No matter how hard you throw the stone into the water, the storm passes — no matter how violent the current disruption, nature and time restore calm. Used to console those in the middle of a crisis: this too shall pass, the storm is not permanent.
Sicily's climate includes violent storms, particularly in autumn and winter when the Mediterranean weather systems can produce extraordinary tempests. Fishermen and coastal communities knew from experience that even the most savage storms passed within hours or days, and that the sea they faced afterward was the same sea it had always been. The image of throwing a stone into water during a storm — a small human gesture against an enormous natural force — captures the scale of the confrontation between the individual and adversity. The stone produces its ripples, makes its small disturbance, and the storm rolls on and eventually passes without reference to the stone. The proverb consoles: your small disturbance in the middle of a great storm does not stop the storm, but the storm itself is temporary. Endure, and it passes.
A Sicilian proverb of consolation rooted in maritime experience of storms and their inevitable passing. 'Jetti' = getti (throw), 'timpesta' = tempesta (storm). Widely used as a consolation formula across all Sicilian provinces, particularly in coastal communities.
Consoling someone in the middle of a personal crisis
So che adesso sembra impossibile. Pri quantu forti si jetti la petra in l'acqua, a timpesta passa — tra un anno guarderai questo momento da molto lontano.
I know it seems impossible now. No matter how hard you throw the stone into the water, the storm passes — in a year you will look at this moment from very far away.
After a terrible argument between family members
Adesso tutti sono arrabbiati. Aspettate qualche giorno. Pri quantu forti si jetti la petra in l'acqua, a timpesta passa.
Right now everyone is angry. Wait a few days. No matter how hard you throw the stone into the water, the storm passes.
Fisherman speaking to a frightened crew during bad weather
State fermi e tenetevi. Pri quantu forti si jetti la petra in l'acqua, a timpesta passa — tra qualche ora saremo al porto.
Stay still and hold on. No matter how hard you throw the stone into the water, the storm passes — in a few hours we will be at port.
Advising someone not to make permanent decisions in temporary pain
Non fare niente adesso. Pri quantu forti si jetti la petra in l'acqua, a timpesta passa — poi decidi con la testa libera.
Do not do anything now. No matter how hard you throw the stone into the water, the storm passes — then decide with a clear head.