Samuel Ghelli
Mangiarsi le Mani: The Italian Expression for Regret
English speakers kick themselves over a missed opportunity. Italians turn themselves into the meal.
What an Italian Proverb About Cake Teaches Us About Imperfection
Not everything turns out as planned. Italians have a proverb for that, and it comes with pastry.
Avere Sale in Zucca: When Common Sense Needs Seasoning
Italians know that an empty head can sometimes be improved with the right condiment.
Avere Le Mani in Pasta: When Italians Get Involved
English puts a finger in every pie. Italian puts both hands into the dough.
Carne da Macello: When Italians Turn People into Meat
Italian gives human expendability a distinctly culinary form.
Why Bigger Isn’t Always Better in Italy
In Italy, the true measure of value may be found in the cellar.
Fare il Pesce in Barile: When Italians Play the Fish in a Barrel
Some forms of indecision are less innocent than they look—and Italian has the perfect food for them.
A Fagiolo: The Right Thing is a Bean in Italian
One small legume can be timely, useful, welcome, and exactly right.
Vestirsi a Cipolla: What This Italian Expression Really Means
It may sound like terrible advice during an Italian heatwave. But sooner or later, someone will tell you to dress like an onion.
Why Italians Say “Ci Sta Come il Cacio sui Maccheroni”
Not every combination becomes a figure of speech. In Italy, pasta and cheese did.
