a few laughs.

What are idiomatic expressions?

Idiomatic expressions are set phrases, ways of saying things that, taken literally, don’t make much sense but that we use every day to express concepts in a more colourful, direct or ironic way.

In practice, they are expressions that don’t mean exactly what the individual words say.

For example, if we say “prendere due piccioni con una fava” (to catch two pigeons with one broad bean), we are just saying that we have achieved two results with a single action.

They are a lively and fascinating part of language because they tell us how people from a particular culture think, speak and live. And in Italian, we have lots of them!

Why do we use Italian idioms so much without even realising it?

Simply because they come naturally to us. From an early age, we hear our parents, grandparents, teachers and friends using them, and we learn them by imitation, almost without realising it.

What’s more, Italian idioms make the language richer, more expressive and more fun. Saying “ho la luna storta” (I’ve got the moon in the wrong place) is much more effective than “oggi sono un po’ di malumore’ (I’m a bit out of sorts today), isn’t it? Or saying “me l’ha fatta sotto il naso” (he did it right under my nose) immediately conveys the idea that someone has cheated you.

We often use them precisely because there is no alternative that is as effective or immediate.

The 100 most used and loved Italian idiomatic expressions

Here are the 100 most used and loved Italian idiomatic expressions, with a simple explanation:

1. Avere le mani bucate – To spend money easily, without thinking too much.
2. Andare a gonfie vele – When something is going really well.
3. Essere al settimo cielo – To be extremely happy.
4. Prendere due piccioni con una fava – To solve two problems with one action.
5. Avere un chiodo fisso – To keep thinking about the same thing.
6. Essere una testa calda – To be impulsive or quick to anger.
7. Essere in alto mare – To be far from finishing something.
8. Non vedere l’ora – To be really excited for something to happen.
9. Acqua in bocca! – Don’t say anything, it’s a secret!
10. Fare il passo più lungo della gamba – To overdo something or act beyond your means.
11. Avere la testa fra le nuvole – To be distracted or daydreaming.
12. Mettere il carro davanti ai buoi – To do things in the wrong order.
13. Avere la botte piena e la moglie ubriaca – To want it all, even contradictory things.
14. Piantare in asso – To suddenly abandon someone.
15. Essere alla frutta – To be exhausted or at the end of something.
16. Rompere il ghiaccio – To start talking or act to break an awkward silence.
17. Fare il finto tonto – To pretend not to understand or know something.
18. Andare a ruba – Something that sells out or disappears fast.
19. Chi dorme non piglia pesci – You have to act to get what you want.
20. Avere un diavolo per capello – To be extremely angry.
21. Avere la luna storta – To be in a bad mood.
22. Essere sulle spine – To feel very anxious.
23. Dare i numeri – To talk nonsense or act confused.
24. Mandare a quel paese – To tell someone to get lost (not very politely).
25. Cadere dalle nuvole – To be totally surprised.
26. Fare orecchie da mercante – To pretend not to hear.
27. Essere in gamba – To be smart or capable.
28. Restare a bocca aperta – To be amazed or shocked.
29. Non avere peli sulla lingua – To say exactly what you think.
30. Campa cavallo – It will take forever (maybe never happen).
31. Tenere il piede in due scarpe – To avoid choosing a side.
32. Chiudere un occhio – To overlook a mistake.
33. Tagliare la testa al toro – To make a final, decisive choice.
34. Avere un nodo alla gola – To be so emotional you can’t speak.
35. Avere il cuore in gola – To feel very nervous or scared.
36. Sudare sette camicie – To work extremely hard.
37. Gettare la spugna – To give up.
38. Rimanere di sasso – To be speechless from shock.
39. Dare del filo da torcere – To be a tough challenge for someone.
40. Piove sul bagnato – When an already bad situation gets worse.
41. Essere al verde – To be broke.
42. Fare il gioco di qualcuno – To help someone’s plan, maybe unknowingly.
43. Essere tutto fumo e niente arrosto – All talk and no substance.
44. Non sapere che pesci prendere – Not knowing what to do in a tough spot.
45. Far venire l’acquolina in bocca – To make someone really crave something.
46. Essere l’anima della festa – To be the life of the party.
47. Fare quattro salti – To go dancing.
48. Mettere una pulce nell’orecchio – To plant a doubt or suspicion.
49. Essere come il prezzemolo – To be everywhere!
50. Non stare né in cielo né in terra – Something absurd or unbelievable.
51. Avere il dente avvelenato – To hold a grudge.
52. Fare la gatta morta – To act innocent to get what you want.
53. Parlare come un libro stampato – To speak very formally or perfectly.
54. Avere la coda di paglia – To feel guilty even if no one accused you.
55. Mettere le mani avanti – To make excuses in advance.
56. Essere un osso duro – To be a tough nut to crack.
57. Attaccare bottone – To start chatting (even randomly).
58. Non cavare un ragno dal buco – To fail completely.
59. Essere una mosca bianca – To be very rare or unique.
60. Cercare il pelo nell’uovo – To nitpick.
61. Saltare di palo in frasca – To keep changing topic.
62. Fare una figura barbina – To make a fool of yourself.
63. Dare il colpo di grazia – To deliver the final blow.
64. Essere un libro aperto – To be transparent and easy to read.
65. Non avere né arte né parte – To have no skills or role.
66. Essere una buona forchetta – To love eating well and a lot.
67. Andare a letto con le galline – To go to bed very early.
68. Avere la faccia tosta – To be bold… or shameless.
69. Fare castelli in aria – To dream of impossible things.
70. Togliersi un peso dal cuore – To get something off your chest.
71. Non avere testa – To be forgetful or unreliable.
72. Fare una testa così – To talk too much and too long.
73. Restare con un palmo di naso – To be disappointed.
74. Battere il ferro finché è caldo – To strike while the iron is hot.
75. Tirare la cinghia – To live on a tight budget.
76. Non sapere dove sbattere la testa – To feel lost, without solutions.
77. Non avere né capo né coda – To be confusing or messy.
78. Andare in fumo – To fail, to disappear.
79. Stare con le mani in mano – To do nothing.
80. Essere in cattive acque – To be in trouble.
81. Prendere qualcosa per oro colato – To believe something blindly.
82. Tenere d’occhio – To keep a close watch.
83. Avere il pollice verde – To be good with plants.
84. Fare una scenata – To overreact, often in public.
85. Essere una cima – To be super smart.
86. Stare con il fiato sospeso – To be on edge, anxiously waiting.
87. Parlare a vanvera – To talk nonsense.
88. Essere sulle nuvole – To be distracted.
89. Fare una piega – To be flawless (especially clothes).
90. Essere in vena – To be in the mood or inspired.
91. Mettere in riga – To bring someone into line.
92. Avere una marcia in più – To have that extra edge.
93. Avere il sangue blu – To be of noble descent.
94. Dare carta bianca – To give someone full freedom.
95. Avere la pelle d’oca – To get goosebumps from emotion.
96. Avere la testa sulle spalle – To be sensible and grounded.
97. Mettere i bastoni tra le ruote – To sabotage someone.
98. Dire pane al pane e vino al vino – To speak plainly and honestly.
99. Trovare pane per i propri denti – To meet your match.
100. Essere tutto un programma – A situation that already tells you a lot.

But where do all these expressions come from?

Many idiomatic expressions have ancient origins, even medieval or Latin. Some come from peasant proverbs, others from everyday life in the past when, for example, “alzare i tacchi” meant to leave wearing elegant shoes, typical of theatres.

Others arise from historical events or famous people, and some come directly from local dialects. For example, expressions such as “piantare in asso” (to leave someone suddenly) come from mythological or literary episodes.

Every idiom has a story behind it, some funny, some surprising. Knowing them also helps us to better understand Italian culture.

Practical tips for learning and using Italian idiomatic expressions

Above all, have fun. Learning idioms is like collecting little pieces of culture, and it will make you sound more fluent and natural:

1. Listen to how Italians speak: films, TV series, YouTube videos and podcasts are gold mines.
2. Don’t try to translate them word for word: it often doesn’t work. It’s better to look for the general meaning.
3. Use them in informal contexts: with friends, in chats, in social media comments. It will come naturally.
4. Learn a few at a time: choose 5 per week and try to use them.
5. Ask for explanations: if you hear an expression you don’t understand, ask! Often, the person who explains it to you will also tell you an anecdote.

Be careful not to translate idiomatic expressions literally

If you translate “avere le mani bucate” into English as “to have holes in one’s hands”, be prepared for a confused response!

Every language has its own idioms and metaphors. That’s why idiomatic expressions need to be understood as a whole, not translated word for word.

It’s better to say “he’s a big spender” or “money burns a hole in his pocket” to get the idea across. But that’s the beauty of it: every language opens a door to a different way of thinking and communicating.

Which is your favourite? Try using them

You’ve read lots of Italian idiomatic expressions, some curious, some funny, all useful for speaking like a true Italian.

Now it’s your turn! Choose the one you liked best and try writing a sentence of your own. It’s a great way to remember it better and start using it when you speak Italian.

Play with words and make Italian idioms your own

Idiomatic expressions are deeply rooted in Italian culture, a bridge between the past and the present that gives strength and colour to every conversation.

Understanding and using them with ease opens up a whole world of nuances, irony and emotions. They often contain vivid images, such as “mettere troppa carne al fuoco” (putting too much meat on the fire) or “cadere dalla padella nella brace” (falling from the frying pan into the fire), and give life to meanings that go far beyond the literal.

Learning them is never a waste of time; on the contrary, it is an opportunity to take your knowledge of the language to the next level. It helps you understand authentic content, from films to podcasts, books to bar chats, and to fit in better in real-life contexts. It’s a bit like rolling up your sleeves: it takes effort, but the value you get out of it is immense.

Sometimes just hearing an expression is enough to recognise its ancient origin, perhaps linked to cuisine, religion or work. Other times, the meaning is completely different from what you imagine. And that’s where the magic lies: languages evolve, they travel through time, and every language has a specific purpose. Even when it seems the opposite.

That’s why it’s worth diving into this whirlwind of words, images and meanings. There is nothing better than experiencing a language in all its facets, putting it to the test and giving it a place in your life.

Do you really want to do it? Then join us!

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