The Italian language has several very curious expressions to point out concepts or ideas. These expressions are very difficult to translate and even to understand, especially if you’re a foreigner, although they are widely used in the common Italian language. Today we will analyze some of them:
1. Sei uno schianto, literally “You’re a crash”: this expression refers to the beauty of a person. When an Italian wants to compliment someone of good looks, he often uses this expression.
2. Non fare complimenti, literally “Do not make compliments”: this expression is very common in Italy and it refers to a situation in which one person wishes that the other does not hesitate to enjoy a service or courtesy offered. People can often have problems accepting favors, food, services offered; with this expression the interlocutor wants the other person to feel at ease and enjoy the kindness proposed.
3. Siamo tutti dottori, literally “We are all doctors”: this expression is ironic. Usually, it is used when you want to make fun of someone who claims to be an expert on a topic when he actually doesn’t know much about it. It is obviously a colloquial expression and is used in informal contexts.
4. A buon rendere, literally “To make good”: this expression is used when someone accepts a favor with the purpose of return it as soon as possible.
5. A go go, there is no literal translation for this expression! Italians spend this way of saying to point out the plenty of something, of an emotion or a situation. It is used in informal contexts.
6. A occhio e croce, literally “By eye and cross”: it refers to a hasty and approximate evaluation. It is very common for Italians to recur to this expression when someone wants to express his opinion about something without being sure.
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