Italian proverbs

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Italian proverbs are short expressions of popular wisdom from Italy and other countries where Italian is spoken.

Contents

A [edit]

  • A chi bene crede, Dio provede.
    • Idiomatic translation: He who serves God has a good master.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 873. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • A chi parla poco, gli basta la metà del cervello.
    • Idiomatic translation: Least said, soonest mended.
    • Meaning: It is often best not bring up something bad that has occurred to someone else.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 975. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • A chi vuole, non maneano modi.
    • Idiomatic translation: Where there is a will, there is a way.
    • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 95. 
  • A mali estremi, estremi rimedi.
    • Idiomatic translation: Fight fire with fire.
    • Meaning: One must defeat evil with the same type of evil. For example, if someone is being ironic – be equally ironic in return.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 688. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • A goccia a goccia s'incava la pietra.
    • Idiomatic translation: Constant dropping wears the stone.
    • Meaning: Many small changes will soon make a big difference.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 187. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Agguingere legne al fuoco.
    • Idiomatic translation: (Don't) add fuel to the fire.
    • Kelly, Walter Keating (1859). Proverbs of all nations. W. Kent & co. (late D. Bogue). p. 78. 
  • Al buon vino non bisogna frasca.
    • Idiomatic translation: Good wine needs no bush.
    • Meaning: Good services and products do not need advertisement.
    • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 34. 
  • Anche il pazzo dice talvolta parole da savio.
    • Idiomatic translation: A fool may give a wise man counsel.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 40. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Anche il sole passa sopra il fango, e non s'imbratta.
    • Translation: The sun passes over filth and is not defiled.
    • Italian proverb, quoted in Proverbs, Maxims and Phrases of All Ages : Classified Subjectively and Arranged Alphabetically (1887) by Robert Christy, p. 322.
  • Anche in paradiso non è bello essere soli.
    • Idiomatic translation: There is no greater torment than to be alone in paradise.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1106. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Amare e non essere amato, quanto risponde sens esser chiamato.
    • Idiomatic translation: Idle hands are the devil's playthings.
    • Meaning: If you are bored or idle, start doing some work.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 676. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Amicizia di signore non è retaggio; chi troppo se ne fida non è saggio.
    • Idiomatic translation: A king's favour is no inheritance.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 24. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Amor, tosse e fumo, Malemente si nascondono.
    • Idiomatic translation: Love, smoke and cough are hard to hide.
    • Kelly, Walter Keating (1859). Proverbs of all nations. W. Kent & co. (late D. Bogue). p. 50. 
  • Amor tutti eguaglia.
    • Idiomatic translation: Love makes all equal.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 767. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Anche la legna storta dà fuoco diritto.
    • Idiomatic translation: Crooked logs make straight fires.
    • Meaning: If nothing better is available, anything flawed is also useful; Instead of being frustrated by a bad situation, try to find ways to improve it.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 683. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • A caval donato non si guarda in bocca.
    • Translation: Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.
    • Meaning: It is not worth or right to judge a gift, just accept it.
    • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 52. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • A carne di lupo, zanne di cane.
    • Idiomatic translation: You must meet roughness with roughness.
    • Example: If someone treats you bad, you should treat him equally bad.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 12. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • A chi dai il dito si prende anche il braccio.
    • Literal translation: Give them a finger and they'll take an arm.
    • Idiomatic translation: Give an inch and they'll take a mile.
    • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volym 1. Routledge. p. 828. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • A chi Dio vuol, castigare leva il cervello.
    • Idiomatic translation: Whom God will destroy, he first make mad.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 841. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • A torto si lagna del mare chi due volte ci vuol tornare.
    • Idiomatic translation: He complains wrongfully at the sea that suffer shipwreck twice.
    • Meaning: Don't do the same thing again and expect different results.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 898. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Ad ogni uccello il proprio nidoe è bello.
    • Idiomatic translation: The bird loves her own nest.
    • Meaning: If we were to grade ourselves, the grade would virtually always be very good; We most often vastly overestimate ourselves.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 776. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Aiutati che Dio ti aiuta.
    • Literal translation: Help yourself and God will help you.
    • Idiomatic translation: God helps those who help themselves.
    • Meaning: When in trouble first of all every one himself should do his best to improve his condition.
    • Source for meaning: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 150. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. 
    • Maurus (2002). Nella sofferenza aiutati che Dio ti aiuta. Segno. ISBN 8872826551. 
  • Al confessore, medico e avvocato, non tenere il ver ceato.
    • Idiomatic translation: Conceal not the truth from thy physcian and lawyer.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 666. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Assai pampini e poca uva.
    • Idiomatic translation: He that promises too much means nothing.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 92. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Aspetta, caval, che l'erba cresca.
    • Idiomatic translation: While the grass grows the steed starves.
    • Meaning: Dreams or expectations may be realized too late.
    • Meaning: Children observe daily and — in their behaviour — often follow the example of their parents.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1228. ISBN 0415096243. 

B [edit]

  • Batti il ferro finché è caldo.
    • Translation: Strike while the iron is hot.
    • Sabopak (1997). Battere il ferro finchéècaldo. Gruppo Editoriale Tipografico. ISBN 8887189005. 
  • Bella in vista, dentro è trista.
    • Idiomatic translation: A fair face and a foul heart.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 35. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Ben finisce chi considera il fine.
    • Translation: He ends well who considers the end.
    • English equivalent: Whatever you do, act wisely, and consider the end.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 600. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Bisogna accomodarsi ai tempi.
    • Idiomatic translation: Gnaw the bone which is fallen to thy lot.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 865. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Bisogna rischiare la scardola per avere il salmone.
    • Translation: Who wants to win a gander, you need to weigh Drake.
    • English equivalent: Set a herring to catch a whale.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1134. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Bisogna saper afferrare l'occasione pei capelli.
    • Idiomatic translation: Opportunity knocks only once.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 400. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Bocca di miele, cuore di fiele.
    • Idiomatic translation: A honey tongue and a heart of gall.
    • Note: A "hypo proverb" of "Beware of wolves in sheep's clothing..."
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 108. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Breve orazione penetra.
    • Idiomatic translation: Short prayers reach heaven.
    • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 75. 
  • Buon principio fa buon fine.
    • Idiomatic translation: A good beginning makes a good ending; Well begun, is half done.
    • Meaning: Starting properly ensures the speedy completion of a process. A – beginning is often blocked by one or more obstacles (potential barriers) the removal of which may ensure the smooth course of the process.
    • Source for proverb: Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 24. ISBN 0415160502. 
    • Source for meaning: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 228. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. 

C [edit]

  • E meglio qualche cosa che niente
    • Idiomatic translation: Better an egg today than a hen tomorrow.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 75. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Can che abbaia non morde.
    • Literal translation: The dog that barks doesn't bite.
    • Idiomatic translation: The barking dog seldom bites.
    • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 146. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Camminare sopra il filo di un rasoio.
    • Idiomatic translation: Do not play with edged tools.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 716. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Carta canta.
    • Idiomatic translation: "If the beard were all, the goat might preach.”
    • Meaning: Mere formal signs of being an authority does not make you one.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 117. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Cavalo riscaldato, (e garzon ritarnato), no fu mai buono.
    • Idiomatic translation: Take heed of enemies reconciled and of meat twice boiled.
    • Meaning: Your former enemies might cunningly take revenge on you just out of spite.; Trust not a reconciled enemy more than an open foe.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 25. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Chi affoga s'attaccherrebbe alle funi del cielo
    • Idiomatic translation: A drowning man plucks at a straw.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 33. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Chi ama me, ama il mio cane.
    • Translation: Whoever loves me, loves my dog.
    • Idiomatic translation: Love me, love my dog.
    • Meaning: If someone wants to be in a relationship with you, they must be willing to accept everything about you; If you love anyone, you will like all that belongs to him.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 953. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Chi aspettar suole, ha chio che vuole.
    • Idiomatic translation. He that can have patience can have what he will.
    • Other idiomatic translation: Patience is a remedy for every sorrow.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 87. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Chi ben commincia ha la meta de l’opra.
    • Translation: Who well begins has of his task the half.
    • Meaning. Having made the right preparations when beginning a project will save you a lot of time.
    • Giovanni Battista Guarini, Il pastor fido (1590), Act I, scene I (translation by Silvio); reported in Thomas Benfield Harbottle and Philip Hugh Dalbiac, Dictionary of Quotations (French and Italian) (1904), p. 261.
    • Chi ben commincia è alia meta dell’ opra.
    • Translation: Who well begins, is half way through his task.
    • Meaning. Having made the right preparations when beginning a project will save you a lot of time.
    • Carlo Goldoni, Il filosofo di campagna (The Country Philosopher) (1752), Part II, scene I (translation by Lesbina); reported in Thomas Benfield Harbottle and Philip Hugh Dalbiac, Dictionary of Quotations (French and Italian) (1904), p. 261.
  • Chi da se stesso può fare alcuna cosa, non aspetti che altri la faccia.
    • Translation: Who by himself can do anything, do not wait for others to do.
    • English equivalent: For what thou canst do thyself, rely not on another.
    • Latin equivalent: Ne quid expectes amicos, quod tute agere possis.
      • Translation: Expect nothing from friends, do what you can do yourself.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 600. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Quièn dà luego, dà dos veces.
    • Idiomatic translation: He gives twice, who gives in a trice.
    • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 38. 
  • Chi di gallina nasce, convien che razzoli.
    • Translation: As the abbot sings, so the sacristan responds.
    • Meaning: Children will become like older generations.
    • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 138. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Chi di gatta nasce, sorci piglia.
    • Idiomatic translation: What is bred in the bone will not go out of the flesh.
    • Meaning: You can seldom change human nature with the help of logic.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 985. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Chi disordani da giovane se ne pente da vecchio.
    • Idiomatic translation: Reckless youth makes rueful age.
    • Meaning: Regretfullness is the reward of recklessness.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1151. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Chi due lepri caccia, l'una non piglia, e l'altra lascia.
    • Idiomatic tranlation: You must not run after two hares at the same time.
    • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 102. 
  • Chi ha capo di cera non vada al sole.
    • Translation: Who has a head of wax should not be in the sunshine.
    • English equivalent: He that hath a head of wax must not walk in the sun.
    • Meaning: Know your limitations and weaknesses; Don't do something that is sure to damage you.
    • Ward, Caroline (1842). National proverbs in the principal languages of Europe. J.W. Parker. p. 54. 
  • Chi ha fatto il male, faccia la penitenza.
    • Translation: What you reap is what you sow.
    • Strauss (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 394. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Chi ha più giudizio più n'adoperi.
    • Translation: To whom much is entrusted, much is required.
    • English equivalent: Much is expected where much is given.
    • Meaning: With great resources comes great responsibility.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1095. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • 'Chi ha una retta coscienza possiede un regno.
    • Idiomatic translation: His own desire leads every man.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 977. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Chi he sano e da pie del Sultano.
    • Idiomatic translation: Good health is above wealth.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 879. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Chi lascia la via vecchia per la nuova, sa quel che lascia, ma non sa quel che trova
    • Idiomatic translation: Catch not a shadow and lose the substance.
    • Meaning: We should not waste time on trivial aspects of a matter and neglect the essential matter itself..
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 638. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Chi ha nome, ha robe
    • Idiomatic translation: A good name is the best of all treasures.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 58. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Chi da giovane ha un vizio, in vecchiaia fa sempre quell'uffizio.
    • Translation: Old habits die hard.
    • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volym 1. Routledge. p. 1122. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Chi dorme non piglia pesci.
    • Literal translation: "Those who sleep don't catch any fish"
    • Idiomatic translation: Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.
    • Other idiomatic translation: The early bird catches the worm.
    • Strauss (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 147. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Chi due lepri caccia, l'una non piglia e l'altra lascia.
    • Idiomatic translation: Grasp all, lose all
    • Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volym 1. Routledge. p. 886. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Chi fa da sé, fa per tre.
    • Translation: "He who works by himself does the work of three (people)."
    • Idiomatic translation: "If you want something done, do it yourself."
    • Note: ironically contradicted by: "L'unione fa la forza" ("Union produces might.")
    • Boerio, Manin (1829). Dizionario del dialetto veneziano. A. Santini. p. 13. 
  • Chi non è meco, è contro a meco.
    • Idiomatic translation: He who is not with me is against me.
    • Originally from the Bible, Luke 11:23 and Matthew 12:30. Specified as a proverb in (Strauss, 1994 p. 974)
  • Chi non fa quando può, Non fa quando vuole.
    • Idiomatic translation: He that will not when he may, when he will shall then have nay!
    • Kelly, Walter Keating (1859). Proverbs of all nations. W. Kent & co. (late D. Bogue). p. 41. 
  • Chi non può fare come vuole, faccia come può.
    • Idiomatic translation: Do as you may, if you can't do as you could.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 707. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Chi non sa obbedir, non sa comandar.
    • Translation: He who has not obeyed, cannot command.
    • English equivalent: Who has not served cannot command.
    • Meaning: One must have been controlled in the same situation one wishes to properly control others.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 855. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Chi non si lascia consigliare, no si può aiutare.
    • Translation: He who can't be advised, can also not be helped.
    • English equivalent: He that will not be counseled cannot be helped.
    • Meaning: Advice often contain a genuine warning or an effective suggestion, which is unprudent not to take into consideration.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 964. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Bude-li v holubníki krm, holubi se sleti.
    • Idiomatic translation: He that makes himself an ass must not take it ill if men ride him.
    • Meaning: Other people will abuse you, if you let them.
    • ** Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 676. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Chi mal pensa, mal abbia.
    • Idiomatic translation: Shame take him that shame thinketh.
    • Meaning: Don't think evil of others since they most likely act the way they do because of situational factors: Never attribute something to malice which can adequately be explained by stupidity.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. entry 806. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Chi non ha danari in borsa, abbia miel in bocca.
    • Idiomatic translation: You can catch more flies with a drop of honey than with a barrel of vinegar.
    • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 100. 
  • Chi parla assai, falla spesso.
    • Idiomatic translation: Least said, soonest mended.
    • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 53. 
  • Chi presto denta, presto sdenta.
    • Idiomatic translation: Curiosity killed the cat.
    • Meaning: Inquisitiveness is harmful to you.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 684. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Chi ruba poco, ruba assai.
    • Idiomatic translation: He that steals an egg will steal an ox.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 962. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Chi ruba una volta è sempre lado.
    • Idiomatic translation: Once a drunkard always a drunkard; Once a thief always a thief.
    • Meaning: If nothing better is available, anything flawed is also useful; Instead of being frustrated by a bad situation, try to find ways to improve it.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 771. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Chi si loda, si lorda.
    • Idiomatic translation: Don't blow your own horn.
    • Meaning: Don't praise yourself.
    • Mrs Mawr, E B (2005). Analogous Proverbs In Ten Languages (reprint ed.). Kessinger Publishing. p. 71. ISBN 1417964677. 
  • Chi si pasce di speranza, fa la fresca danza
    • Idiomatic translation: Who lives by hope will die of hunger.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 952. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Chi sta bene non si muove.
    • Idiomatic translation: ”Better is the enemy of good.”
    • Meaning: The aim for perfection or mastery might slow down progress.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 166. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Chi sta alle scolte, sente le seu colpe .
    • Idiomatic translation: Eaevesdroppers hear no good of themselves.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 764. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Chi tosto giudica, tosto si pente.
    • Translation: Who judges soon, soon repents.
    • English equivalent: Hasty judgment leads to repentance.
    • Meaning: A quick evaluation is a terrible evaluation.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 196. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Chi vuol arricchire in un anno, è impiccato in sei mesi.
    • Idiomatic translation: No one gets rich quickly if he is honest.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 963. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Chi vuol gastigar un villano, lo dia a gastigar ad un altro.
    • Idiomatic translation: Set a thief to catch a thief.
    • Mrs Mawr, E B (2005). Analogous Proverbs In Ten Languages (reprint ed.). Kessinger Publishing. p. 74. ISBN 1417964677. 
  • Chi vuol' mangiar col diavolo bisogna aver cucchiaio lungo.
    • Translation: He who sups with the devil must use a long spoon.
    • Meaning: Someone who treats others badly will eventually turn on you.
    • Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 920. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Chi vuol pigliare uccelli non deve trar loro dietro randelli.
    • Idiomatic translation: Deal gently with the bird you mean to catch.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 689. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Chi vuol saldar pinga non la maneggia.
    • Idiomatic translation: It is not wise to open old wounds.
    • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 45. 
  • Ciò che Dio fa è ben fatto.
    • Idiomatic translation: Each day brings it own bread.
    • Meaning: Try not to worry so much about the future.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 757. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Ciò che e rimasto ha sapore piu dolce.
    • Idiomatic translation: The sweetest flesh is near the bones.
    • Meaning: Nearest is the best.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1176. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Con la pazienza s'acquista scienza.
    • Translation: With patience you go beyond knowledge.
    • English equivalent: An ounce of patience is worth a pound of brains.
    • Meaning: Patience can often do more than your wits.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 415. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Con nulla non si fa nulla.
    • Idiomatic translation: From nothing nothing can come.
    • Meaning: If you don't do anything, nothing will come to you.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 238. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Comprare una gatta nel sacco.
    • Idiomatic translation: Never buy a pig in a poke.
    • Meaning: At least do some research before buying a product.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1101. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Come la cosa indugia, piglia vizio.
    • Idiomatic translation: There is danger in delay.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 695. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Contro i difetti del vicin t'adiri, e gli stessi difetti in te non miri.
    • Idiomatic translation: Forget other faults remembering your own; Forgive and forget.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 838. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Cuando l'amico chiede, non v'è domani.
    • Translation: When a friend asks, there is no tomorrow.
    • English equivalent: When thy friend asks, let there be no to-morrow.
    • Ward, Caroline (1842). National proverbs in the principal languages of Europe. J.W. Parker. p. 151. 
  • Quel che ciondola non cade.
    • Translation: All that dangles does not fall.
    • English equivalent: All is not lost that is in danger.
    • Meaning: Alltough you are in a difficult situation or are facing tough adversity, it does not mean you cannot move forward.
    • Ward, Caroline (1842). National proverbs in the principal languages of Europe. J.W. Parker. p. 11. 

D [edit]

  • Da chi mi fido, mi guardi Dio, da chi non mi fido guarderò io.
    • Idiomatic translation: A mans worst enemies are often those of his own house.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 52. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Da colpa nasce colpa
    • Idiomatic translation: Deep calls to deep.
    • Meaning: Deeper thinking leads to deeper understanding.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 695. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Dai cattivi costumi nascono le buone leggi.
    • Idiomatic translation: Good laws have sprung from bad customs.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 879. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Dal frutto si conosce l'albero.
    • Idiomatic translation: The apple does not fall far from the tree.
    • Meaning: Children observe daily and — in their behaviour — often follow the example of their parents.
    • Source for meaning: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 259. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. 
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 488. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Dare il diavolo ciò che gli spetta.
    • Translation: Be fair to the devil.
    • English equivalent: Give the devil his due.
    • Meaning: Don't let a person's obnoxiousness cloud your judgment of him in other regards.
    • Flonta, Teodor (2002). God and the Devil: Proverbs in 9 Euorpean Languages. Teodor Flonta. p. 21. ISBN 1875943412. 
  • Di buona volontà sta pieno l'inferno.
    • Translation: The road to hell is paved with good intentions.
    • Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 257. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Dio mi guardi da chi studia un libro solo.
    • Idiomatic translation: Fear the man of one book.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 851. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Dolor comunicato è subito scemato.
    • Idiomatic translation: A problem shared is a problem halved.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 351. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Doni di nemici non sono doni.
    • Translation: Gifts of enemies are no gifts.
    • English equivalent: Beware of Greeks bearing gifts.
    • Meaning: Gifts from enemies are dangerous.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 855. ISBN 0415096243. 

E [edit]

  • E meglio cader dalla tinestra ehe dal totto.
    • Idiomatic translation: Of two evils choose the least.
    • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 5. 
  • È meglio che si dica 'qui il tale fuggi' che 'qui il tale mori'.
    • Translation: It is better to say "here he ran" than "here he died".
    • English equivalent: He who fights and runs away may live to fight another day.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 702. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • È meglio un presente che due futuri.
    • Translation: Better one now, than two in the future.
    • English equivalent: One today is worth two tomorrows.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1137. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • È meglio star solo che mal accompagnato.
    • Translation: It is better to be alone than to be in bad company.
    • English equivalent: Better be alone than in bad company.
    • Source for proverb: Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 572. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • È sempre buono avere due corde per un arco.
    • Idiomatic translation: Good riding at two anchors, men have told, for if the one fails, the other may hold.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 879. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Egli e mal sordo che non vuol udire.
    • Idiomatic translation: None so deaf as those who will not hear.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1110. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Egli fa roba sull' acqua.
    • Idiomatic translation: All is fish that comes to the net.
    • Meaning: We can make use of everything that happens to us: good and bad.
    • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 4. 
  • Esperience madre, di scienza.
    • Idiomatic translation: Experience keeps a dear school.
    • Meaning: Wisdom acquired by experience is basically only very bitterly acquired.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 808. ISBN 0415096243. 

F [edit]

  • Far d'una mosca un elefante.
    • Idiomatic translation: Don't make a mountain out of a molehill.
    • Kelly, Walter Keating (1859). Proverbs of all nations (W. Kent & co. (late D. Bogue) ed.). p. 58. 
  • Finché c'è vita c'è speranza.
    • Translation: "Where there's life, there's hope."
    • Soriano (2010). Finchéc'èvita non c'èsperanza. Diario aforistico 2003-2009. Kimerik. pp. 102. ISBN 8860965586. 
  • Fare il passo più lungo della gamba.
    • Idiomatic translation: Don't have too many irons in the fire.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 977. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Fate quello che dico e non quel che faccio.
    • Idiomatic translation: Preachers say: do as I say, not as i do.
    • Possible interpretation: One should not reprimand those who are younger than himself, when they are merely doing what he does or has done.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 706. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Fatti i cazzi tuoi, ca campi cent'anni.
    • Translation from Calabrian: "Mind your own business, and you'll live 100 years."
    • Pina, Passoni, Vale (2011). Ciao che fate?. Mondadori. p. 17. ISBN 8804607122. 
  • Fortuna i forti aiuta, e i timidi rifiuta.
    • Idiomatic translation: Fortune favours the bold.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 38. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Tra il dire e il fare c'è di mezzo il mare.
    • Translation: "An ocean lies between what is said and what is done."
    • Idiomatic translation: "Easier said than done."
    • Kinder, Savini (2004). Using Italian: A Guide to Contemporary Usage. Cambridge University Press. p. 186. ISBN 0521485568. 
  • Fuggi il piacer presente, che accena dolor futuro.
    • Translation: Skip the enjoyment that you will regret.
    • English equivalent: Avoid the pleasure which will bite tomorrow.
    • Ward, Caroline (1842). National proverbs in the principal languages of Europe. J.W. Parker. p. 11. 

G [edit]

  • Granata nuova scopa bene tre giorni.
    • Idiomatic translation: New brooms sweep clean.
    • Meaning: Newcomers are the most ambitious.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1103. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Guarda innanzi che tu salti.
    • Idiomatic translation: Look before you leap.
    • Meaning: Think before you act.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1069. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Guardatevi dai falsi profeti.
    • Idiomatic translation: Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, and inwardly are ravening wolves.
    • Meaning: The seemingly most respectable people are quiet often scoundrels; Evil people often act innocently.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 170. ISBN 0415160502. 

I [edit]

  • I buoni nuotatori al fin si affogano.
    • Idiomatic translation: Good swimmers are often drowned.
    • Meaning: Beware of letting your competence lead you into overconfidence.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 879. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • I fratelli uniti tra loro formano un fascio che pùo resistere agli sforzi più robusti.
    • Idiomatic translation: United we stand, divided we fall; Union is strength.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 79. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • I ladri grandi fanno impiccare i piccolo.
    • Idiomatic translation: Men are like fish; the great ones devour the small.
    • Meaning: A weak person/group/community/country can be an easy prey to an immoral, powerful one. ** Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1086. ISBN 0415096243. 
    • Source for meaning: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 420. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. 
  • I pensieri fanno mettere i peli canuti.
    • Translation: Sorrow makes gray hairs before the time.
    • English equivalent: Fretting cares make grey hairs.
    • Meaning: Worrying is a negative activity that can age you prematurely.
    • Source for proverb: Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 631. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • I primi saranno gli ultimi.
    • Idiomatic translation: The last will be first, and the first last.
    • Meaning: Those who humbly serve the Lord will be rewarded, and those who are arrogant will be humbled.; Humbleness is a virtue, pride is a sin.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1085. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • I toppi abbandonano la nave che affonda.
    • Idiomatic translation: Rats desert a sinking ship.
    • Meaning: An organization or leader in trouble will quickly be abandoned.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1150. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Il buon sangue giammai non può mentire.
    • Idiomatic translation: Good blood always shows itself.
    • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 34. 
  • Il dolce far niente.
    • Translation: The sweet do nothing.
    • Reported as "a well known Italian proverb" in Bartlett's Familiar Quotations, 10th ed. (1919).
  • Il cane abbaia, ma la carovana passa.
    • Translation: The dogs bark but the caravan passes on.
    • Meaning: Let the world say what it will.
    • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 340. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Il castigo puo differirsi ma si toglie.
    • Idiomatic translation: Punishment is lame but it comes.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 682. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Il denaro è fatto per spendere.
    • Translation: The hidden things of wisdom and a treasure that is not seen, what profit is in them both?
    • English equivalent: Money is there to be spent.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1013. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Il denaro non fa la felicità.
    • Translation: Wealth does not bring happiness.
  • Note: Another way to phrase this is by this quote:

"No one – not a single person out of a thousand [elderly interviewed because of their wisdom expertise] – said that to be happy you should try and work as hard as you can to make money to buy the things you want.

No one – not a single person –– said it's important to be at least as wealthy as the people around you, and if you have more than they do it's real success.

No one – not a single person –– said you should choose your work based on your desired future earning power.”

  • From, Brody, Jane (2011). 30 Lessons for Living. Penguin Group. p. 57. ISBN 1594630844. 
    • English equivalent: Wealth rarely brings happiness.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 670. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Il frutto cade non lontano dall'albero.
    • Idiomatic translation: The apple does not fall far from the tree.
    • Meaning: Children observe daily and — in their behaviour — often follow the example of their parents.
    • Source for proverbs and meaning: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 259. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. 
  • Il male vien a cavallo e se ne va a piedi.
    • Idiomatic translation: "Misfortune comes on horseback and goes away on foot.”
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 65. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Il mondo è ingrato
    • Translation: Ingratitude is the world's reward.
    • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 55. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • In bocca chiusa non entrò mai mosca.
    • Translation: Into a closed mouth no flies ever entered.
    • English equivalent: A close mouth catches no flies.
    • Meaning: It is wise not to speak when it is not necessary.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 73. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • In cento anni o cento mesi, L' acqua torna a'suoi paesi.
    • Translation: In a hundred years we will be dead anyway.
    • English equivalent: It will all be the same a hundred years hence.
    • Meaning: So what if you embarrass yourself?
    • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 48. 
  • In gioventù devi acquistare, quel che in vecchiaia può giovare.
    • Idiomatic translation: Diligent youth makes easy age.
    • Meaning: If you live your youth years diligently, it will save you from regret when you are old. That is, you take care of your health and do things you like that virtually only young people can do.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 701. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Il più forte ha sempre ragione.
    • Idiomatic translation: Accusing is proving, when malice and force sit judges; The wolf finds a reason for taking the lamb
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 68. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Il piu povero che sia in terra è l'avaro.
    • Idiomatic translation: The covetous man is good to none and worst to himself.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 83. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Il primo amore non si scorda mai.
    • Idiomatic translation: True love never grows old.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1107. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Il remedio e pegio del male
    • Idiomatic translation: The remedy is often worse than the disease; Burn not your house to rid it off the mouse.
    • Hulme, F. Edward (2003). Proverb Lore (Reimpresa ed.). Kessinger Publishing. p. 109. ISBN 0766146529. 
  • Il secondo pensiero è il migliore.
    • Idiomatic translation: Second thoughts are the best.
    • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 73. 
  • Il serpe tra' fiori e l'erba giace.
    • Idiomatic translation: Look before you leap, for snakes among sweet flowers do creep.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1070. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Il tuo nemico è quell dell' are tua.
    • Translation: Those are bad dogs who bite their own people.
    • Idiomatic translation: Don't wash your dirty linen in public; It is an ill bird that fouls its own nest.
    • Meaning: Don't speak in public of unpleasant private affairs; Don't speak ill of yourself and the groups you belong to.
    • Kelly, Walter Keating (1859). Proverbs of all nations (W. Kent & co. (late D. Bogue) ed.). p. 45. 
  • In casa di calzolaio non si hanno scarpe.
    • Idiomatic translation: Cobblers' children are worst shod.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 661. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Intendere è potere.
    • Idiomatic translation: Learning is the eye of the mind.
    • Meaning: Learning about a subject such as psychology will increase your overall competence.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 149. ISBN 0415160502. 

L [edit]

  • L'honesta e la migliore politica.
    • Idiomatic translation: Honesty is the best policy.
    • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. X. 
  • L'invidia non morÌ mai.
    • Idiomatic translation: Envy takes no holiday.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 767. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • L'uoumo si guidica mal alla cerca.
    • Idiomatic translation: Never judge by appearances; Judge not a man and things at first sight.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 713. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • La galline fanno l'uova dal becco.
    • Idiomatic translation: It's by the head that the cow gives the milk.
    • Meaning: Whatever input you give, whatever output you get.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1039. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • La gatta frettolosa ha fatto i gattini ciechi.
    • Translation: The hurried she-cat has made blind kittens.
    • English equivalent: Haste makes waste.
    • ** Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volym 1. Routledge. p. 1080. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • La maggior' sventura o ventura dll'uomo è la moglie.
    • Translation: The day you get married, either you kill yourself or you become sound.
    • English equivalents: Choose a wife rather by your ear than your eye; A man's best fortune or his worst is a wife.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 65. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • La lepre mal si prende al suono di tamburo.
    • Idiomatic translation: Drumming is not the way to catch a hare.
    • Meaning: Don't expect anyone to change his ways by scolding him.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 754. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • La maggior' sventura o ventura dell'uomo è la moglie.
    • Idiomatic translation: A cheerful wife is the spice of life.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 20. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • La miglior difesa è l'attacco.
    • Translation: The best defense is attack.
    • English equivalent: The best defence is a good offense.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 518. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • La roba di mal acquisto se la porta il vento.
    • Idiomatic translation: Easy come, easy go.
    • Meaning: Something good that enters your life easily, will also often leave quickly.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 762. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • La pigrizia è la chiave della povertà.
    • Idiomatic translation: Poverty is the reward of idleness.
    • Meaning: The reward of doing absolutely nothing is getting absolutely nothing.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1146. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • La più lunga strada è la più prossima a casa.
    • Translation: Shortcuts are often longcuts.
    • Strauss (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 394. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • La storia si ripete.
    • Idiomatic translation: History repeats itself.
    • Meaning: Things that has happened will happen again. Religious myths for example, which are allegorical, will per definition reoccur; Things that has happened to you once will most likely happen again; Don't do the same thing again and expect different results.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 977. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • La superbia viene davanti alla rovina.
    • Translation: Pride comes before fall.
    • Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volym 1. Routledge. p. 1148. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • La varietà piace.
    • Idiomatic translation: Variety is the spice of life.
    • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 89. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • La volpe in vicinato non fa mai danno
    • Idiomatic translation: A crafty fox never preys near his den.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 25. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Loda il mare e tienti alla terra.
    • Idiomatic translation: Praise the sea, but keep on land.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 661. ISBN 0415096243. 

M [edit]

  • Mal comune, mezzo gaudio.
    • Idiomatic translation: "Misery loves company."
    • Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 187. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Male prevede chi non provvede.
    • Idiomatic translation: God helps those who help themselves.
    • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volym 1. Routledge. p. 732. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Medico, cura te stesso!
    • Idiomatic translation: Physician, heal yourself!
    • Meaning: Don't correct other's faults; correct your own faults instead.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1142. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Meglio è tornar indietro, che correr male avanti.
    • Translation: Better to turn back, than to painfully move forward.
    • English equivalent: Better go about than fall into the ditch.
    • Meaning: Cut your losses.
    • Ward, Caroline (1842). National proverbs in the principal languages of Europe. J.W. Parker. p. 11. 
  • Meglio prevedere che provvedere.
    • Translation: It is better to prevent than to cure.
    • English equivalent: An ounce of preventions is better than a pound of cure.
    • Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 332. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Molta paglio, poco grano.
    • Idiomatic translation: Much bran and little meal.
    • Meaning: Great talkers are little doers.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1095. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Muove la coda il cane, non per te, ma per il pane.
    • Idiomatic translation: He who acts friendly does not seek your affection, but a specific thing from you.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 710. ISBN 0415096243. 

N [edit]

  • Ne uccide più la gola che la spada.
    • Idiomatic translation: Gluttony kills more than the sword; Wine has drowned more than the sea.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 864. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Neccessità non ha legge.
    • Idiomatic translation: Needs must when the devil drives.
    • Meaning: It is acceptable to break rules in times of need.
    • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 60. 
  • Nel dubbio, astieniti.
    • Idiomatic translation: When in doubt, don't.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 54. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Nella felicità ragione; nell'infelicità pazienza.
    • Idiomatic translation: If fortune favours, beware of being exalted; if fortune thunders, beware of being overwhelmed.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1001. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Keiner weiss wo dem Andern der Schuh drückt.
    • Idiomatic translation: No one knows where the shoe pinches, but he who wears it.
    • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 4. 
  • Nessun sente da che parte preme la scrape, se non chi se la calza.
    • Idiomatic translation: Needs must when the devil drives.
    • Meaning: It is acceptable to break rules in times of need.
    • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 60. 
  • Nessun sente da che parte preme la scrapa, se non chi se la calza.
    • Idiomatic translation: No one knows where the shoe pinches, but he who wears it.
    • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 4. 
  • Nessuno è indispensable.
    • Idiomatic translation: No man is indispensable.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 319. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Niente di nuovo sotto il sole.
    • Idiomatic translation: Nothing is new.
    • Meaning: Absolutely everything has been done before.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1114. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Night is the mother of thoughts.
    • Idiomatic translation: Take counsel of one's pillow.
    • Note: Specified as an Italian proverb in the source.
    • Kelly, Walter Keating (1859). Proverbs of all nations (W. Kent & co. (late D. Bogue) ed.). p. 63. 
  • Non bisogna fare le cose a metà.
    • Idiomatic translation: If a job is worth doing, it's worth doing well.
    • Runge, Martin (2000). Geriatrische Rehabilitation im Therapeutischen Team (2 ed.). Georg Thieme Verlag. p. 282. ISBN 3131023821. 
  • Non bisogna puntare tutto sulla stessa carta.
    • Idiomatic translation: "Don't put all your eggs in the same basket."
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 715. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Non c’è avere che voglia sapere.
    • Idiomatic translation: ”A good mind possess a kingdom.”
    • Meaning: Material assets are fleeting, but intellectual assets will basically stay with you for the rest of your life. Therefore, intellectual assets are much more worth than material ones.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 58. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Non c'è due senza tre.
    • Idiomatic translation: All good things are three.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 80. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Non dare consigli a chi non li chiede.
    • Idiomatic translation: Give neither salt nor counsel till you are asked for it.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 661. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Non doe seguir amor chi non ha valore.
    • Idiomatic translation: Faint heart never won fair lady.
    • Mrs Mawr, E B (2005). Analogous Proverbs In Ten Languages (reprint ed.). Kessinger Publishing. p. 30. ISBN 1417964677. 
  • Non fu mai gloria senza invidia.
    • Idiomatic translation: Envy always shooteth at a high mark.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 766. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Non si dice mai tanto una cosa che non sia qualche cosa
    • Idiomatic translation: "The voice of the people is the voice of god.”
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1164. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Non si è mai troppo prudenti.
    • Idiomatic translation: Better safe than sorry.
    • Meaning: Things that has happened will happen again. Religious myths for example, which are allegorical, will per definition reoccur.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 881. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Non si è mai troppo prudenti.
    • Idiomatic translation: Men leap over where the hedge is lower.
    • Note: Also known as the Law of least effort.
    • Meaning: Always do things in a way that requires the absolut least amount of labor.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1087. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Non si puo fare stringhe della propria pelle.
    • Idiomatic translation: Don't burn the candles at both ends.
    • Meaning: Don't wake up early in the morning and stay up late into the evening as well.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1137. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Non si può cavar sangue dalla rapa.
    • Translation: You cannot flay a stone.
    • English equivalent: You can't milk a bull.
    • Meaning: It is impossible to sway a hostile minded person.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1040. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Non si serra mai una porta che non se n'apra un'altra.
    • Idiomatic translation: When one door closes another opens.
    • Meaning: When your life seems to be changing, it is better to adapt to the changes rather than be stubborn.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 845. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Non si può aver il miele senza la pecchie.
    • Idiomatic translation: Honey is sweet, but the bees sting.
    • Meaning: Suffering is the acceptable in the quest for something great.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 837. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Non si tosto si fa un tempio a Dio come il diavolo ci fabrica una capella appresso.
    • Translation: Where god has a church the devil will have his chapel.
    • English equivalent: Also: Where god has a church the devil will have his chapel.
    • Meaning: Very seldom does any good thing arise but there comes an ugly phantom of a caricature of it.
    • Source for meaning: Kelly, Walter Keating (1859). Proverbs of all nations (W. Kent & co. (late D. Bogue) ed.). p. 130. 
    • Source for proverb: Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 874. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Non tutte le ciambelle riescono col buco.
    • Idiomatic translation: Not all truths are proper to be told.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1111. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Non v'ha libro sí cattivo che non abbia qualcosa di buono.
    • Idiomatic translation: No book was so bad, but some good might be got out of it.
    • Meaning: Even if a book of non-fiction is neither educational nor entertaining, you can make something good out of it.; A book of none fiction provides you with anecdotes to tell others.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1104. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Nutritura passa natura.
    • Idiomatic translation: Nature is beyond all teaching.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 764. ISBN 0415096243. 

O [edit]

  • Odi, veti et tace, se voi vivir in pace.
    • Idiomatic translation: Keep your mouth shut and your ears open.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 160. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Ofele, fa el to meste!.
    • Idiomatic translation: "Shoemaker, not above the sandal."
    • Note: Its origin is set down in Pliny the Elder's Naturalis Historia [XXXV, 36, 85-86 (Loeb IX, 323-325)] where he records that a shoemaker (sutor) had approached the painter Apelles of Kos to point out a defect in the artist's rendition of a sandal (crepida from Greek krepis), p. which Apelles duly corrected. Encouraged by this, the shoemaker then began to enlarge on other defects he considered present in the painting, at which point Apelles advised him that Ne supra crepidam sutor iudicaret (a shoemaker should not judge above the sandal), p. which advice, Pliny observed, had become a proverbial saying.
    • Meaning: Do not talk about things you do not know anything about.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 660. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Oggi a me, domani a te.
    • Translation: Today for me, and tomorrow for you.
    • English equivalent: Today me, tomorrow thee.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1038. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Ogni cosa ha cagione.
    • Idiomatic translation: Every why has a wherefore.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 765. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Ogni cosa si compra a prezzo.
    • Translation: Everything you buy at the price.
    • English equivalent: Nothing for nothing.
    • Meaning: You can't get something for nothing.
    • Meaning: He who works for nothing shall receive nothing from others except complaint.
    • Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volym 1. Routledge. p. 799. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Ogni paese al valent uomo e patria.
    • Idiomatic translation: Great minds agree.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 882. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Ogni regola ha la sua eccezione.
    • Translation: No rules without exceptions.
    • English equivalent: There is no rule without an exception.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1174. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Ogni verità non è a dire.
    • Idiomatic translation: All truths are not to be told.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 282. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Ognun si pari le mosche con la sua coda.
    • Idiomatic translation: Every bird must hatch its own eggs.
    • Meaning: We must depend on ourselves: financially and otherwhise.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 777. ISBN 0415096243. 

P [edit]

  • Per gnente l'orbo no canta.
    • Idiomatic translation: You can't get something for nothing.
    • Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volym 1. Routledge. p. 799. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Perdere il totto per l'ambiadurs.
    • Idiomatic translation: Don't kill the goose that lays the golden eggs.
    • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 70. 
  • Paese che vai, usanze che trovi.
    • Translation: "The countries you visit, the customs you find."
    • Idiomatic Translation: "When in Rome, do as the Romans do."
    • Dahlke (2008). Cibo, peso e psiche. Interpretazione psicosomatica dei disturbi alimentari. Tecniche Nuove. p. 15. ISBN 8848118119. 
  • Più grande la compagna, più ci si diverte.
    • Idiomatic translation: The more the merrier.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1094. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Poeta si nasce, oratore si diventa.
    • Idiomatic translation: Poets are born, but orators are trained.
    • Meaning: Some things can be improved by training, others require innate talent.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 331. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Presto matura, presto marcio.
    • Idiomatic translation: Early ripe, early rotten.
    • Meaning: Precocious children will mean much trouble later on.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 758. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Prudenza è madre di sicurezza.
    • Translation: Caution is the mother of safety.
    • English equivalent: Discretion is the better part of valor.
    • Meaning: Act valiant cautiously.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 702. ISBN 0415096243. 

Q [edit]

  • Quale il padre tale il figlio.
    • Translation: Such father, such son.
    • English equivalent: Like father, like son.
    • Meaning: Sons may look and behave like their fathers. This is due to inheritance and the example observed closely and daily.
    • Source for meaning and proverb: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 137. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. 
  • Quand' un è per terra, ognun grida: dagli, dagli!.
    • Idiomatic translation: Don't hit a man when he is down.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 730. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Quando la testa duole tutte le membra languono.
    • Translation: When the head aches all the members languish.
    • English equivalent: When the head is sick, the whole body is sick.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1117. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Quando tutti dicono ubriaco, va a dormire (letto).
    • Idiomatic translation: When all men say you are an ass it is time to bray.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1221. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Quel che pare burla, Ben sovente è Vevo.
    • Idiomatic translation: Many a true words are spoken in jest
    • Kelly, Walter Keating (1859). Proverbs of all nations. W. Kent & co. (late D. Bogue). p. 57. 

S [edit]

  • Se la montagna non va a Maometto, Maometto viene alla montagna.
    • Translation: If the mountain won't come to Mohammed, Mohammed must come to the mountain.
    • English equivalent: If the mountain will not come to Mahomet, Mahomet must go to the mountain.
    • Meaning: If reality does not adapt itself to your whims, you must adapt your whims to reality.
    • Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volym 1. Routledge. p. 1006. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Secondo la misura che farai, misurator ancor sarai.
    • Idiomatic translation: Whatever measure you deal out to others will be dealt back to you.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1219. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Secondo la paga, il lavoro.
    • Translation: What pay, such work.
    • English equivalent: You get what you pay for.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 494. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Senza tentazioni, senza onore.
    • Translation: Where there is no temptation there is no glory.
    • English equivalent: Without temptation there is no victory.
    • Meaning: Not being tempted is a sign that fortune has forgotten you.
    • Ward, Caroline (1842). National proverbs in the principal languages of Europe. J.W. Parker. p. 156. 
  • Si dice sempre il lupo più grande che non è.
    • Translation: The wolf is made bigger than it is.
    • English equivalent: A story never loses in the telling.
    • Meaning: Lying a little might make the story better.
    • Ward, Caroline (1842). National proverbs in the principal languages of Europe. J.W. Parker. p. 7. 
  • Si mira piu dell'affetto che all'effetto.
    • Translation: The aim is more to the effect of affection.
    • English equivalent: Take the will for the deed.
    • Meaning: Look at the well intended effort, and not its effects.
    • Ward, Caroline (1842). National proverbs in the principal languages of Europe. J.W. Parker. p. 158. 

T [edit]

  • Tal madre, tal figlio.
    • Translation: Such mother, such daughter.
    • English equivalent: Like mother, like daughter.
    • Meaning: Daughters may look and behave like their mothers. This is due to inheritance and the example observed closely and rarely.
    • Source for meaning and proverb: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 137. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. 
  • Tal mano si bacia che si vorrebbe veder tagliata.
    • Idiomatic translation: Many kiss the hand they wish to cut off.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1084. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Tal sonata, tal ballata.
    • Idiomatic translation: "Just as one calls into the forest, so it echoes back."
    • Meaning: Do not expect friendly reply when being obnoxious.
    • Meaning: Bad language may have other causes than innate bad character.
    • Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 139. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Tra/fra moglie e marito non ci mettere il dito.
    • Literal translation: "Between wife and husband don't put a finger."
    • Less literal translation: "Don't interfere between a wife and husband."
    • Idiomatic translation: "Don't go between the tree and the bark."
    • Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volym 1. Routledge. p. 728. ISBN 0415096243. 

U [edit]

  • Un nemico e troppo o cento amici non bastano.
    • Idiomatic translation: Do not think that one enemy is insignificant, or that a thousand friends are too many.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 718. ISBN 0415096243. 

V [edit]

  • Val meglio essere matti in compagnia che savi da soli.
    • Idiomatic translation: What everybody says must be true.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 77. ISBN 0415096243. 

See also [edit]

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