Time & Life Idioms
Italian idioms about time and life — 200 expressions
A2 — Elementary
Il tempo è denaro
"Time is money"
Used to remind someone that wasting time has a cost. Common in business and work contexts.
"Smettila di perdere tempo sui social media — il tempo è denaro!"
"Stop wasting time on social media — time is money!"
Il tempo vola
"Time flies"
Said when time seems to pass very quickly, especially during enjoyable or busy moments.
"Non riesco a credere che mia figlia abbia già diciotto anni — il tempo vola!"
"I can't believe my daughter is already eighteen — time flies!"
Perdere tempo
"To lose time"
Used when someone spends time on something useless or unproductive.
"Non perdere tempo con quella persona, non cambierà mai."
"Don't waste your time on that person, they will never change."
Ammazzare il tempo
"To kill the time"
Used when doing something trivial just to make time pass, usually while waiting.
"Sto guardando video sul telefono per ammazzare il tempo prima del treno."
"I'm watching videos on my phone to kill time before the train."
Non c'è più tempo
"There is no more time"
Used urgently when the deadline has passed or time has run out to act.
"Non c'è più tempo per discutere — dobbiamo decidere adesso."
"There is no more time to argue — we have to decide now."
Essere in ritardo
"To be in delay"
Used when someone or something arrives after the expected or agreed time.
"Mi dispiace, sono in ritardo — il traffico era terribile."
"I'm sorry, I'm late — the traffic was terrible."
Essere in anticipo
"To be in advance"
Used when someone arrives or does something before the expected time.
"Sono arrivato in anticipo, così ho avuto il tempo di prepararmi."
"I arrived early, so I had time to get ready."
Arrivare a tempo
"To arrive in time"
Used when someone gets somewhere just when needed, not a moment too late.
"Siamo arrivati a tempo per prendere l'ultimo treno."
"We arrived in time to catch the last train."
Fare tardi
"To make it late"
Used to describe staying up or out until a late hour, or being delayed.
"Ieri sera abbiamo fatto tardi a cena con gli amici."
"Last night we stayed out late having dinner with friends."
Non avere tempo da perdere
"To not have time to lose"
Expresses urgency — there is no margin for delays or distractions.
"Dobbiamo partire subito — non abbiamo tempo da perdere."
"We must leave immediately — we have no time to lose."
Passare il tempo
"To pass the time"
Used when doing something to occupy oneself, without a specific goal.
"Leggeva romanzi per passare il tempo durante il lungo viaggio."
"She read novels to pass the time during the long journey."
I bei vecchi tempi
"The beautiful old times"
A nostalgic reference to a past era that is remembered fondly, often idealised.
"Ah, i bei vecchi tempi quando si poteva lasciare la porta aperta tutta la notte."
"Ah, the good old days when you could leave the door open all night."
Non è mai troppo tardi
"It is never too late"
Used to encourage someone to start something new regardless of their age or how much time has passed.
"Ha imparato a suonare il pianoforte a sessant'anni — non è mai troppo tardi."
"She learned to play the piano at sixty — it's never too late."
Prima o poi
"Sooner or later"
Used to express that something will inevitably happen at some point in the future.
"Prima o poi dovrai affrontare quella conversazione difficile."
"Sooner or later you'll have to face that difficult conversation."
Avere tutto il tempo del mondo
"To have all the time in the world"
Used when there is no hurry and one can take as long as needed.
"In pensione finalmente ho tutto il tempo del mondo per leggere."
"In retirement I finally have all the time in the world to read."
Il passato è passato
"The past is passed"
Used to encourage letting go of old grievances or regrets and moving forward.
"Smettila di rimuginare — il passato è passato, guarda avanti."
"Stop dwelling on it — the past is the past, look forward."
Guardare avanti
"To look forward"
Used to encourage focusing on the future rather than dwelling on the past.
"Basta piangere sul latte versato — è ora di guardare avanti."
"Stop crying over spilt milk — it's time to look ahead."
Godere di buona salute
"To enjoy good health"
Used to describe someone who is physically and mentally well.
"A ottant'anni gode ancora di buona salute — cammina ogni giorno."
"At eighty he still enjoys good health — he walks every day."
Non si è mai troppo vecchi per imparare
"One is never too old to learn"
Encourages continuing to learn and grow regardless of age.
"Ha iniziato a studiare il cinese a sessantacinque anni — non si è mai troppo vecchi per imparare."
"She started studying Chinese at sixty-five — you are never too old to learn."
La vita è bella
"Life is beautiful"
An expression of gratitude and joy for being alive, often used after hardship.
"Dopo la guarigione ha ripetuto con lacrime agli occhi: la vita è bella."
"After recovering, she said with tears in her eyes: life is beautiful."
La vita è breve
"Life is short"
A reminder of mortality used to encourage people to make the most of their time.
"La vita è breve — smetti di rimandare e inizia a vivere davvero."
"Life is short — stop postponing and start truly living."
Tanto tempo fa
"A long time ago"
A standard phrase to introduce events from the distant past.
"Tanto tempo fa, in questo quartiere c'era ancora la campagna."
"A long time ago, this neighbourhood was still countryside."
Come passa il tempo!
"How time passes!"
An exclamation used when one suddenly notices how much time has elapsed.
"Come passa il tempo! Sembra ieri che ci siamo laureati insieme."
"How time flies! It feels like yesterday that we graduated together."
In punto
"On the point"
Used to emphasise punctuality — arriving or doing something at exactly the agreed time.
"La riunione inizia alle nove in punto — sii puntuale."
"The meeting starts at nine on the dot — be punctual."
Essere un mattiniero
"To be a morning person"
Describes someone who naturally wakes up early and is most active in the morning.
"Sono un mattiniero — alle cinque e mezza sono già in piedi."
"I'm an early bird — I'm already up at half past five."
Rimandare a domani
"To postpone to tomorrow"
Describes the habit of delaying tasks that should be done now.
"Smetti di rimandare a domani — inizia adesso."
"Stop putting it off until tomorrow — start now."
Non c'è due senza tre
"There is no two without three"
Used to predict that if something has happened twice, it will likely happen a third time.
"Hai già vinto due gare questo mese — non c'è due senza tre!"
"You've already won two races this month — things come in threes!"
Non essere nato ieri
"Not to have been born yesterday"
Insists that one is experienced enough not to be easily fooled.
"Non cercare di ingannarmi — non sono nato ieri."
"Don't try to fool me — I wasn't born yesterday."
Fare il giro del mondo
"To do the tour of the world"
Often used metaphorically for a life ambition to experience the world before one gets too old.
"Il suo sogno è fare il giro del mondo prima dei cinquant'anni."
"His dream is to travel the world before he turns fifty."
Avere la vita davanti
"To have life in front"
Said to young people to remind them they still have many years and opportunities ahead of them.
"Non preoccuparti — hai ancora tutta la vita davanti a te."
"Don't worry — you still have your whole life ahead of you."
Venire al mondo
"To come to the world"
A standard euphemism for being born.
"È venuto al mondo in una piccola casa di campagna."
"He came into the world in a small country house."
Dare alla luce
"To give to the light"
The standard Italian expression for giving birth to a child.
"Ha dato alla luce due gemelli all'alba di martedì."
"She gave birth to twins at dawn on Tuesday."
Avere fretta
"To have hurry"
A basic expression for being pressed for time and needing to act quickly.
"Scusa, ho fretta — ti chiamo più tardi."
"Sorry, I'm in a hurry — I'll call you later."
Essere sempre di fretta
"To always be in a hurry"
Describes someone with a consistently hectic lifestyle who is perpetually short of time.
"È sempre di fretta — non si ferma mai a parlare."
"She is always in a rush — she never stops to talk."
Prendersela con calma
"To take it with calm"
Encourages someone to slow down, relax, and not rush.
"Non devi finire tutto oggi — prendila con calma."
"You don't have to finish everything today — take it easy."
Rimanere nel cuore
"To remain in the heart"
Used for people or memories that are deeply cherished and never forgotten.
"È morto tanti anni fa, ma rimane nel cuore di tutti."
"He died many years ago, but he stays in everyone's heart."
Correre come il vento
"To run like the wind"
Used to describe moving very quickly, especially in a moment of urgency.
"Quando ha sentito l'allarme, è corso come il vento."
"When he heard the alarm, he ran like the wind."
Avere un futuro davanti
"To have a future in front"
Used to describe someone full of potential whose best years and achievements are still to come.
"Con quel talento ha un grande futuro davanti."
"With that talent she has a great future ahead."
Vivere a lungo e in salute
"To live long and in health"
A common wish or aspiration, often used as a toast or blessing.
"Il segreto del centenario? Vivere a lungo e in salute senza pensieri."
"The centenarian's secret? Live long and in good health without worries."
Andare in pensione
"To go into pension"
The standard expression for reaching the end of one's working life and retiring.
"Dopo quarant'anni di insegnamento, andrà in pensione il prossimo giugno."
"After forty years of teaching, she will retire next June."
B1 — Intermediate
Col tempo e la paglia maturano le nespole
"With time and straw, medlars ripen"
Patience is needed for some things to reach their natural conclusion. Used to encourage someone not to rush.
"Non preoccuparti, col tempo e la paglia maturano le nespole — aspetta e vedrai."
"Don't worry, good things come to those who wait — be patient and you'll see."
Cogliere la palla al balzo
"To catch the ball on the bounce"
To take advantage of an opportunity as soon as it appears, without hesitation.
"Quando mi hanno offerto quel lavoro a Milano, ho colto la palla al balzo."
"When they offered me that job in Milan, I seized the opportunity."
Il tempo guarisce tutte le ferite
"Time heals all wounds"
Used to comfort someone who is going through pain, reminding them that suffering fades over time.
"So che stai soffrendo adesso, ma il tempo guarisce tutte le ferite."
"I know you are suffering now, but time heals all wounds."
Fare le ore piccole
"To make the small hours"
Used when someone stays up very late at night, past midnight.
"Abbiamo fatto le ore piccole a festeggiare il suo compleanno."
"We stayed up until the early hours celebrating his birthday."
Chi ha tempo non aspetti tempo
"He who has time should not wait for time"
A proverb urging people to act now rather than postponing tasks, as opportunities may disappear.
"Prenota i biglietti subito — chi ha tempo non aspetti tempo."
"Book the tickets right away — don't put off till tomorrow what you can do today."
Dare tempo al tempo
"To give time to time"
Used to suggest patience and letting things develop naturally without forcing them.
"Non ti preoccupare per la relazione — bisogna dare tempo al tempo."
"Don't worry about the relationship — you need to give it time."
Tra il dire e il fare c'è di mezzo il mare
"Between saying and doing there is the sea in between"
Highlights the gap between planning or talking about something and actually doing it.
"Dici che smetti di fumare, ma tra il dire e il fare c'è di mezzo il mare."
"You say you'll quit smoking, but easier said than done."
Prendere tempo
"To take time"
Used when someone deliberately delays giving an answer or making a decision.
"Non rispondeva subito — stava prendendo tempo per pensarci."
"He didn't answer right away — he was buying time to think it over."
Ogni cosa a suo tempo
"Every thing in its time"
Used to suggest that there is a right moment for everything and one should not rush.
"Non pensare già al matrimonio — ogni cosa a suo tempo."
"Don't think about marriage already — everything in its own time."
Il momento è adesso
"The moment is now"
Used to encourage immediate action, emphasising that waiting is not an option.
"Se vuoi cambiare vita, il momento è adesso — non aspettare."
"If you want to change your life, the time is now — don't wait."
Vivere alla giornata
"To live by the day"
Describes someone who does not plan for the future and deals only with the present moment.
"Da quando ha perso il lavoro, vive alla giornata senza pensare al futuro."
"Since he lost his job, he lives day by day without thinking about the future."
Il bel tempo è passato
"The beautiful time has passed"
A nostalgic expression used when a pleasant period of life has ended.
"Con la crisi, il bel tempo è passato per molte piccole imprese."
"With the crisis, the good times are over for many small businesses."
Nel fiore degli anni
"In the flower of the years"
Refers to the best, most vital period of one's life, usually youth or early adulthood.
"È morto nel fiore degli anni — aveva solo trentadue anni."
"He died in the prime of life — he was only thirty-two."
Essere agli sgoccioli
"To be at the drips"
Used when something — time, money, patience — is almost completely used up.
"La batteria del telefono è agli sgoccioli — devo caricarlo subito."
"The phone battery is running out — I need to charge it right away."
Fare una vita da cani
"To lead a dog's life"
Describes a miserable, exhausting, or undignified existence.
"Con quell'orario di lavoro fa una vita da cani — non ha tempo per niente."
"With that work schedule, she has a dog's life — no time for anything."
Cambiare vita
"To change life"
Used when someone makes a significant and often positive change in how they live.
"Dopo l'incidente ha deciso di cambiare vita e trasferirsi in campagna."
"After the accident he decided to turn over a new leaf and move to the countryside."
Fare la bella vita
"To make the beautiful life"
Describes someone who lives comfortably and pleasurably, often without working hard.
"Da quando ha ereditato, fa la bella vita senza preoccupazioni."
"Ever since he inherited money, he's been living the good life without a care."
Passare a miglior vita
"To pass to a better life"
A euphemism for dying, expressing the hope or belief that the afterlife is better.
"Il nostro caro nonno è passato a miglior vita all'età di novantadue anni."
"Our dear grandfather passed away at the age of ninety-two."
Andarsene in pace
"To go away in peace"
A gentle euphemism for dying, used when someone dies calmly and without suffering.
"Si è addormentata e se n'è andata in pace nel sonno."
"She fell asleep and passed away peacefully in her sleep."
Lasciare questo mondo
"To leave this world"
A formal or literary euphemism for dying.
"Ha lasciato questo mondo circondato dall'affetto dei suoi cari."
"He left this world surrounded by the love of his family."
Fare tesoro del tempo
"To make treasure of time"
Used to encourage someone to value and use their time wisely.
"Da giovane non capivo quanto fosse importante fare tesoro del tempo."
"When I was young I didn't understand how important it was to make the most of my time."
A tempo debito
"At the due time"
Used to say that something will happen when the right moment comes, urging patience.
"Ti spiegherò tutto a tempo debito — adesso non è il momento."
"I'll explain everything in due time — now is not the moment."
Avere vissuto tempi migliori
"To have lived better times"
Said of someone or something that was once in better condition but has since declined.
"Quell'albergo ha vissuto tempi migliori — adesso è molto trasandato."
"That hotel has seen better days — it's very run-down now."
A lungo andare
"Going for a long time"
Used to describe consequences or outcomes that will become apparent over a long period.
"A lungo andare, lo stress continuo danneggia la salute."
"In the long run, constant stress damages your health."
Fare le cose a tempo perso
"To do things in lost time"
Describes activities done without serious commitment, as a hobby or when there is nothing else to do.
"Dipingo a tempo perso — non mi sono mai considerato un artista vero."
"I paint in my spare time — I've never considered myself a real artist."
Aspettare il momento giusto
"To wait for the right moment"
Used when someone deliberately delays action until conditions are favourable.
"Non ho ancora proposto l'idea al capo — sto aspettando il momento giusto."
"I haven't proposed the idea to the boss yet — I'm waiting for the right moment."
Il futuro è ancora da scrivere
"The future is still to be written"
An optimistic expression saying that nothing is fixed and anything is still possible.
"Non arrenderti — il futuro è ancora da scrivere."
"Don't give up — the future is yet to be written."
Voltare pagina
"To turn the page"
Used when someone starts a new chapter in life, leaving the past behind.
"Dopo il divorzio ha voltato pagina e ha ricominciato da zero."
"After the divorce she turned the page and started over from scratch."
Ricominciare da zero
"To restart from zero"
Describes starting completely over, with nothing carried over from a previous situation.
"Dopo il fallimento, ha dovuto ricominciare da zero."
"After the bankruptcy, he had to start from scratch."
Avere un bel po' di anni sulle spalle
"To have quite a few years on one's shoulders"
A polite way of saying someone is getting old or has significant life experience.
"Ho un bel po' di anni sulle spalle, ma la curiosità non mi è mai mancata."
"I have quite a few years under my belt, but I've never lost my curiosity."
Non rimpiangere nulla
"To regret nothing"
Used to express that one accepts all choices made and would not change them.
"È vissuta intensamente e ha detto di non rimpiangere nulla."
"She lived intensely and said she had no regrets."
Piangere sul latte versato
"To cry over spilt milk"
Used to tell someone there is no point lamenting something that cannot be undone.
"Sì, hai perso l'opportunità, ma non piangere sul latte versato."
"Yes, you missed the opportunity, but don't cry over spilt milk."
Lasciarsi il passato alle spalle
"To leave the past behind one's shoulders"
Describes making a deliberate effort to stop being influenced by past events.
"Ha lavorato molto su se stesso per lasciarsi il passato alle spalle."
"He worked hard on himself to leave the past behind."
Correre contro il tempo
"To run against time"
Used when someone must act very quickly before a deadline or before it is too late.
"I medici correvano contro il tempo per salvare il paziente."
"The doctors were racing against time to save the patient."
Essere fuori tempo
"To be out of time"
Used when someone or something is outdated, or when time has run out.
"Con quei vestiti è completamente fuori tempo — sembra uscito dagli anni '70."
"With those clothes he is completely behind the times — he looks like he stepped out of the 70s."
Andare con i tempi
"To go with the times"
Used to encourage adapting to modern ways and current trends.
"Dovresti imparare a usare i social — bisogna andare con i tempi."
"You should learn to use social media — you have to move with the times."
L'età non perdona
"Age does not forgive"
Used to acknowledge that the physical effects of ageing are inevitable and unavoidable.
"Non riesco più a dormire fino a tardi — l'età non perdona."
"I can't sleep in any more — age catches up with you."
Gli anni pesano
"The years weigh heavy"
Used to describe the physical and mental burden that comes with growing older.
"Fa ancora lunghe passeggiate, anche se gli anni pesano."
"He still takes long walks, even though the years take their toll."
Trovare la propria strada
"To find one's own road"
Used to describe discovering the career, lifestyle, or calling that suits one best.
"Dopo anni di incertezza, ha finalmente trovato la sua strada."
"After years of uncertainty, she finally found her path in life."
Essere a un bivio
"To be at a fork in the road"
Used when facing an important decision that will significantly affect one's future.
"A trent'anni si trovava a un bivio: rimanere in Italia o emigrare."
"At thirty he was at a crossroads: stay in Italy or emigrate."
Prendere la vita con filosofia
"To take life with philosophy"
Describes approaching difficulties or setbacks with calm acceptance and wisdom.
"Ha perso il lavoro, ma prende la vita con filosofia."
"He lost his job, but he takes life philosophically."
Cogli l'attimo
"Seize the moment"
The Italian equivalent of carpe diem — an exhortation to enjoy the present fully.
"Non aspettare un'altra occasione — cogli l'attimo!"
"Don't wait for another chance — seize the moment!"
Vivere il presente
"To live the present"
Encourages focusing on the current moment rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
"La meditazione mi ha insegnato a vivere il presente."
"Meditation taught me to live in the present."
A ogni morte di papa
"At every death of a pope"
Describes something that happens very rarely, since popes do not die frequently.
"Torna a trovarci a ogni morte di papa — è sparito da anni."
"He visits us once in a blue moon — he's been gone for years."
Nel giro di poco
"In the span of a little"
Used to say that something will happen or has happened very quickly.
"Nel giro di poco la notizia si era diffusa in tutto il paese."
"In no time the news had spread throughout the whole village."
Al momento opportuno
"At the opportune moment"
Describes acting or speaking at exactly the best or most appropriate moment.
"Ha presentato la sua candidatura al momento opportuno."
"She submitted her application at the right moment."
Vivere di ricordi
"To live on memories"
Describes someone who dwells too much in the past rather than engaging with the present.
"Da quando è morta la moglie, vive di ricordi."
"Since his wife died, he lives on memories."
Senza perdere un minuto
"Without losing a minute"
Used to emphasise acting immediately with no delay whatsoever.
"Appena ha saputo la notizia, è partita senza perdere un minuto."
"As soon as she heard the news, she left without losing a minute."
Passare come un lampo
"To pass like a lightning bolt"
Said of time or events that are over so quickly they barely seem to have happened.
"Le vacanze sono passate come un lampo — adesso si ritorna al lavoro."
"The holiday passed like a flash — now it's back to work."
Essere puntuale come un orologio
"To be punctual as a clock"
Said of someone who is always exactly on time, without exception.
"È puntuale come un orologio — non arriva mai in ritardo di un secondo."
"He is as punctual as clockwork — never a second late."
Avere vita breve
"To have short life"
Describes something — a trend, a relationship, a project — that does not last long.
"Quella moda ha avuto vita breve — è durata solo un'estate."
"That trend was short-lived — it only lasted one summer."
La fortuna è cieca
"Fortune is blind"
Used to say that luck acts randomly, without favouring the worthy or the unworthy.
"Non capisco perché sia toccato a lui — la fortuna è cieca."
"I don't understand why it fell to him — fortune is blind."
La fortuna aiuta gli audaci
"Fortune helps the bold"
Encourages taking risks and being brave, suggesting that luck rewards courageous action.
"Fai quella proposta al cliente — la fortuna aiuta gli audaci."
"Make that proposal to the client — fortune favours the bold."
Avere la fortuna dalla propria parte
"To have fortune on one's own side"
Used when circumstances are favourable and things seem to be going well.
"In questo progetto abbiamo la fortuna dalla nostra parte."
"In this project we have luck on our side."
Tentare la fortuna
"To tempt fortune"
Describes taking a chance in the hope of a positive outcome.
"Ho deciso di tentare la fortuna e mandare il manoscritto all'editore."
"I decided to try my luck and send the manuscript to the publisher."
Essere nati con la camicia
"To be born with a shirt"
Said of someone who is naturally very lucky or who was born into privileged circumstances.
"È sempre scampato ai guai — è proprio nato con la camicia."
"He always gets out of trouble — he was truly born lucky."
Vivere di speranza
"To live on hope"
Describes someone who sustains themselves with optimism and hope, despite difficult circumstances.
"In attesa di un lavoro stabile, viveva di speranza."
"While waiting for a steady job, she lived on hope."
La speranza è l'ultima a morire
"Hope is the last to die"
Encourages maintaining hope even in the most difficult situations.
"Non perdere la fiducia — la speranza è l'ultima a morire."
"Don't lose faith — hope is the last to die."
A caval donato non si guarda in bocca
"To a gifted horse one doesn't look in the mouth"
One should be grateful for what is given, not criticise its imperfections.
"Sì, la casa ha bisogno di qualche riparazione, ma a caval donato non si guarda in bocca."
"Yes, the house needs some repairs, but don't look a gift horse in the mouth."
Battere il ferro finché è caldo
"Beat the iron while it is hot"
Act at the most favourable moment; do not let an opportunity pass.
"Ha accettato subito l'offerta — bisogna battere il ferro finché è caldo."
"He accepted the offer immediately — strike while the iron is hot."
Perdere l'occasione
"To lose the occasion"
Used when someone fails to take advantage of a good opportunity that presents itself.
"Ha perso l'occasione di una vita per esitare troppo."
"She missed the opportunity of a lifetime by hesitating too long."
Lasciare il segno
"To leave the mark"
Describes having a lasting impact on others or on the world.
"Ha insegnato per quarant'anni e ha lasciato il segno su migliaia di studenti."
"She taught for forty years and left a mark on thousands of students."
Passare alla storia
"To pass into history"
Used when someone or something becomes memorable and part of the historical record.
"Quella partita passerà alla storia del calcio italiano."
"That match will go down in the history of Italian football."
Essere ricordato per sempre
"To be remembered forever"
Used for great figures whose deeds are so significant they will never be forgotten.
"Per la sua generosità sarà ricordato per sempre in questo paese."
"For his generosity he will be remembered forever in this village."
Avanzare negli anni
"To advance in years"
A polite way of saying someone is getting older.
"Avanza negli anni ma è ancora lucida e attiva."
"She is advancing in years but is still sharp and active."
Portare bene gli anni
"To carry the years well"
Said of someone who looks younger than their age or is in great shape for their years.
"Ha settant'anni ma porta benissimo gli anni — sembra ancora giovane."
"He is seventy but wears his years very well — he still looks young."
Essere rimasto nel passato
"To have remained in the past"
Said of someone who has not adapted to how things have changed and still thinks or acts as in the past.
"Le sue opinioni su quel tema mostrano che è rimasto nel passato."
"His opinions on that subject show that he is stuck in the past."
Non pensarci due volte
"To not think about it twice"
Used when someone acts immediately and decisively without hesitation.
"Quando ha visto l'offerta di lavoro, non ci ha pensato due volte."
"When she saw the job offer, she didn't think twice."
Arrivare al dunque
"To arrive at the therefore"
Used when it is time to stop delaying and face the essential matter directly.
"Basta preamboli — arriviamo al dunque."
"Enough preamble — let's get to the point."
Il tempo non aspetta nessuno
"Time waits for no one"
Reminds us that time passes regardless of our wishes, and we must keep up with it.
"Smetti di rimandare — il tempo non aspetta nessuno."
"Stop putting things off — time waits for no one."
Fare buon uso del tempo
"To make good use of time"
Encourages spending time on productive or meaningful activities.
"Con una pianificazione migliore potresti fare buon uso del tuo tempo."
"With better planning you could make good use of your time."
Aspettare il proprio momento
"To wait for one's own moment"
Used for someone who patiently bides their time until they can act or succeed.
"Era un talento nascosto che aspettava il proprio momento."
"He was a hidden talent waiting for his moment."
Essere scritto nel destino
"To be written in destiny"
Used to say that something was meant to happen, as if predetermined.
"Si sono incontrati per caso in aeroporto — era scritto nel destino."
"They met by chance at the airport — it was written in the stars."
Il destino ci ha uniti
"Destiny has united us"
Used to describe a meaningful encounter or relationship as something that was meant to be.
"Il destino ci ha uniti in quel piccolo paese di montagna."
"Fate brought us together in that little mountain village."
Vivere ogni giorno come se fosse l'ultimo
"To live every day as if it were the last"
A carpe diem philosophy encouraging living fully and without regret.
"Da quando ha superato la malattia, vive ogni giorno come se fosse l'ultimo."
"Since overcoming his illness, he lives every day as if it were his last."
Essere alla terza età
"To be at the third age"
A polite expression for being elderly, typically over sixty-five.
"Il centro offre attività ricreative per chi è alla terza età."
"The centre offers recreational activities for those in the third age."
Tornare ai vecchi tempi
"To return to the old times"
Used to express nostalgia for a previous era or way of life.
"Talvolta mi piacerebbe tornare ai vecchi tempi, quando la vita era più semplice."
"Sometimes I'd like to go back to the old days, when life was simpler."
Il tempo scorre
"Time flows"
A reflective expression acknowledging the continuous and unstoppable passage of time.
"Guardo le foto di quando ero giovane e penso: il tempo scorre inesorabile."
"I look at photos of when I was young and think: time flows relentlessly."
Fare il suo corso
"To do its course"
Used when an illness, process, or event is allowed to develop and end naturally.
"Non prendere medicine — lascia che il raffreddore faccia il suo corso."
"Don't take medicine — let the cold run its course."
Mettere radici
"To put roots"
Describes settling permanently in a place, building a stable and lasting life there.
"Dopo anni di viaggi, ha messo radici a Firenze."
"After years of travelling, she put down roots in Florence."
Fare la storia
"To make history"
Used when someone's actions are so significant they will be recorded and remembered historically.
"Con quella scoperta, la scienziata ha fatto la storia della medicina."
"With that discovery, the scientist made history in medicine."
Non avere un attimo di pace
"To not have a single moment of peace"
Describes a very hectic, stressful life where there is no rest or calm.
"Con tre bambini piccoli non ho un attimo di pace."
"With three small children I don't have a moment's peace."
Tempo permettendo
"Time permitting"
A qualifier meaning something will happen only if there is enough time or good weather.
"Andremo al mare domani, tempo permettendo."
"We'll go to the sea tomorrow, time permitting."
Avere rimpianti
"To have regrets"
Used when someone reflects painfully on past choices they wish they had made differently.
"Non voglio arrivare a ottant'anni con una lista di rimpianti."
"I don't want to reach eighty with a list of regrets."
Essere vissuto a lungo
"To have lived for a long time"
Used respectfully to acknowledge the many years someone has lived.
"Ha vissuto a lungo e ha visto cambiare il mondo intorno a lei."
"She lived a long life and saw the world change around her."
Vivere senza rimpianti
"To live without regrets"
An ideal of fully embracing one's choices so as not to look back with sorrow.
"Il suo motto era vivere senza rimpianti e senza rancori."
"His motto was to live without regrets and without bitterness."
Il tempo trascorso
"The elapsed time"
Refers to time that has already passed, often used in reflective or nostalgic contexts.
"Guardando le vecchie fotografie, si meravigliava del tempo trascorso."
"Looking at old photographs, she marvelled at the time gone by."
Fare il punto della situazione
"To do the point of the situation"
Used when someone pauses to assess where things currently stand.
"Prima di procedere, dobbiamo fare il punto della situazione."
"Before proceeding, we need to take stock of the situation."
Ripartire da capo
"To restart from the head"
Used when everything that has been done must be abandoned and the work begun afresh.
"Il progetto era così compromesso che abbiamo dovuto ripartire da capo."
"The project was so compromised that we had to start all over again."
Chiudere un capitolo
"To close a chapter"
Used when a significant phase of one's life has come to a definitive end.
"Con il trasloco ha chiuso un capitolo importante della sua vita."
"With the move, she closed an important chapter of her life."
Aprire un nuovo capitolo
"To open a new chapter"
Describes beginning a new and distinct phase of life.
"La nascita del figlio ha aperto un nuovo capitolo nella sua vita."
"The birth of his son opened a new chapter in his life."
Vivere nel ricordo
"To live in memory"
Said of someone who has died but whose memory is kept alive by those who loved them.
"Anche se non c'è più, vive nel ricordo di tutti noi."
"Even though she is gone, she lives on in the memory of all of us."
Essere il ricordo di una vita
"To be the memory of a lifetime"
Describes an experience so powerful it remains with a person for the rest of their life.
"Quel viaggio in Africa è stato il ricordo di una vita."
"That trip to Africa was a lifelong memory."
Il ciclo della vita
"The cycle of life"
Refers to the natural progression from birth through growth, ageing, and death.
"La nascita della nipotina le ha fatto riflettere sul ciclo della vita."
"The birth of her granddaughter made her reflect on the cycle of life."
Non si vive due volte
"One does not live twice"
Used to justify taking risks or pursuing experiences, since life gives only one chance.
"Salta già dall'aereo — non si vive due volte!"
"Jump out of the plane — you only live once!"
Avere un peso sul cuore
"To have a weight on the heart"
Describes carrying an emotional burden — guilt, grief, or unresolved regret.
"Da quando se n'è andato senza salutarsi, ha un peso sul cuore."
"Since he left without saying goodbye, she has had a weight on her heart."
Fare un salto nel passato
"To take a jump into the past"
Used when revisiting old places, people, or memories that bring back the past vividly.
"Rivedere quei vecchi film è stato come fare un salto nel passato."
"Watching those old films was like taking a trip down memory lane."
Essere alle porte
"To be at the gates"
Said of an event, season, or situation that is very close and about to arrive.
"L'estate è alle porte — è ora di pensare alle vacanze."
"Summer is just around the corner — it's time to think about holidays."
Essere alle prime armi
"To be at the first weapons"
Describes someone who is new to an activity or profession and still lacks experience.
"Non criticarlo troppo — è ancora alle prime armi."
"Don't criticise him too much — he is still a beginner."
Sentire il peso degli anni
"To feel the weight of the years"
Used when physical or mental tiredness makes someone feel older than they might appear.
"Dopo quella lunga escursione, ha sentito davvero il peso degli anni."
"After that long hike, he really felt his age."
Non avere più l'età
"To no longer have the age"
Said when someone has passed the appropriate age for a particular activity or behaviour.
"Vorrei andare a ballare tutta la notte, ma non ho più l'età."
"I'd like to dance all night, but I'm too old for that now."
Con l'andare del tempo
"With the going of time"
Used to describe how things change or improve gradually as time passes.
"Con l'andare del tempo, il dolore si è attenuato."
"As time went by, the pain eased."
Rivivere il passato
"To relive the past"
Describes mentally or emotionally re-experiencing past events, whether pleasant or painful.
"Guardando le foto del matrimonio, riviveva ogni momento di quella giornata."
"Looking at the wedding photos, she relived every moment of that day."
Stare al passo coi tempi
"To keep pace with the times"
Describes adapting continuously to changes in society, technology, or culture.
"Un'azienda che non sta al passo coi tempi è destinata a sparire."
"A company that doesn't keep up with the times is destined to disappear."
Fermare il tempo
"To stop time"
An impossible wish to freeze a perfect or happy moment so it never ends.
"In quei momenti con i miei figli vorrei poter fermare il tempo."
"In those moments with my children I wish I could stop time."
Avere la testa nel passato
"To have the head in the past"
Describes someone who cannot let go of how things used to be and cannot focus on the present.
"Smettila di avere la testa nel passato — il mondo è cambiato."
"Stop having your head in the past — the world has changed."
Passare il testimone
"To pass the baton"
Used when someone hands over their role, responsibility, or legacy to a successor.
"A settant'anni ha passato il testimone al figlio."
"At seventy he passed the baton to his son."
Fare tesoro dell'esperienza
"To make treasure of experience"
Encourages treating difficult experiences as valuable lessons rather than losses.
"Anche quando le cose vanno male, bisogna fare tesoro dell'esperienza."
"Even when things go badly, you must learn from the experience."
Raccogliere i frutti
"To gather the fruits"
Describes enjoying the positive results of earlier hard work or good decisions.
"Dopo anni di sacrifici, sta finalmente raccogliendo i frutti del suo lavoro."
"After years of sacrifices, he is finally reaping the rewards of his work."
Seminare per raccogliere
"To sow in order to harvest"
Reminds that effort invested now will bring rewards in the future.
"Studia adesso — si semina per raccogliere."
"Study now — you have to sow in order to reap."
Non rimandare mai a domani quello che puoi fare oggi
"Never postpone to tomorrow what you can do today"
The full proverb urging people to act immediately rather than procrastinate.
"Inizia subito quella lettera — non rimandare mai a domani quello che puoi fare oggi."
"Start that letter right away — never put off till tomorrow what you can do today."
B2 — Upper Intermediate
Fare il bello e il cattivo tempo
"To make good and bad weather"
Used for someone who has total control over a situation or group of people.
"In quella casa è lei che fa il bello e il cattivo tempo."
"In that house, she is the one who calls the shots."
Essere sulla soglia della vita
"To be on the threshold of life"
Used to describe someone who is very young and at the beginning of their life journey.
"A diciotto anni sei ancora sulla soglia della vita — hai tutto davanti a te."
"At eighteen you are still at the threshold of life — you have everything ahead of you."
Tirare i remi in barca
"To pull the oars into the boat"
Used when someone decides to stop an activity or withdraw from a situation.
"Dopo trent'anni di lavoro, ha deciso di tirare i remi in barca e andare in pensione."
"After thirty years of work, he decided to call it quits and retire."
Avere i giorni contati
"To have the days counted"
Used when someone or something is near the end of its existence or usefulness.
"Con quella tosse persistente, i medici temevano che avesse i giorni contati."
"With that persistent cough, the doctors feared his days were numbered."
Essere al capolinea
"To be at the terminus"
Describes a situation or life that has reached its final stage with no way forward.
"Dopo l'ultimo fallimento, la sua carriera era al capolinea."
"After the last failure, his career was at the end of the line."
Il tempo è galantuomo
"Time is a gentleman"
Used to say that the truth or justice will eventually emerge with the passage of time.
"Tutti pensavano che avesse torto, ma il tempo è galantuomo."
"Everyone thought he was wrong, but time will tell."
Essere figlio del proprio tempo
"To be a child of one's time"
Used to explain someone's attitudes or behaviour by the era in which they grew up.
"Non giudicarlo troppo duramente — è figlio del suo tempo."
"Don't judge him too harshly — he is a product of his time."
Segnare un'epoca
"To mark an era"
Describes a person, event, or work that profoundly influences its historical period.
"Quella canzone ha segnato un'epoca nella musica italiana."
"That song marked an era in Italian music."
Fare i conti con il passato
"To settle accounts with the past"
Used when someone must confront and process past experiences, mistakes, or trauma.
"Prima di andare avanti, deve fare i conti con il suo passato."
"Before moving forward, she needs to come to terms with her past."
Arrivare al tramonto della vita
"To arrive at the sunset of life"
A poetic expression for reaching old age, the final stage of life.
"Al tramonto della vita, guardava indietro con serenità."
"At the twilight of his life, he looked back with serenity."
Essere nel mezzo del cammin
"To be in the middle of the path"
A literary expression (from Dante) for being at the midpoint of life, around forty years old.
"A quarant'anni si sentiva nel mezzo del cammin e iniziava a riflettere sul senso della vita."
"At forty he felt in the middle of his journey and began reflecting on the meaning of life."
Stare con un piede nella fossa
"To stand with one foot in the grave"
Said of someone who is very old or very ill and likely to die soon.
"Il vecchio zio è ancora vivo, ma è con un piede nella fossa da anni."
"The old uncle is still alive, but he's had one foot in the grave for years."
Fare come i gamberi
"To do like the shrimps"
Used when someone or something is moving backward instead of making progress.
"Con questa politica economica il paese sta facendo come i gamberi."
"With this economic policy the country is going backwards."
Portarsi il rimpianto nella tomba
"To carry the regret into the grave"
Describes a deep regret that someone carries for their entire life without resolution.
"Non aver detto ti amo è il rimpianto che si porterà nella tomba."
"Not having said 'I love you' is the regret he will take to his grave."
Chi muore giovane è caro agli dei
"He who dies young is dear to the gods"
A consolatory saying used when a young person dies, suggesting they were too good for this world.
"Era un ragazzo meraviglioso — chi muore giovane è caro agli dei."
"He was a wonderful boy — those who die young are dear to the gods."
Fare di necessità virtù
"To make virtue of necessity"
Used when someone makes the best of an unavoidable situation.
"Non amava cucinare, ma da sola ha fatto di necessità virtù."
"She didn't love cooking, but living alone she made a virtue of necessity."
Accettare il corso della vita
"To accept the course of life"
Used to encourage accepting natural changes and events such as ageing and loss.
"Con la saggezza degli anni ha imparato ad accettare il corso della vita."
"With the wisdom of years she learned to accept the course of life."
In men che non si dica
"In less than one can say"
Used to emphasise how quickly something happened or will happen.
"In men che non si dica, i bambini erano diventati adulti."
"Before you know it, the children had grown up."
Essere sul viale del tramonto
"To be on the avenue of the sunset"
Said of someone whose career, fame, or power is declining and nearing its end.
"Quel partito politico è ormai sul viale del tramonto."
"That political party is now past its prime."
Fare il proprio tempo
"To do its own time"
Used when something is outdated and no longer relevant or useful.
"Quella tecnologia ha fatto il suo tempo — nessuno la usa più."
"That technology has had its day — nobody uses it any more."
Trovare pane per i propri denti
"To find bread for one's teeth"
Used when someone encounters a challenge or opponent that is as strong as, or stronger than, them.
"Pensava di poter vincere facilmente, ma ha trovato pane per i suoi denti."
"He thought he could win easily, but he met his match."
L'occasione fa l'uomo ladro
"The occasion makes the man a thief"
Suggests that a person may act dishonestly when given the opportunity, even if not normally inclined to.
"Non lasciare i soldi sul tavolo — l'occasione fa l'uomo ladro."
"Don't leave the money on the table — opportunity makes a thief."
Giocarsi tutte le carte
"To play all one's cards"
Used when someone uses every resource or option available in a crucial situation.
"Per ottenere quel contratto si è giocato tutte le carte."
"To get that contract he played all his cards."
Entrare nella leggenda
"To enter into legend"
Describes achieving fame or status so remarkable that one becomes legendary.
"Con quella vittoria è entrato nella leggenda dello sport."
"With that victory he became a legend of sport."
Lasciare un'eredità
"To leave an inheritance"
Refers to the lasting impact or contributions a person leaves behind after their death.
"Quello scienziato ha lasciato un'eredità enorme alla ricerca mondiale."
"That scientist left an enormous legacy to global research."
Avere ancora sangue nelle vene
"To still have blood in the veins"
Used to describe someone who despite age or hardship is still full of life and energy.
"A ottant'anni balla ancora — ha ancora sangue nelle vene!"
"At eighty she still dances — she still has blood in her veins!"
Arrivare la propria ora
"For one's own hour to arrive"
Used euphemistically to mean that the time for someone's death has come.
"Era vecchio e malato — sapeva che la sua ora era arrivata."
"He was old and ill — he knew his hour had come."
Morire nel proprio letto
"To die in one's own bed"
A euphemism for dying peacefully at home of natural causes, at an old age.
"Ha vissuto una vita lunga e ha detto che voleva morire nel proprio letto."
"He lived a long life and said he wanted to die in his own bed."
Chiudere gli occhi per sempre
"To close the eyes for ever"
A poetic euphemism for dying.
"Ha chiuso gli occhi per sempre circondata dalla sua famiglia."
"She closed her eyes for ever surrounded by her family."
Spegnersi come una candela
"To extinguish like a candle"
A gentle image of dying slowly and quietly, losing energy gradually.
"Negli ultimi giorni si è spento come una candela, senza dolore."
"In his last days he faded away like a candle, without pain."
Andare incontro al proprio destino
"To go towards one's own destiny"
Used when someone knowingly moves towards an inevitable fate, often a difficult one.
"Sapeva del pericolo, eppure è andato incontro al suo destino."
"He knew of the danger, yet he went to face his destiny."
Accettare il proprio destino
"To accept one's own destiny"
Used when someone comes to peace with an outcome they cannot change.
"Dopo anni di lotta, ha scelto di accettare il suo destino con serenità."
"After years of fighting, she chose to accept her fate with serenity."
Sfidare il destino
"To challenge destiny"
Used when someone does something risky that seems to challenge fate or luck.
"Guidare così velocemente sotto la pioggia significa sfidare il destino."
"Driving that fast in the rain means tempting fate."
Fare un bilancio della propria vita
"To make a balance of one's own life"
Used when someone reflects on what they have achieved and what they have left undone.
"A cinquant'anni ha deciso di fare un bilancio della propria vita."
"At fifty she decided to take stock of her life."
Il senno di poi
"The wisdom of after"
Understanding gained after an event that would have been more useful beforehand.
"Con il senno di poi, avrei dovuto accettare quella proposta."
"With hindsight, I should have accepted that offer."
Con il senno di poi tutti sono bravi
"With wisdom of after everyone is good"
Criticises those who offer solutions or criticism only once a situation has already passed.
"Certo, adesso dici che sapevi — con il senno di poi tutti sono bravi."
"Sure, now you say you knew — it's easy to be wise after the event."
Sentirsi già vissuto
"To feel already lived"
Describes a sense of emotional exhaustion, as though one has experienced too much too soon.
"A soli trent'anni si sentiva già vissuto — troppe esperienze intense."
"At only thirty he felt like he had already lived a lifetime — too many intense experiences."
Gettarsi alle spalle il passato
"To throw the past behind one's shoulders"
A forceful version of leaving the past behind — deliberately discarding it.
"Ha dovuto gettarsi alle spalle il passato per poter ricominciare."
"She had to throw the past behind her in order to start again."
Mettere la parola fine
"To put the word end"
Used when definitively closing a chapter, relationship, or situation.
"Dopo anni di litigi, ha deciso di mettere la parola fine."
"After years of arguments, she decided to draw a line under it."
Segnare una svolta
"To mark a turning"
Describes an event that significantly changes the direction of something.
"Quel libro ha segnato una svolta nella sua vita."
"That book marked a turning point in his life."
Nascere, crescere e morire
"To be born, to grow and to die"
Describes the fundamental arc of every human life with simple directness.
"In fondo la vita è questo: nascere, crescere e morire — il resto è come riempiamo quello spazio."
"In the end life is this: to be born, to grow and to die — the rest is how we fill that space."
Sull'orlo del precipizio
"On the edge of the cliff"
Used to describe someone in a desperate situation very close to total collapse or ruin.
"Con quei debiti, l'azienda era sull'orlo del precipizio."
"With those debts, the company was on the edge of the abyss."
Fare pace con se stessi
"To make peace with oneself"
Used when someone reaches a state of inner acceptance after conflict or regret.
"Dopo anni di terapia, ha finalmente fatto pace con se stesso."
"After years of therapy, he finally made peace with himself."
Averlo vissuto sulla propria pelle
"To have lived it on one's own skin"
Describes knowledge gained through direct personal experience rather than reading or hearsay.
"Non puoi capire la guerra se non l'hai vissuta sulla tua pelle."
"You can't understand war unless you have lived through it firsthand."
L'orologio biologico ticchetta
"The biological clock ticks"
Used to note that someone is getting older and may have limited time left to have children.
"Ha trentasei anni e sa che l'orologio biologico ticchetta."
"She is thirty-six and knows that the biological clock is ticking."
Cedere il passo
"To yield the step"
Used when an older generation steps aside to let a younger one take over or move forward.
"I dirigenti anziani hanno ceduto il passo ai giovani talenti."
"The senior managers gave way to the young talents."
Tirare le somme
"To pull the totals"
Used when assessing the final result of a period of life, a project, or a situation.
"A fine anno è sempre utile tirare le somme e capire cosa ha funzionato."
"At the end of the year it is always useful to add it all up and understand what worked."
Essere al tramonto
"To be at the sunset"
A metaphor for being in the final phase of a career, an era, or a life.
"Quella grande civiltà era ormai al tramonto."
"That great civilisation was by then at its twilight."
Scomparire prima del tempo
"To disappear before one's time"
A gentle way of saying that someone died younger than expected.
"Era pieno di vita e di talento — è scomparso prima del tempo."
"He was full of life and talent — he was taken too soon."