Italian dialogue is rich with colourful and compelling proverbs which are known and expressed by everyone across the Belpaese, from sage nonni to impressionable bambini.

While some sayings have an English equivalent and won’t seem too unfamiliar to non-natives, others are more unique and, at times, downright bizarre.

Proverbs have played a fundamental role in the Italian culture for centuries, many of them metaphorical in nature and used to impart wisdom, often in a charming, honest or humorous manner.

Italians have a proverb for everything, from love and friendship to money and work, and of course, food and wine.

Discover some of Italy’s most famous and fascinating quotes below, each with its own distinct message and value.

  • A ciascuno il suo. To each his own.

We’ll begin with a simple saying which expresses that everyone has the right to their own opinions, choices and personal preferences.

  • A mali estremi, estremi rimedi. Desperate times call for desperate measures.

Literally translated as “to extreme evils, extreme measures”, this proverb means that extreme situations can only be resolved with equally extreme actions.

  • A ogni uccello il suo nido è bello. There’s no place like home.

The literal translation is actually quite poetic: “To every bird, its own nest is beautiful”. Most English-speakers will recognise this proverb from the famous film “The Wizard of Oz”, and its meaning is straightforward: home is the best place to be.

  • Acqua passata non macina più. That's water under the bridge.

Literally meaning “water that has flowed past the mill grinds no more”, this saying advises that what happens in the past is no longer important in the present or future.

  • Bacco, tabacco e Venere riducono l'uomo in cenere. Wine, tobacco and women are a man's downfall.

Venus symbolises women in this tongue-in-cheek saying, while its significance is self-explanatory.

  • Casa senza fimmina 'mpuvirisci. A house without a woman is a poor house!

This Sicilian proverb is expressed in dialect, underlining the significant role of women in Italian culture. The woman is the heart of the home!

  • Chi dorme non piglia pesci. The early bird catches the worm.

While the English version refers to birds, the Italian version uses fish. Literally translated as “he who sleeps, does not catch fish”, this proverb teaches that if you get in early you will be successful.

  • Chi pecora si fa, il lupo se la mangia. Act like a sheep and the wolf will eat you.

Literally meaning “those who act like a sheep will be eaten by the wolf”, this proverb serves as a warning: if you are timid you will be stepped on.

  • Mangiare questa minestra o saltar questa finestra. Take it or leave it.

While most English speakers are familiar with the saying “take it or leave it”, the Italian version is a little more aggressive. Literally meaning “eat this soup or jump out this window”, the saying draws on food in true Italian fashion and means that there are no other options, you either take the offer or leave it, and once you make a decision it’s final.

  • Far d'una mosca un elefante. Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill.

Literally translated as “to make an elephant out of a fly”, this proverb means to exaggerate something and turn a small matter into something much bigger.

  • Sbagliando s’impara. One learns from one’s mistakes.

English speakers are no stranger to this proverb, and perhaps it owes its popularity to its truthfulness. The saying suggests that it's only by making mistakes in life that we can learn and grow.

  • L’amore è cieco. Love is blind.

Being the true romantics that they are, most Italians could reel off dozens of proverbs about love. This is perhaps the most understated and renowned saying referring to the “L” word, expressing that if you love someone you will fail to see their flaws.

  • Meglio un giorno da leone che cento da pecora. Better one day as a lion than a hundred as a sheep.

This is an inspirational proverb, meaning that it’s better to be a courageous leader for even just a moment than to be a fearful follower for your whole life.

  • Chi va a letto senza cena tutta la notte si dimena. He who goes to bed without eating, will regret it throughout the whole night.

This proverb is typically Italian and its meaning is explicit: that one MUST eat dinner.

  • A tavola non s’invecchia. At the table with good friends and family, you do not become old.

This proverb captures Italian culture in five words. The table is the core of every Italian home, where families come together to eat, drink, talk and laugh. This saying means that if you are surrounded at the table by your friends and family you will not grow old, as time slows while you enjoy a meal with those you love most.

  • Mangiare la foglia. To smell a rat.

This peculiar proverb means to “eat the leaf” or to understand the hidden truth behind something. For example, if your friend says that they can’t come out for dinner anymore because something “came up”, you might “eat the leaf” and realise they would just rather stay home.