Age-old Italian Proverbs are Relevant Today to All

Words of wisdom.  Age-old adages are timeless and relevant to all.  The origins of some proverbs are evident in their context.  For example, the famous Italian contadino (farmer) would have come up with “L’acqua bolle e il maiale sta ancora in montagna” (The water boils and the pig is still in the mountain).  An English version of this could perhaps be “Do not put the carriage in front of the horse.”  While it may not be as common today in our everyday lives to hunt wild animals for dinner or ride in horse carriages, the principle of these sayings still apply in our world today.  Don’t jump the gun!  

We have gathered some of our favorite Italian proverbs shared within our community.  Please remember that we value our members who find the importance to learn these cultural treasures just as much as those who share them!  Enjoy!  Buona lettura!

Those of you on Facebook, please share your favorite Italian adages here.

Ogni medaglia ha il suo rovescio (There are two sides to every coin) (Johnna Stewart)

Non e’ oro tutto quello che lucida. (Everything that shines is not always gold.)

Non dispiace invecchiare, è un privilegio negato a molti.
(Do not regret growing older, it is a privilage denied to many) (Terri Affanato McAvoy)

Ogni nodo viene al pettine (Every knot is caught by the comb.) (Carmen Martin)

Chi nascia quadro non puo morire tondo (He who is born a square cannot die round). (Dora Miraglia-Meola)

Fra i due litiganti, il terzo gode. (Between 2 quarrelers, the third one gloats.)

Il meglio deve ancora venire é arriverá quando meno te l'aspetti. (The best is yet to come and will come when you least expect it.) (Michael Biasi)

 

Fai bene e scordati, fai male e guardati. (Do good and forget about it, do bad and watch yourself.)

Tutto fumo, niente arrosto.) (All smoke, no roast).