If you find Sardinia's animal-shaped rocks fascinating, wait until you discover how many Italian expressions about animals exist!
We are here to showcase you 5 of our favorite fun and curious Italian expressions about animals.
In bocca al lupo!
This is by far the most common Italian expression involving an animal! “In bocca al lupo!” literally means “in the mouth of the wolf!“, but is it used as a way to say… “good luck!“. It's commonly used before exams, performances, or any challenging situation where luck is needed. The proper response to this phrase is “crepi il lupo!” (“may the wolf die!“).
Here's an example:
РStasera non posso uscire, perch̩ domani ho un esame! (I can't go out tonight, I have an exam tomorrow!)
– Oh, mi dispiace. In bocca al lupo! (Oh, sorry about that. Good luck!)
– Crepi il lupo! (Thanks!)
Fa un freddo cane
Literally translated as “It's dog cold“, this expression vividly describes extremely cold weather conditions. It captures the intensity of the chill in a humorous way. If you visit Italy during the coldest winter months, you'll probably hear locals use this expression quite often!
Here's an example:
– Vuoi venire a fare una passeggiata con me? (Would you like to go for a walk with me?)
– No, sei pazzo? Fa un freddo cane! (No, are you crazy? It's dog cold!)
Essere a cavallo
This expression literally means “to be on a horse“… but it has nothing to do with actually riding a horse! It is an expression used to indicate being on top of a situation, in a favourable position, with everything going well.
Here's an example:
– Siamo quasi pronti per la riunione di domani: io ho preparato la presentazione, e Giorgia ha analizzato i dati. (We are almost ready for tomorrow's meeting: I prepared the presentation, and Giorgia analysed the data.)
– Perfetto, siamo a cavallo! (Perfect, we are in a very good spot!)
Fare la civetta
This expression literally means “to behave as a little owl“. It's often used to describe someone, especially a woman, who enjoys flirting and behaving flirtatiously. This expression alludes to the behaviour of an owl, known for its seductive and mysterious nature.
Here's an example:
РCom'̬ andata in discoteca? (How did it go at the night club?)
– È stato divertente! Giulia ha fatto la civetta con tutti i ragazzi! (It was fun! Giulia has been flirting with all the boys!)
Essere un topo di biblioteca
This expression literally means “to be a library mouse“, and it refers to someone who loves reading and spends a lot of time with books, much like the English expression “to be a bookworm“. It's the perfect expression to describe your avid reader friend who enjoys spending time immersed in literature!
Here's an example:
– Sai se Luca viene alla festa? (Do you know if Luca will come to the party?)
– No, vuole restare a casa a leggere… è proprio un topo di biblioteca! (No, he wants to stay home to read… he's really a bookworm!)
So… which of these expressions is your favorite?