Casualphrase
farsi il sangue amaro
to worry oneself sick, to stew over something
Literal Translation
"to make one's blood bitter"
Formal Equivalent
tormentarsi, angustiarsi
Examples in Context
"Non farti il sangue amaro per quella storia, non ne vale la pena."
"Don't worry yourself sick over that situation, it's not worth it."
"Mi faccio il sangue amaro ogni volta che penso a quel debito."
"I stew over it every time I think about that debt."
⚠️
Cultural Note
Rooted in the ancient humoral theory that emotions could alter the quality of blood. Still very much alive in everyday Italian. Often used as advice: 'non farti il sangue amaro' — don't let it eat at you.
Want to practice Italian?
Take a free placement test and start with grammar exercises.