In bocca al lupo
- Word for word
Into the wolf's mouth- What it really means
- Good luck!
- In a sentence
- “In bocca al lupo per l'esame!”
- Natural English
- “Break a leg on the exam!” Meaning Match 87
Italian slang translators get wrong
Italian everyday expressions are vivid, and word-for-word translation turns them into riddles. Here is what Italians actually mean.
Non vedo l'ora
- Word for word
I don't see the hour- What it really means
- I can't wait
- In a sentence
- “Non vedo l'ora di vederti!”
- Natural English
- “I can't wait to see you!” Meaning Match 95
Essere al verde
- Word for word
I'm at the green- What it really means
- I'm broke
- In a sentence
- “Sono al verde fino a venerdì.”
- Natural English
- “I'm broke until Friday.” Meaning Match 95
Costare un occhio della testa
- Word for word
Costs an eye of the head- What it really means
- Costs an arm and a leg
- In a sentence
- “Quella borsa costa un occhio della testa.”
- Natural English
- “That bag costs an arm and a leg.” Meaning Match 92
Acqua in bocca
- Word for word
Water in the mouth- What it really means
- Keep it a secret, mum's the word
- In a sentence
- “Acqua in bocca, è una sorpresa per Marco!”
- Natural English
- “Mum's the word, it's a surprise for Marco!” Meaning Match 92
Prendere un granchio
- Word for word
I took a crab- What it really means
- I made a blunder / got it wrong
- In a sentence
- “Scusa, ho preso un granchio: la riunione era domani.”
- Natural English
- “Sorry, I made a mistake: the meeting was tomorrow.” Meaning Match 92
Avere la luna storta
- Word for word
Has the crooked moon- What it really means
- Is in a bad mood
- In a sentence
- “Oggi Marco ha la luna storta, lascialo stare.”
- Natural English
- “Marco's in a bad mood today, leave him alone.” Meaning Match 92
Fuori come un balcone
- Word for word
Out like a balcony- What it really means
- You're totally nuts!
- In a sentence
- “Sei fuori come un balcone!”
- Natural English
- “You're completely nuts!” Meaning Match 90
Why word-for-word translation fails here
Slang and idioms mean something different from their words. Rebotar translates the meaning, catches slang and idioms, and shows a Meaning Match score so you know it's right before you hit send.
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