In every language we find the so-called 'idiomatic expressions', which are sentences characteristic for their expressiveness; they are difficult to translate literally or rationally.
Here is a small list of commonly used idiomatic expressions:
Avere la stoffa del campione |
To have what it takes to be a champion |
Averne fin sopra i capelli |
To be fed up with something or someone |
Dai! |
Come on! |
Dare un colpo di telefono |
To telephone |
Dare per scontato |
To take for granted |
Darsi del tu |
To speak to each other informally |
Fare il bagno |
To take a bath |
Fare benzina |
To get gasoline |
Fare colazione |
To have breakfast |
Fare due passi |
To take a walk |
Fare la doccia |
To take a shower |
Fare una foto |
To take a photograph |
Fare quattro chiacchiere |
To chat |
Fare un salto |
To drop by someone or somewhere |
Farsi un nome |
To become well known |
Farsi in quattro |
To work very hard |
Essere a secco |
To be out of money or gasoline |
Essere giù di morale |
To feel down |
Essere in piena forma |
To feel great; be in great shape |
Essere fuori di sé |
To be angry |
Essere fuori di testa |
To be out of control; nut |
Essere tagliato per un lavoro |
To be cut for the job |
In bocca al lupo |
Good luck; break your leg |
Lasciare stare; |
To give up |
Mettersi in proprio |
To set up on one's own |
Mi prendono i cinque minuti |
I become furious, enraged |
Non mi fa né caldo né freddo |
It doesn't make any difference for me |
Non mollare |
Don't give up |
Osso duro |
Tough cookie |
Passarsela bene |
To have a good period in life |
Prendere in giro |
To pull one's leg |
Tenere duro |
To hold on, don't give up |
Un tipo in gamba |
A smart, capable person |
A chi tocca? Tocca a noi. |
Whose turn is it? It's our turn. |
Vecchia roccia |
Good, old, strong person/ friend |