Rule reminder

Italian economic journalism uses colourful idioms alongside technical vocabulary. Common expressions: 'far quadrare i conti' (to make ends meet / balance the books); 'tagliare il nastro' (to cut the ribbon / open something officially); 'mettere le mani nelle tasche degli italiani' (to reach into Italians' pockets / raise taxes); 'tirare la cinghia' (to tighten one's belt); 'fare cassa' (to raise cash). Recognising these idioms is essential for reading Il Sole 24 Ore or Corriere della Sera.