6 Italian Idioms Related to Autumn
Idioms are like the secret code of any language. Today, we are going to explore some Italian idioms related to autumn that will make you fall in love with the language even more.
ITALIAN
Crunch Languages
10/21/20233 min čtení
Hey there autumn lovers! 🍂 Are you ready to dive into the world of Italian idioms? Today, we're going to explore some hilarious expressions that Italians use during this cosy season. So grab a cup of hot cocoa, sit back, and let's get started!
First things first, let's talk about idioms. In case you're not familiar with them, idioms are phrases or expressions that have a figurative meaning different from the literal interpretation of the words. They add a touch of colour and humour to everyday conversations, and Italians sure know how to sprinkle them into their language!
1. Piove sempre sul bagnato.
Literal translation: It always rains on the wet.
Meaning: This idiom is used to describe a situation where bad luck seems to follow someone who is already in a difficult or unlucky position.
🌧️ Context:
Marco: Ho perso il lavoro e poi mi sono ammalato.
Giorgio: Mi dispiace, piove sempre sul bagnato!
Translation:
Marco: I've lost my job and then I got sick.
Giorgio: I'm sorry. When it rains, it pours!
2. Mangiare la foglia.
Literal translation: To eat the leaf.
Meaning: This idiom refers to someone who finally understands or catches on to something, especially when they were initially clueless or oblivious.
🍁 Context:
Carla: Penso che il nostro capo voglia licenziare alcuni dipendenti.
Paolo: Io ho mangiato la foglia da un po'. È sempre stato così ambizioso!
Translation:
Carla: I think our boss wants to fire a few employees.
Paolo: I caught on a while ago. He has always been so ambitious!
3. Chiudersi a riccio.
Literal translation: To close oneself up like a hedgehog.
Meaning: This idiom describes someone who becomes defensive or withdraws from social interactions, just like a hedgehog rolls up into a protective ball.
🦔 Context:
Maria: Ho scoperto che Giovanni ha litigato con Marco e si è chiuso a riccio.
Sofia: Sapevi che è il suo modo di reagire quando si sente ferito.
Translation:
Maria: I discovered that Giovanni had a fight with Marco and he clammed up.
Sofia: You know, that's his way of reacting when he feels hurt.
4. Essere una zucca vuota.
Literal translation: To be an empty pumpkin.
Meaning: This idiom is used to describe someone who is ignorant, not very intelligent, or lacks common sense.
🎃 Context:
Giulia: Non è possibile che tu abbia creduto a quella storia! Sei proprio una zucca vuota!
Luca: Scusami, Giulia. Non ci avevo pensato bene.
Translation:
Giulia: It's not possible that you believed this story! You're such an airhead.
Luca: I'm sorry, Giulia. I didn't think about it much.
5. Prendere in castagna.
Literal translation: To get caught in the chestnut tree.
Meaning: This idiom refers to being caught in an embarrassing or compromising situation.
🌰 Context:
Giorgio: Ho visto Lucia prendere soldi dal registratore di cassa quando nessuno guardava.
Marco: Lucia è stata presa in castagna! La sa lunga.
Translation:
Giorgio: I saw Lucia take money from the cash register when no one was looking.
Marco: Lucia got caught red handed! She's hiding something.
6. Togliere le castagne dal fuoco.
Literal translation: To take the chestnuts out of the fire.
Meaning: This idiom means to solve a problem or get someone out of a difficult situation.
🔥 Context:
Giovanni: Mi hanno chiesto di completare un progetto impossibile entro domani!
Antonio: Non preoccuparti, te le tolgo io le castagne dal fuoco.
Translation:
Giovanni: They asked me to complete an impossible project by tomorrow!
Antonio: Don't worry, I'll help you out of this mess.
Now that we've explored these Italian idioms related to autumn, which one caught your attention the most? Do any of these idioms resonate with your experiences or observations in life?
Until next time, keep embracing the cosy vibes of autumn and remember, when life gives you chestnuts, make sure to take them out of the fire! 😉🌰