Now That’s a Funny Expression

In today’s Free Basic Italian lesson, we’ll cover some popular English expressions and give their Italian counterpart. Know some we didn’t cover today? Leave them in the comments! 

Don’t judge a book by its cover – l’abito non fa il monaco 

This phrase means “the clothes don’t make the monk,” and while it sounds more like the English “clothes don’t make the man,” it’s really more about not judging things by appearances and translates better to our use of don’t judge a book by its cover. 

Once in a blue moon – ogni morte di papa 

Describes a rare event…. something that occurs as often as a pope dies.

Every man for himself – si salva chi puo

Literally – let him who can save himself

You’re splitting hairs – Stai cercando il pelo nell’uovo

To do something fruitless or criticize for no reason – you’re looking for hair in the egg

Thank goodness! – Meno Male!

This literally means less bad but is used as English speakers use thank goodness. You aced the exam you didn’t study for? Meno Male! The bus finally came? Meno Male!

You’ve got to be kidding me – Ma, che sei grullo

You’re ordering a cappuccino after 11:00? Ma, che sei grullo? (What kind of an idiot are you? You’re a fool!)

To have your cake and eat it too – Avere la botte piena e la moglie ubriaca 

Have a full wineskin and a drunk wife. Charming, huh?

All beauty no brains – Bella ma non balla

literally – s/he’s pretty but can’t dance

There are other fish in the sea – Morto un papa, se ne fa un’altro

When a pope dies, they make another one.

To burn the midnight oil – fare le ore piccole 

To make the little hours

To be a moocher, tightwad, or cheapskate – Avere le braccine corte

To have short arms. Arms so short, you can’t reach your wallet to pay.

——

That’s all for today’s lesson. Our amazon deal of the day is a Moka stovetop coffee maker. Drink coffee like a real Italian 🙂 ! Click below on the blue text to order with free shipping for Prime members.

Bialetti 6800 Moka Express 6-Cup Stovetop Espresso Maker