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Italian is a language rich in idiomatic expressions that add color and nuance to communication. Idiomatic expressions are phrases that have a figurative meaning different from their literal meaning, and are often difficult for non-native speakers to understand. This fact sheet aims to present the most well-known Italian idiomatic expressions, their meaning and use, as well as examples to illustrate each expression.

Idiomatic expressions with body parts

Italian idioms are often based on body parts. Here are some examples of common expressions:

1. Avere la testa tra le nuvole (have your head in the clouds) - be distracted or dreamy
   Example: ""Non riesco a concentrarmi, ho la testa tra le nuvole." (I can't concentrate, my head is in the clouds.)
2. Avere le mani in pasta (have your hands in the dough) - to be involved in something, often in the kitchen
   Example: ""Mia madre sta facendo la cena, ha le mani in pasta." (My mother is making dinner, she has her hands in the dough.)
3. Avere un chiodo fisso in testa (to have a nail fixed in the head) - to be obstinate or fixed on an idea
   Example: ""Mio fratello ha un chiodo fisso in testa, non vuole cambiare idea." (My brother is obstinate, he doesn't want to change his mind.)
4. Avere la lingua lunga (to have a long tongue) - to be talkative or indiscreet
   Example: ""Non parlare con lui, ha la lingua lunga." (Don't talk with him, he is talkative.)
5. Avere le orecchie fiammeggianti (to have ears on fire) - to be embarrassed or ashamed
   Example: ""Quando gli ho chiesto di parlare di fronte alla classe, ha avuto le orecchie fiammeggianti."" (When I asked him to speak in front of the class, he was embarrassed.)

Idiomatic expressions with food

Italy is famous for its cuisine, so it's not surprising that many Italian idioms are related to food. Here are some examples:

1. Prendere qualcosa con le pinze (take something with tongs) - to be careful or not want to be involved in something
   Example: ""Non voglio essere coinvolto in questa questione, la prendo con le pinze."" (I don't want to be involved in this matter, I take it with a pinch.)
2. Essere una pizza (to be a pizza) - to be nice or pleasant
   Example: ""Il mio amico è una pizza, è sempre disponibile ad aiutare gli altri."" (My friend is nice, he is always available to help others.)
3. Essere come il prezzemolo (to be like parsley) - to be present everywhere or in every situation
   Example: ""Quel ragazzo è come il prezzemolo, lo vedo ovunque."" (This boy is like parsley, I see him everywhere.)
4. Non essere né carne né pesce (to be neither meat nor fish) - to be undecided or without a clear opinion
   Example: ""Non so cosa scegliere, mi sento come se non fossi né carne né pesce." (I don't know what to choose, I feel indecisive.)
5. Essere una ciliegina sulla torta (to be a cherry on the cake) - to be the highlight or the best aspect of something
   Example: ""La festa era già bellissima, ma la torta era la ciliegina sulla torta." (The party was already beautiful, but the cake was the highlight.)

Expressions with animals

Italian idioms also often use animals to convey concepts or emotions. Here are some examples:

1. Essere una mosca bianca (to be a white fly) - to be rare or unusual
   Example: ""In questa città, trovare un lavoro è come trovare una mosca bianca." (In this city, finding a job is rare.)
2. Avere una memoria da elefante (to have a memory of an elephant) - to have an exceptional memory
   Example: ""Mia nonna ha una memoria da elefante, si ricorda di tutto."" (My grandmother has an exceptional memory, she remembers everything.)
3. Avere le mani in pasta (have your hands in the dough) - to be involved in something, often in the kitchen
   Example: ""Mia madre sta facendo la cena, ha le mani in pasta." (My mother is making dinner, she has her hands in the dough.)
4. Avere la testa dura come un mulo (to have a hard head like a mule) - to be stubborn or obstinate
   Example: ""Mio padre ha la testa dura come un mulo, non vuole mai ammettere di avere torto." (My father is stubborn, he never wants to admit he is wrong.)
5. Fare il topo (do mouse) - play hide and seek or avoidance
   Example: ""I bambini giocano a fare il topo, si nascondono e cercano di non farsi trovare."" (The children play mouse, they hide and try not to be found.)

Expressions with colors

Colors are also used in Italian idioms to convey emotions or ideas. Here are some examples:

1. Essere al verde (to be green) - to be short of money
   Example: ""Dopo le vacanze, sono al verde." (After the vacations, I am short of money.)
2. Essere giallo dalla paura (to be yellow with fear) - to be very afraid
   Example: ""Quando ho visto il serpente, sono diventato giallo dalla paura."" (When I saw the snake, I was very afraid.)
3. Essere nero di rabbia (to be black with anger) - to be very angry
   Example: ""Quando ha visto che il suo lavoro era stato distrutto, è diventato nero di rabbia." (When he saw that his work had been destroyed, he became very angry.)
4. Essere rosso come un gambero (to be red like a shrimp) - to be very embarrassed or ashamed
   Example: ""Quando ho sbagliato la risposta alla domanda, sono diventato rosso come un gambero."" (When I gave the wrong answer to the question, I was very embarrassed.)
5. Essere bianco come un lenzuolo (to be white as a sheet) - to be very pale or afraid
   Example: ""Quando ha visto l'incidente, è diventato bianco come un lenzuolo."" (When he saw the accident, he became very pale.)

Conclusion

Italian idioms add color and nuance to the language, but can be difficult for non-native speakers to understand. By learning the idioms presented in this worksheet, you can improve your ability to communicate effectively in Italian. Knowing these expressions will also give you a better understanding of Italian culture and traditions. Feel free to use these expressions in your conversations to add personality to your communication.

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