Good luck. Literally meaning 'into the wolf's mouth,' it is the standard Italian way of wishing someone success before a difficult undertaking, to which the correct reply is 'Crepi!' (May it die!).
The origin of this exchange is debated, but the most persuasive explanations root it in the theatrical world of Naples and Rome, where the phrase became standard backstage slang by at least the eighteenth century. One theory connects it to wolf hunting: wishing a hunter 'into the wolf's mouth' was a way of wishing him close enough to the prey to succeed. Another theory, popular in theatrical tradition, suggests the phrase originated as a superstitious reversal: wishing misfortune as a way of tricking fate into delivering the opposite. The response 'Crepi!' — short for 'Crepi il lupo' (may the wolf die) — completes the ritual, driving away the bad luck that the wolf represents. The exchange became institutionalized in Italian school culture, where it is the standard farewell before every exam, and in the performing arts, where it functions like the English theatrical tradition of saying 'break a leg.' Saying 'buona fortuna' instead is considered bad luck in many Italian contexts, making 'in bocca al lupo' not just a pleasantry but a cultural imperative.
Rooted in Italian theatrical and hunting traditions; the obligatory response 'Crepi!' makes it a two-part ritual unique to Italian culture.
Before a university exam
— Domani ho l'esame di fisica. — In bocca al lupo! — Crepi!
— Tomorrow I have my physics exam. — Good luck! — Thanks!
Before a job interview
In bocca al lupo per il colloquio! Faranno bene ad assumerti.
Good luck with the interview! They'd do well to hire you.
Before a theatre performance
In bocca al lupo a tutti — andate in scena tra dieci minuti!
Good luck everyone — you go on stage in ten minutes!
Before a driving test
— Vado a fare l'esame di guida. — In bocca al lupo! — Crepi!
— I'm going for my driving test. — Good luck! — Thanks!