Colors Idioms
Italian idioms using colors — 200 expressions
A2 — Elementary
Essere al verde
"To be at the green"
To have no money at all. One of the most common Italian expressions for being out of funds.
"Non posso venire al ristorante, sono al verde questa settimana."
"I can't come to the restaurant, I'm broke this week."
Diventare rosso di rabbia
"To become red with rage"
To become visibly furious. Describes the physical flush of extreme anger.
"Quando ha sentito la notizia, è diventato rosso di rabbia."
"When he heard the news, he turned red with anger."
Passare col rosso
"To pass with the red"
To drive through a red traffic light. Very common in everyday Italian speech.
"Ha preso la multa perché è passato col rosso."
"He got a fine because he ran a red light."
Mangiare in bianco
"To eat in white"
To eat simple, unseasoned food, usually because of a stomach problem or illness.
"Ho mal di stomaco, mangio in bianco per qualche giorno."
"I have a stomachache, I'll eat bland food for a few days."
Gli Azzurri
"The Blue Ones"
The collective nickname for any Italian national sports team, especially football.
"Gli Azzurri hanno vinto il campionato del mondo nel 2006."
"The Blues won the World Cup in 2006."
Carne bianca
"White meat"
Lighter meats such as chicken, turkey, or fish, considered healthier than red meat.
"Il medico mi ha consigliato di mangiare solo carni bianche."
"The doctor advised me to eat only white meat."
Una giornata grigia
"A grey day"
A dull, overcast day with no sunshine. Also used figuratively for a sad, unproductive day.
"È stata una giornata grigia e senza voglia di fare niente."
"It was a grey day and I had no motivation to do anything."
Carne rossa
"Red meat"
Meat such as beef, pork, or lamb, as opposed to lighter white meats.
"Il medico gli ha consigliato di ridurre la carne rossa."
"The doctor advised him to reduce his red meat intake."
Venerdì nero
"Black Friday"
The day after Thanksgiving in the US, now a global shopping event with heavy discounts.
"Ho aspettato il venerdì nero per comprare il televisore."
"I waited for Black Friday to buy the television."
Azzurro cielo
"Sky blue"
A light, clear blue colour like a cloudless summer sky.
"Dipinse il soffitto di azzurro cielo."
"He painted the ceiling sky blue."
Vestirsi di nero
"To dress in black"
To wear black clothing, traditionally associated with mourning in Italian culture.
"Dopo la morte del marito si è vestita di nero per anni."
"After her husband's death she dressed in black for years."
Tempo grigio
"Grey weather"
Dull, cloudy weather with no sunshine. A very common everyday expression.
"In novembre a Milano il tempo è sempre grigio."
"In November in Milan the weather is always grey."
Vino rosso
"Red wine"
Wine made from dark grapes. An essential part of Italian culture and cuisine.
"Il vino rosso si abbina bene alla carne."
"Red wine pairs well with meat."
Vino bianco
"White wine"
Wine made from green or yellow grapes. Popular with fish and seafood.
"Il vino bianco si abbina perfettamente al pesce."
"White wine pairs perfectly with fish."
Vino rosé
"Pink wine"
A light pink wine made from red grapes with minimal skin contact. Popular in summer.
"In estate preferisco bere un rosé fresco."
"In summer I prefer to drink a fresh rosé."
Bianco come la neve
"White like the snow"
Perfectly pure white. Also used figuratively to describe innocence or purity.
"I capelli della nonna erano bianchi come la neve."
"My grandmother's hair was white as snow."
B1 — Intermediate
Vedere tutto rosa
"To see everything pink"
Used to describe someone who is unrealistically optimistic or naive about life.
"Da giovane vedevo tutto rosa, ora sono più realista."
"When I was young I saw everything through rose-tinted glasses, now I am more realistic."
Essere in rosso
"To be in red"
To have a negative bank balance or be in financial debt.
"Il conto corrente è in rosso da tre mesi."
"The bank account has been in the red for three months."
Diventare rosso come un peperone
"To become red like a pepper"
To blush intensely, usually from embarrassment or shame.
"Quando l'ha chiamato davanti a tutti, è diventato rosso come un peperone."
"When she called him out in front of everyone, he turned as red as a beetroot."
Essere verde d'invidia
"To be green with envy"
To feel intense jealousy toward another person's success or possessions.
"Quando ha visto la sua nuova macchina, era verde d'invidia."
"When she saw his new car, she was green with envy."
Avere il pollice verde
"To have the green thumb"
To be naturally skilled at growing plants and gardening.
"Mia nonna ha il pollice verde: il suo giardino è bellissimo."
"My grandmother has a green thumb — her garden is beautiful."
Dare il verde
"To give the green"
To give official permission or approval to proceed with something.
"Il direttore ha dato il verde al nuovo progetto."
"The director gave the green light to the new project."
L'uomo nero
"The black man"
A frightening figure used to scare children into behaving. Equivalent to the bogeyman in English culture.
"Se non dormi viene l'uomo nero!"
"If you don't sleep, the bogeyman will come!"
Essere di umore nero
"To be of black mood"
To be in a very bad or dark mood, irritable and gloomy.
"Oggi è meglio non parlargli, è di umore nero."
"Today it's better not to talk to him, he's in a black mood."
Lavoro nero
"Black work"
Work done without a formal contract, not declared to tax authorities. Very common in Italy.
"Molti lavorano in nero per risparmiare sulle tasse."
"Many people work off the books to save on taxes."
Vedere tutto nero
"To see everything black"
To be excessively pessimistic about every situation.
"Smetti di vedere tutto nero, le cose non sono così gravi."
"Stop seeing everything in a negative light, things are not that bad."
Nero su bianco
"Black on white"
Something officially written down and documented, leaving no room for doubt.
"Voglio vedere questo accordo nero su bianco prima di firmare."
"I want to see this agreement in black and white before signing."
Mercato nero
"Black market"
Illegal trade of goods outside official channels, often to avoid taxes or regulations.
"Durante la guerra, molti beni si trovavano solo al mercato nero."
"During the war, many goods could only be found on the black market."
Diventare bianco come un lenzuolo
"To become white like a bed sheet"
To go very pale, usually from shock, fear, or sudden bad news.
"Quando ha sentito la notizia, è diventata bianca come un lenzuolo."
"When she heard the news, she turned white as a sheet."
Notte in bianco
"Night in white"
A night spent without any sleep, often due to worry, work, or anxiety.
"Ho passato una notte in bianco a studiare per l'esame."
"I spent a sleepless night studying for the exam."
Alzare bandiera bianca
"To raise the white flag"
To surrender or admit defeat, to give up a fight or argument.
"Dopo ore di discussione, ha alzato bandiera bianca."
"After hours of argument, he waved the white flag."
Vestire d'azzurro
"To dress in blue"
To represent Italy in sport. The Italian national team is known as gli Azzurri (the Blues).
"Da bambino sognava di vestire d'azzurro e giocare per la nazionale."
"As a child he dreamed of wearing the Italian national colours."
Principe azzurro
"Blue prince"
The ideal romantic partner, a perfect man who will sweep a woman off her feet.
"Aspetta ancora il suo principe azzurro."
"She is still waiting for her Prince Charming."
Sangue blu
"Blue blood"
Noble or aristocratic ancestry. Used for people from royal or upper-class families.
"Era una persona di sangue blu, abituata al lusso."
"She was a person of blue blood, accustomed to luxury."
Romanzo giallo
"Yellow novel"
A crime or detective novel. In Italy the genre is called giallo because early crime paperbacks had yellow covers.
"Amo leggere i romanzi gialli nei fine settimana."
"I love reading detective novels at the weekend."
Avviso giallo
"Yellow notice"
A low-level weather warning issued by meteorological authorities in Italy.
"C'è un avviso giallo per piogge intense nel pomeriggio."
"There is a yellow warning for heavy rain in the afternoon."
Usare la materia grigia
"To use the grey matter"
To think hard and use one's intelligence to solve a problem.
"Questo problema richiede di usare un po' di materia grigia."
"This problem requires using a bit of grey matter."
Cronaca rosa
"Pink chronicle"
The entertainment and celebrity gossip section of a newspaper or magazine.
"La cronaca rosa è piena di pettegolezzi sui vip."
"The celebrity gossip section is full of stories about VIPs."
Romanzo rosa
"Pink novel"
A sentimental love story, typically with a happy ending. The Italian equivalent of a Mills and Boon.
"Mia zia legge solo romanzi rosa."
"My aunt only reads romance novels."
Essere viola dal freddo
"To be purple from the cold"
To be extremely cold, to the point where the skin takes on a bluish-purple hue.
"Erano fuori da un'ora e erano viola dal freddo."
"They had been outside for an hour and were blue with cold."
Nozze d'oro
"Golden wedding"
The 50th wedding anniversary celebration.
"I miei nonni festeggiano le nozze d'oro quest'anno."
"My grandparents are celebrating their golden wedding anniversary this year."
Nozze d'argento
"Silver wedding"
The 25th wedding anniversary celebration.
"Hanno festeggiato le nozze d'argento con una cena speciale."
"They celebrated their silver wedding anniversary with a special dinner."
Regola d'oro
"Golden rule"
The most important principle or rule in a given field or situation.
"La regola d'oro del giornalismo è verificare le fonti."
"The golden rule of journalism is to verify your sources."
Occasione d'oro
"Golden opportunity"
A rare and excellent chance that should not be missed.
"Era un'occasione d'oro e l'ho lasciata scappare."
"It was a golden opportunity and I let it slip away."
Il silenzio è d'oro
"Silence is of gold"
It is sometimes better to say nothing, especially in delicate situations.
"In certi momenti il silenzio è d'oro."
"In certain moments, silence is golden."
Avere un cuore d'oro
"To have a heart of gold"
To be an extremely generous, kind, and good-hearted person.
"Maria ha un cuore d'oro, aiuta sempre gli altri."
"Maria has a heart of gold, she always helps others."
Avere l'argento vivo addosso
"To have quicksilver on oneself"
To be extremely restless, lively, and unable to sit still. Often said of hyperactive children.
"Quel bambino ha l'argento vivo addosso, non sta mai fermo."
"That child has ants in his pants, he never sits still."
Diventare paonazzo
"To become peacock-coloured"
To flush dark red or purple, either from intense anger or acute embarrassment.
"Il professore è diventato paonazzo quando ha visto i risultati."
"The professor turned purple when he saw the results."
Rosso come un gambero
"Red like a prawn"
To have very red skin, usually from sunburn or intense blushing.
"Dopo una giornata al mare era rosso come un gambero."
"After a day at the beach he was as red as a lobster."
Non è tutte rose e fiori
"It's not all roses and flowers"
Life or a situation is not as easy or pleasant as it may appear from the outside.
"Lavorare all'estero non è tutte rose e fiori."
"Working abroad is not all roses."
Avere le dita verdi
"To have green fingers"
To be a skilled gardener, able to make any plant thrive.
"Lui ha le dita verdi, riesce a far crescere qualsiasi pianta."
"He has green fingers, he can grow any plant."
Lista nera
"Black list"
An official list of people or organisations that are excluded or banned.
"Quell'azienda è finita nella lista nera dei consumatori."
"That company ended up on the consumers' blacklist."
Punto nero
"Black point"
Either a skin blemish or, figuratively, the weak point or flaw in an otherwise good situation.
"La puntualità è il punto nero di quel ristorante."
"Punctuality is the weak spot of that restaurant."
Pecora nera
"Black sheep"
The member of a family or group considered a disappointment or disgrace.
"Marco era la pecora nera della famiglia."
"Marco was the black sheep of the family."
Essere ancora verde
"To still be green"
To be young, naive, or lacking experience in a particular field.
"Non aspettarti troppo da lui, è ancora verde."
"Don't expect too much from him, he's still green."
Energia verde
"Green energy"
Energy produced from renewable, environmentally friendly sources.
"L'azienda ha investito molto in energia verde."
"The company has invested heavily in green energy."
Settimana bianca
"White week"
A week-long holiday spent skiing in the mountains, very popular in Italian culture.
"Ogni gennaio vado in settimana bianca con la famiglia."
"Every January I go on a ski holiday with my family."
Un giallo
"A yellow"
Informally refers to any unsolved mystery or detective story, whether in fiction or real life.
"La scomparsa della donna rimane un giallo irrisolto."
"The woman's disappearance remains an unsolved mystery."
Non è tutto oro quel che luccica
"Not all that shines is gold"
Not everything that appears valuable or attractive is actually so.
"Quell'offerta di lavoro sembra ottima, ma non è tutto oro quel che luccica."
"That job offer looks great, but all that glitters is not gold."
Vedere rosa
"To see pink"
To have a positive, hopeful outlook on life and future events.
"Nonostante i problemi, lei continua a vedere rosa."
"Despite the problems, she continues to be optimistic."
Rosso fuoco
"Fire red"
A vivid, intense shade of red. Used to describe hair, clothing, or extreme passion.
"Si è tinta i capelli di rosso fuoco."
"She dyed her hair fiery red."
Verde bottiglia
"Bottle green"
A deep, dark shade of green. Commonly used in fashion and interior design.
"Indossava un elegante cappotto verde bottiglia."
"She was wearing an elegant bottle-green coat."
Bianco latte
"Milk white"
A pure, soft white colour, like the colour of fresh milk.
"La sua pelle era di un bianco latte perfetto."
"Her skin was a perfect milky white."
Nero carbone
"Carbon black"
An intense, deep black colour, like coal.
"Aveva occhi neri carbone che colpivano subito."
"He had coal-black eyes that immediately struck you."
Stendere il tappeto rosso
"To lay out the red carpet"
To give someone a very grand, prestigious welcome.
"Hanno steso il tappeto rosso per accogliere il presidente."
"They rolled out the red carpet to welcome the president."
Buco nero
"Black hole"
Astronomically, a region of space with extreme gravity. Figuratively, something that absorbs resources endlessly.
"Quel dipartimento è un buco nero per il bilancio aziendale."
"That department is a black hole for the company budget."
Umorismo nero
"Black humour"
Comedy that makes jokes about death, tragedy, or other dark subjects.
"Quel film è una commedia di umorismo nero intelligente."
"That film is a clever black comedy."
Rosso corallo
"Coral red"
A warm, orange-red colour reminiscent of coral. Popular in Italian fashion.
"Indossava un rossetto rosso corallo perfetto per l'estate."
"She wore a coral red lipstick perfect for summer."
Nero di seppia
"Cuttlefish black"
The ink of a cuttlefish, used in cooking to colour pasta and risotto black.
"Ha ordinato la pasta al nero di seppia."
"She ordered pasta with squid ink."
Verde prato
"Meadow green"
A fresh, bright green colour like a well-kept lawn.
"La copertina del libro era di un bel verde prato."
"The book cover was a lovely grass green."
Giallo oro
"Gold yellow"
A warm, deep yellow colour like gold. Evokes richness and warmth.
"I campi di grano erano di un giallo oro abbagliante."
"The wheat fields were a dazzling golden yellow."
Notte nera
"Black night"
A very dark night with no moon or stars visible.
"Era una notte nera, impossibile vedere la strada."
"It was a pitch-black night, impossible to see the road."
Bianco candido
"Candid white"
An immaculately pure white, often used to describe fresh snow or white marble.
"La prima neve aveva ricoperto tutto di un bianco candido."
"The first snow had covered everything in pure white."
Rosso sangue
"Blood red"
A deep, dark red the colour of blood. Associated with danger, passion, and drama.
"Il tramonto tingeva il mare di rosso sangue."
"The sunset was turning the sea blood red."
Verde militare
"Military green"
The dark olive-green colour of military uniforms.
"Indossava un giubbotto verde militare."
"He was wearing an army green jacket."
Vedere i colori
"To see colours"
To suffer intensely, to endure pain or hardship. Often used after a physical blow.
"Quando mi sono fatto male al ginocchio ho visto i colori."
"When I hurt my knee I saw stars."
Farne di tutti i colori
"To do things of all colours"
To misbehave in many different ways, to cause trouble repeatedly.
"Da ragazzo ne ha fatte di tutti i colori."
"As a boy he got up to all sorts."
Mostrare i propri colori
"To show one's own colours"
To reveal one's true character or intentions, often after having hidden them.
"Alla fine ha mostrato i suoi veri colori."
"In the end he showed his true colours."
Passarne di tutti i colori
"To go through things of all colours"
To experience many hardships or difficulties of every kind.
"In quella fase della vita ne ho passate di tutti i colori."
"In that phase of my life I went through all sorts of trouble."
Tinte pastello
"Pastel tints"
Soft, pale colours. Figuratively, a gentle or understated approach to something.
"Hanno scelto tinte pastello per la cameretta del bambino."
"They chose pastel shades for the baby's room."
Portare colore
"To carry colour"
To add vibrancy, life, and positive energy to a place or situation.
"I fiori sul balcone portano colore all'intero palazzo."
"The flowers on the balcony bring colour to the whole building."
Zona arancione
"Orange zone"
During the COVID pandemic, an intermediate restriction level used in Italy.
"Durante la pandemia la nostra regione era in zona arancione."
"During the pandemic our region was in the orange zone."
Zona rossa
"Red zone"
A high-danger zone or, during COVID, the strictest lockdown area in Italy.
"Il comune è stato dichiarato zona rossa per il focolaio."
"The town was declared a red zone because of the outbreak."
Semaforo verde
"Green traffic light"
Permission or approval to proceed. Derived from traffic light signals.
"Il progetto ha finalmente ottenuto il semaforo verde."
"The project has finally got the green light."
Rosso d'imbarazzo
"Red with embarrassment"
To blush deeply because of an awkward or embarrassing situation.
"Era rossa d'imbarazzo dopo aver detto quella cosa davanti a tutti."
"She was red with embarrassment after saying that in front of everyone."
Giallo come la cera
"Yellow like wax"
To have a very pale or sickly yellow complexion, usually from illness.
"Dopo la malattia era giallo come la cera."
"After the illness he was as yellow as wax."
Nera di stanchezza
"Black with tiredness"
Extremely tired, to the point of exhaustion. A very expressive informal phrase.
"Dopo la guardia notturna era nera di stanchezza."
"After the night shift she was dead tired."
Rosa shocking
"Shocking pink"
An extremely bright, vivid shade of pink. Associated with boldness and flamboyance.
"La sua giacca rosa shocking si notava da lontano."
"Her shocking pink jacket could be seen from a distance."
Blu notte
"Night blue"
A very deep, dark blue, almost black. Elegant and sophisticated.
"Indossava un abito da sera blu notte."
"She was wearing a midnight blue evening dress."
Grigio perla
"Pearl grey"
A soft, lustrous light grey colour, associated with elegance and refinement.
"Ha scelto un completo grigio perla per il colloquio."
"He chose a pearl grey suit for the interview."
Verde acqua
"Water green"
A pale, clear green-blue colour like tropical water.
"Il mare della Sardegna è di un verde acqua incredibile."
"The sea in Sardinia is an incredible aquamarine colour."
Bianco sporco
"Dirty white"
A slightly yellowed or greyish white, not pure white.
"Le pareti erano di un bianco sporco che le faceva sembrare vecchie."
"The walls were an off-white that made them look old."
Prendere con le mani nel sacco
"To catch with hands in the bag"
To catch someone in the act of doing something wrong.
"L'hanno preso con le mani nel sacco mentre rubava."
"They caught him red-handed while he was stealing."
Vedere la luce in fondo al tunnel
"To see the light at the bottom of the tunnel"
To see signs of improvement after a long period of difficulty.
"Dopo mesi difficili finalmente vedo la luce in fondo al tunnel."
"After difficult months I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel."
Dirlo chiaro e tondo
"To say it clear and round"
To say something directly and without ambiguity, leaving no room for misunderstanding.
"Glielo dico chiaro e tondo: non è accettabile."
"I'll say it loud and clear: this is not acceptable."
Mettere in chiaro
"To put in the clear"
To explain or establish something beyond any doubt.
"Voglio mettere in chiaro le regole fin dall'inizio."
"I want to make the rules clear from the beginning."
Far luce su qualcosa
"To make light on something"
To clarify or reveal information about an unclear or mysterious situation.
"L'indagine ha fatto luce sui fatti di quella notte."
"The investigation shed light on the events of that night."
Linguaggio colorito
"Colourful language"
Language that is vivid and includes profanity or strong expressive words.
"Il vecchio marinaio usava un linguaggio colorito."
"The old sailor used colourful language."
Personaggio colorito
"Colourful character"
A person who is eccentric, lively, and interesting in an unconventional way.
"Il barista del quartiere è un personaggio colorito che tutti conoscono."
"The neighbourhood barman is a colourful character that everyone knows."
Vita a colori
"Life in colours"
A rich, exciting, and varied life full of interesting experiences.
"Da quando si è trasferito a Roma vive una vita a colori."
"Since he moved to Rome he's been living life in full colour."
In bianco e nero
"In black and white"
Literally monochrome; figuratively, seeing things as either right or wrong with no nuance.
"Il mondo non è in bianco e nero, ci sono mille sfumature."
"The world is not in black and white, there are a thousand shades."
I colori dell'arcobaleno
"The colours of the rainbow"
Used to describe great diversity or a full range of possibilities. Also a symbol of the LGBTQ+ community.
"La nostra scuola accoglie bambini di tutti i colori dell'arcobaleno."
"Our school welcomes children of all the colours of the rainbow."
Grigio topo
"Mouse grey"
A dull, flat mid-grey colour. Often used to describe something uninteresting or bland.
"La sua vita era diventata di un grigio topo."
"His life had become a dull mouse grey."
Fare una vita grigia
"To make a grey life"
To live a monotonous, colourless, and uneventful existence.
"Lavorava in ufficio e faceva una vita grigia."
"He worked in an office and lived a grey life."
Numero verde
"Green number"
A toll-free telephone number in Italy, beginning with 800.
"Il servizio clienti ha un numero verde disponibile 24 ore su 24."
"Customer service has a freephone number available 24 hours a day."
Carta verde
"Green card"
In Italy, the green card is the international motor insurance certificate.
"In caso di incidente all'estero ti serve la carta verde dell'assicurazione."
"In case of an accident abroad you need the green insurance card."
Faccia di bronzo
"Bronze face"
Great impudence and audacity, showing no shame despite behaving badly.
"Ha la faccia di bronzo, si è presentato come se niente fosse."
"He has a brass neck, he showed up as if nothing had happened."
Pelle di bronzo
"Bronze skin"
A dark, warm tan. Italians often admire a bronzed complexion after summer.
"Dopo un mese al mare aveva una bella pelle di bronzo."
"After a month at the sea she had a beautiful bronzed skin."
Perdere colore
"To lose colour"
To become pale, usually from shock, illness, or fear.
"All'annuncio della notizia, ha perso colore in faccia."
"At the announcement of the news, her face lost colour."
Dare colore alla vita
"To give colour to life"
To make life more interesting, varied, and enjoyable.
"La musica dà colore alla vita di tutti i giorni."
"Music adds colour to everyday life."
Bianco avorio
"Ivory white"
A warm, creamy off-white colour like natural ivory. Popular for wedding dresses.
"L'abito da sposa era di un bianco avorio delicato."
"The wedding dress was a delicate ivory white."
Verde lime
"Lime green"
A sharp, bright yellowish-green, like the colour of a lime fruit.
"Indossava scarpe da ginnastica verde lime."
"He was wearing lime green trainers."
Colori vivaci
"Vivid colours"
Strong, intense, and lively colours that attract attention.
"Il mercato era pieno di tessuti dai colori vivaci."
"The market was full of fabrics in vivid colours."
Grigio come il piombo
"Grey like lead"
A heavy, oppressive grey, often used to describe a threatening storm sky.
"Il cielo era grigio come il piombo prima del temporale."
"The sky was grey as lead before the storm."
Biondo come il grano
"Blonde like wheat"
A warm, natural golden-blonde hair colour, like ripe wheat.
"Il bambino aveva i capelli biondi come il grano."
"The child had hair as blonde as wheat."
Pallido come un fantasma
"Pale like a ghost"
To be extremely pale, usually from shock, fear, or illness.
"È entrato in stanza pallido come un fantasma."
"He entered the room as pale as a ghost."
Giorno nero
"Black day"
A very bad day marked by misfortune or disaster.
"Il primo del mese fu un giorno nero per tutta l'azienda."
"The first of the month was a black day for the whole company."
Rosso acceso
"Lit red"
A vivid, intense red, like a flame or warning light. Used for colours and emotional states.
"Ha comprato una bicicletta rosso acceso."
"He bought a bright red bicycle."
Nero corvino
"Raven black"
A deep, glossy black like the feathers of a raven. Often used to describe hair.
"Aveva una lunga chioma nera corvina."
"She had long raven-black hair."
Bianco panna
"Cream white"
A warm, pale off-white colour like fresh cream.
"Le pareti del soggiorno erano bianco panna."
"The living room walls were cream white."
Nero pece
"Pitch black"
Completely dark, without any light at all.
"La cantina era nera pece senza la torcia."
"The cellar was pitch black without the torch."
Rosso mattone
"Brick red"
A muted, earthy red-orange colour like terracotta brick.
"Le case del centro storico erano color rosso mattone."
"The old town houses were brick red."
Verde oliva
"Olive green"
A dull, yellowish-green colour like unripe olives. Common in fashion and military contexts.
"Indossava pantaloni verde oliva."
"He was wearing olive green trousers."
Azzurro acquamarina
"Aquamarine blue"
A bright blue-green colour like the sea in summer.
"Il mare della Sicilia era azzurro acquamarina."
"The sea in Sicily was aquamarine blue."
Giallo limone
"Lemon yellow"
A sharp, bright yellow like the skin of a lemon.
"Indossava una maglietta giallo limone."
"She was wearing a lemon yellow t-shirt."
Blu royal
"Royal blue"
A vivid, deep blue associated with royalty, formality, and elegance.
"La giacca blu royal era perfetta per la cerimonia."
"The royal blue jacket was perfect for the ceremony."
Arancione bruciato
"Burnt orange"
A deep, earthy orange-brown colour. Popular in autumnal fashion and interior design.
"Le foglie d'autunno erano arancione bruciato."
"The autumn leaves were burnt orange."
Viola scuro
"Dark purple"
A deep, intense purple. Associated with luxury, mystery, and power.
"Il vestito viola scuro le donava molto."
"The dark purple dress suited her very well."
Verde brillante
"Brilliant green"
A vivid, shiny, intense green. Striking and eye-catching.
"La pianta aveva foglie verde brillante."
"The plant had brilliant green leaves."
Cambiare colore
"To change colour"
To visibly change expression due to emotion — usually turning pale or flushing.
"Quando l'hanno accusato, ha cambiato colore in faccia."
"When they accused him, the colour drained from his face."
Giallo canarino
"Canary yellow"
A bright, cheerful yellow like the feathers of a canary bird.
"Il taxi londinese era giallo canarino."
"The London taxi was canary yellow."
B2 — Upper Intermediate
Filo rosso
"Red thread"
The connecting theme or common link running through a story, argument, or series of events.
"C'è un filo rosso che collega tutti i capitoli del libro."
"There is a common thread connecting all the chapters of the book."
Cronaca nera
"Black chronicle"
The section of a newspaper or news program dedicated to crime stories.
"La notizia è finita subito in cronaca nera."
"The story immediately made it into the crime section."
Bestia nera
"Black beast"
A person's greatest fear, dislike, or persistent enemy. Something that always causes problems.
"La matematica è sempre stata la mia bestia nera."
"Mathematics has always been my bête noire."
Assegno in bianco
"White cheque"
A cheque with the amount left blank; figuratively, unlimited authority or trust given to someone.
"Gli hanno dato un assegno in bianco per gestire il progetto."
"They gave him a blank cheque to manage the project."
Pagina bianca
"White page"
The paralysing inability to start writing. The blank page as a symbol of creative block.
"Ho fissato la pagina bianca per un'ora senza scrivere nulla."
"I stared at the blank page for an hour without writing anything."
Matrimonio in bianco
"White marriage"
A marriage that is not sexually consummated, either by choice or circumstance.
"Si dice che il loro matrimonio fosse in bianco."
"It is said that their marriage was unconsummated."
Stampa gialla
"Yellow press"
Sensationalist or low-quality journalism that prioritises scandal over facts.
"Quella rivista è stampa gialla, non ci credo mai."
"That magazine is tabloid press, I never believe it."
Zona grigia
"Grey zone"
A situation that is unclear, morally ambiguous, or not covered by existing rules.
"La legge non è chiara su questo punto, siamo in una zona grigia."
"The law is not clear on this point, we are in a grey area."
Eminenza grigia
"Grey eminence"
A person who exercises power or influence secretly, without holding an official position.
"Il consigliere era l'eminenza grigia del governo."
"The adviser was the grey eminence of the government."
Età dell'oro
"Age of gold"
A past period of great prosperity, creativity, or happiness.
"Gli anni Sessanta furono l'età dell'oro del cinema italiano."
"The 1960s were the golden age of Italian cinema."
Libro nero
"Black book"
A record of people considered undesirable, dangerous, or to be avoided.
"Se continui così finirai nel suo libro nero."
"If you keep this up you'll end up in his black book."
Anima nera
"Black soul"
A deeply wicked, morally corrupt person.
"In quel romanzo il villain è un'autentica anima nera."
"In that novel the villain is a truly dark soul."
Far vedere i sorci verdi
"To make someone see green mice"
To make someone suffer or face extremely difficult circumstances.
"Il nuovo allenatore ha fatto vedere i sorci verdi ai giocatori."
"The new coach gave the players hell."
Camera verde
"Green room"
The backstage waiting room for performers before going on stage or on air.
"Gli artisti si rilassano nella camera verde prima dello spettacolo."
"The artists relax in the green room before the show."
Dare carta bianca
"To give a white card"
To give someone complete freedom to do as they wish without restrictions.
"Il regista ha dato carta bianca agli attori nell'improvvisazione."
"The director gave the actors free rein in the improvisation."
Votare scheda bianca
"To vote with a white ballot"
To submit an empty ballot paper as a form of protest or abstention.
"Deluso da tutti i candidati, ha votato scheda bianca."
"Disappointed by all the candidates, he cast a blank ballot."
Una macchia nera
"A black stain"
A serious blemish or mark against someone's reputation or character.
"Quello scandalo è rimasto una macchia nera sulla sua carriera."
"That scandal remained a blot on his career."
Fare nero qualcuno
"To make someone black"
To beat someone severely, leaving bruises. A very informal expression.
"Ha minacciato di farlo nero se tornava."
"He threatened to beat him black and blue if he came back."
Oro colato
"Poured gold"
Something of the highest quality or absolute reliability. Often used for trustworthy information.
"Quello che ti dico è oro colato, fidati."
"What I'm telling you is absolute truth, trust me."
Prendere per oro colato
"To take as poured gold"
To believe something completely without questioning it.
"Non prendere tutto quello che dice per oro colato."
"Don't take everything he says as gospel."
Far diventare grigi i capelli
"To make someone's hair turn grey"
To cause so much worry and stress that one's hair turns grey prematurely.
"Quei ragazzi mi faranno diventare grigi i capelli."
"Those kids will drive me to grey hair."
Economia grigia
"Grey economy"
Economic activity that is not fully regulated or taxed but not entirely illegal.
"Molti piccoli commercianti operano nell'economia grigia."
"Many small traders operate in the grey economy."
Scenario nero
"Black scenario"
The most pessimistic or catastrophic possible outcome of a situation.
"Nello scenario nero potremmo perdere tutto l'investimento."
"In the worst-case scenario we could lose the entire investment."
Giovedì nero
"Black Thursday"
The day of the Wall Street crash in 1929; used figuratively for any catastrophic economic event.
"Il crollo della borsa fu il nostro giovedì nero."
"The stock market crash was our Black Thursday."
Nato con la camicia
"Born with the shirt"
Born into wealth and privilege, always lucky.
"Lui è nato con la camicia, gli va sempre tutto bene."
"He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, everything always goes well for him."
Il grande schermo argenteo
"The large silver screen"
The cinema or film world. 'Silver screen' refers to early cinema screens coated in silver.
"Sognava di recitare sul grande schermo argenteo."
"She dreamed of acting on the silver screen."
Dorare la pillola
"To gild the pill"
To make bad news or an unpleasant situation seem more acceptable than it really is.
"Ha cercato di dorare la pillola, ma la notizia era comunque pessima."
"He tried to sugar the pill, but the news was still terrible."
Sfumatura di grigio
"Shade of grey"
A subtle distinction or gradation. Life's moral complexity represented as different shades.
"La vita non è in bianco e nero, ci sono mille sfumature di grigio."
"Life is not in black and white, there are a thousand shades of grey."
A tinte forti
"In strong tints"
Described with strong, intense colours. Figuratively, a story or argument presented very forcefully.
"Il documentario descriveva la realtà a tinte forti."
"The documentary described reality in a hard-hitting way."
Dipingere a tinte fosche
"To paint in dark tints"
To describe a situation in an overly negative and pessimistic way.
"I giornali dipingevano il futuro a tinte fosche."
"The newspapers painted a bleak picture of the future."
L'ora blu
"The blue hour"
The twilight period just before sunrise or after sunset when the sky turns a deep blue.
"I fotografi amano scattare durante l'ora blu."
"Photographers love to shoot during the blue hour."
Oro nero
"Black gold"
Petroleum or oil, so called because of its immense economic value.
"L'Arabia Saudita ha costruito la sua ricchezza sull'oro nero."
"Saudi Arabia built its wealth on black gold."
Oro bianco
"White gold"
A precious metal alloy; figuratively used for things of great value: salt, cotton, snow.
"In passato il sale era chiamato oro bianco."
"In the past, salt was called white gold."
Avere le mani rosse di sangue
"To have red hands of blood"
To be responsible for someone's death or for a serious crime.
"Quel politico ha le mani rosse di sangue."
"That politician has blood on his hands."
Essere nel libro nero di qualcuno
"To be in someone's black book"
To have fallen out of favour with someone and be regarded with displeasure.
"Da quando ho rifiutato la sua offerta sono nel suo libro nero."
"Since I refused his offer I've been in his bad books."
Anni bui
"Dark years"
A period of great difficulty, suffering, or oppression in history or in a person's life.
"Gli anni della guerra furono anni bui per tutta l'Europa."
"The war years were dark years for all of Europe."
L'argento della vecchiaia
"The silver of old age"
The grey hair that comes with age, seen as distinguished and honourable.
"I capelli bianchi sono l'argento della vecchiaia, non vergognartene."
"White hair is the silver of old age, don't be ashamed of it."
Marcia nera
"Black march"
The 1922 Fascist march on Rome. Historically, black was the colour of Mussolini's movement.
"La marcia nera segnò l'inizio del fascismo in Italia."
"The March on Rome marked the beginning of Fascism in Italy."
Camicia nera
"Black shirt"
A member of the Fascist militia in Italy, who wore black uniforms.
"Le camicie nere erano il simbolo del fascismo italiano."
"The Blackshirts were the symbol of Italian Fascism."
Camicia rossa
"Red shirt"
One of Garibaldi's volunteer soldiers, who wore red shirts in the 19th-century unification of Italy.
"Le camicie rosse di Garibaldi unificarono l'Italia."
"Garibaldi's Redshirts unified Italy."
Bandiera rossa
"Red flag"
The symbol of socialist and communist movements worldwide.
"La bandiera rossa sventolava nelle piazze durante le manifestazioni."
"The red flag waved in the squares during the demonstrations."
Pericolo rosso
"Red danger"
The political fear of communist expansion, especially during the Cold War.
"Il pericolo rosso era una preoccupazione costante durante la guerra fredda."
"The red peril was a constant concern during the Cold War."
Rosa antico
"Antique rose"
A muted, elegant shade of pink. Also describes something old-fashioned and delicate.
"Le pareti del salone erano dipinte di rosa antico."
"The living room walls were painted dusty rose."
Azzurro fiordaliso
"Cornflower blue"
A medium, bright blue colour like the cornflower.
"Aveva occhi azzurro fiordaliso meravigliosi."
"She had wonderful cornflower blue eyes."
Verde speranza
"Hope green"
Green as a symbol of hope and new beginnings, especially in spring.
"I germogli verdi sono il verde speranza della primavera."
"The green shoots are the hopeful green of spring."
Colori caldi
"Warm colours"
Reds, oranges, and yellows on the colour wheel. They evoke energy and warmth.
"I colori caldi rendono un ambiente più accogliente."
"Warm colours make a space feel more welcoming."
Colori freddi
"Cold colours"
Blues, greens, and purples on the colour wheel. They evoke calm and distance.
"I colori freddi trasmettono una sensazione di calma."
"Cool colours transmit a feeling of calm."
Colori tenui
"Soft colours"
Gentle, understated colours without strong contrast or intensity.
"Ha scelto colori tenui per arredare il salotto."
"She chose muted colours to decorate the living room."
Combinazione di colori
"Combination of colours"
A selection of colours chosen to work well together in design or fashion.
"La combinazione di colori del sito web è molto elegante."
"The colour scheme of the website is very elegant."
Scala cromatica
"Chromatic scale"
The full range of colours from one end of the spectrum to another.
"Ha usato tutta la scala cromatica nel suo dipinto."
"He used the entire colour scale in his painting."
Colori sbiaditi
"Faded colours"
Colours that have lost their original brightness. Figuratively, diminished memories or feelings.
"Le fotografie vecchie hanno colori sbiaditi ma sono preziose."
"Old photographs have faded colours but are precious."
Sfoggiare colori vivaci
"To show off vivid colours"
To wear or display bold, bright colours confidently and proudly.
"D'estate ama sfoggiare colori vivaci."
"In summer she loves to sport bright colours."
Vedere il mondo a colori
"To see the world in colours"
To appreciate and enjoy the richness and diversity of life.
"Dopo la depressione, ha ricominciato a vedere il mondo a colori."
"After the depression, she started seeing the world in colour again."
Avere il coraggio dei propri colori
"To have the courage of one's colours"
To be willing to stand up for and openly defend one's beliefs and principles.
"Devi avere il coraggio dei tuoi colori e difendere le tue idee."
"You must have the courage of your convictions and defend your ideas."
Colore locale
"Local colour"
The distinctive sights, sounds, customs and atmosphere of a particular place.
"Il mercato del pesce dà molto colore locale al quartiere."
"The fish market gives a lot of local colour to the neighbourhood."
Rosso carminio
"Carmine red"
A deep, rich purplish-red colour. Used in art and fashion.
"Il vestito era di un rosso carminio intenso."
"The dress was a deep crimson red."
Blu di Prussia
"Prussian blue"
A deep, dark blue pigment. Used in art and design for its rich, intense colour.
"Il pittore usò il blu di Prussia per il cielo del quadro."
"The painter used Prussian blue for the sky of the painting."
Verde di bile
"Green with bile"
Overwhelmed by frustration or suppressed anger to the point of feeling physically ill.
"Era verde di bile dopo aver letto la risposta del suo capo."
"He was sick with anger after reading his boss's reply."
Giallo paglierino
"Straw yellow"
A pale, dry yellow like straw. Commonly used to describe wine colour.
"Il vino aveva un bel colore giallo paglierino."
"The wine had a lovely straw yellow colour."
Rosa cipria
"Face-powder pink"
A very pale, soft pink like face powder. Delicate and understated.
"La camera da letto era dipinta rosa cipria."
"The bedroom was painted powder pink."
Grigio antracite
"Anthracite grey"
A very dark, almost black grey like coal anthracite. Widely used in design.
"Ha scelto un divano grigio antracite per il salotto."
"She chose an anthracite grey sofa for the living room."
Sbiadire i colori
"To fade the colours"
To cause colours to lose brightness. Figuratively, to diminish the intensity or charm of something.
"Il sole sbiadisce i colori dei tessuti esposti in vetrina."
"The sun fades the colours of fabrics displayed in the window."
Tingere di rosso
"To dye red"
Literally to colour something red; figuratively, to mark a period with violence or bloodshed.
"La battaglia ha tinto di rosso quelle terre."
"The battle stained those lands red."
Bianco caldo
"Hot white"
The most intense phase of heat where metal glows white. Figuratively, extreme intensity or passion.
"La loro rivalità aveva raggiunto il bianco caldo."
"Their rivalry had reached white heat."
Diamante grezzo
"Raw diamond"
A person with great natural qualities who lacks polish or refinement.
"Quel ragazzo è un diamante grezzo, ha bisogno di formazione."
"That boy is a rough diamond, he just needs some training."
Nervi d'acciaio
"Steel nerves"
Exceptional composure under pressure, the ability to remain calm in any crisis.
"Per fare quel lavoro ci vogliono nervi d'acciaio."
"You need nerves of steel to do that job."
Pugno di ferro
"Iron fist"
To rule or act with complete authority and strictness, showing no mercy.
"Il nuovo direttore gestisce l'azienda con il pugno di ferro."
"The new director manages the company with an iron fist."
Volontà di ferro
"Iron will"
Exceptional determination and resolve that cannot be broken.
"Ha una volontà di ferro: non si arrende mai."
"She has an iron will: she never gives up."
Memoria di ferro
"Iron memory"
An exceptionally strong and reliable memory that forgets nothing.
"Mia nonna ha una memoria di ferro, ricorda tutto."
"My grandmother has a memory like a steel trap, she remembers everything."