Detti Italiani – Italian Sayings
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What are popular sayings?
Proverbs are nothing more than sentences containing rules, judgments or advice. They are usually short sentences and can also be called ‘popular sayings’.
These sayings are part of Italian culture and are also used in form of metaphors to explain some life situations in a simple way. The most famous Italian proverbs are handed down in common experience and deal with the most classic themes of life, such as family, wisdom, money and friendship.
They are not necessarily sentences containing an absolute truth, but they often get it right!
Here a some examples of sayings and explanations:
Le bugie hanno le gambe corte – Lies have short legs
Meaning that lies are discovered quickly, they have short legs and cannot go far.
Chiodo schiaccia chiodo – Nail crushes nail
Meaning a new problem overshadows the previous one.
A caval donato non si guarda in bocca – You don’t look at a gift in a horse’s mouth
Meaning we must always accept the gifts that are given to us, without expressing judgment or criticism.
Chi dorme non piglia pesci – Who sleeps doesn’t catch fishes
Meaning that idleness is not productive.
Rosso di sera bel tempo si spera – Red in the evening hopefully good weather
Meaning when the sky takes red reflections in the evening, it is likely that the next day will be a beautiful day.
Il lupo perde il pelo ma non il vizio – The wolf loses its fur but not its vices
Meaning it is very difficult to break bad habits.
Can che abbaia non morde – Dog that barks doesn’t bite
Meaning poeple who make lots of threats are often not that dangerous after all.
Mettere la pulce nell’orecchio – Putting the flea in the ear
Meaning to stimulate an idea or a doubt in someone.
