"Tra il Dire e il Fare C'è di Mezzo il Temporale": Unveiling the True Meaning of this Italian Proverb
The world of Italian idiomatic expressions is rich and fascinating, but sometimes it can confuse those learning Italian. Today we explore a very common proverb that describes the difference between intention and action: "Tra il dire e il fare c’è di mezzo il temporale". This Italian idiomatic expression perfectly captures the difficulties and obstacles that often stand between an idea and its realization. Read on to discover its deep meaning, its origin, and how to use it to speak like a native, enriching your advanced vocabulary.
Table of Contents
- What does "Tra il dire e il fare c’è di mezzo il temporale" mean?
- When and how to use "Tra il dire e il fare c’è di mezzo il temporale"
- Real-life examples with "Tra il dire e il fare c’è di mezzo il temporale"
- Other related expressions
- Conclusion
What does "Tra il dire e il fare c’è di mezzo il temporale" mean?
- There is a notable difference between what is said or planned and its actual realization.
- There are always obstacles or unforeseen difficulties that make it hard to go from theory to practice.
- It points out the complexity of life that often prevents people from fulfilling good intentions.
- The "temporale" (thunderstorm) symbolizes adversities, impediments, or problems that arise unexpectedly.
More: Quando tuona da lontano, piove da vicino - Meaning and Usage Guide
When and how to use "Tra il dire e il fare c’è di mezzo il temporale"
This expression is widely used in Italy by both young people and adults, in informal and everyday contexts. It's one of those phrases you'll often find in conversations among friends or family.
- Used when a plan doesn't materialize or a promise isn't kept.
- Indicates skepticism towards someone who makes many promises or has big projects but doesn't take action.
- The tone is often resigned, sometimes slightly sarcastic, but always realistic.
- Perfect for commenting on situations where theory seems simple, but putting it into practice turns out to be complex. It's a very common Italian saying.
More: What Cielo a Pecorelle, Acqua a Catinelle Really Means
Real-life examples with "Tra il dire e il fare c’è di mezzo il temporale"
Here are some examples of how this Italian proverb is used in everyday situations, helping you understand its usage in real contexts.
📍 Context (e.g. work)
- Person A: "This quarter we're going to double sales! I have a perfect plan."
- Person B: "Let's hope so! But, tra il dire e il fare c’è di mezzo il temporale."
📍 Context (e.g. friendship)
- Person A: "Tomorrow I’ll start my diet and work out every day, I swear!"
- Person B: "Alright, I believe you... but you know, tra il dire e il fare c’è di mezzo il temporale."
📍 Context (e.g. family)
- Person A: "I promise next weekend we’ll finally clean the attic."
- Person B: "You say that every month! I really think tra il dire e il fare c’è di mezzo il temporale."
More: What Does C’è un tempo da lupi Mean to Speak Like a Native Speaker
Other related expressions
To further explore the world of Italian idiomatic expressions, here are other sayings that have a similar or complementary meaning. They help better understand the nuances of "Tra il dire e il fare c’è di mezzo il temporale".
| Related Expression | Brief Meaning | Short Example in Italian |
|---|---|---|
| Tra il dire e il fare c’è di mezzo il mare | Similar, indicates a large gap between intention and action. | "Ha promesso di cambiare, ma tra il dire e il fare c'è di mezzo il mare." |
| A parole è facile | It's easy to talk or make promises, but hard to act. | "A parole è facile dire che si farà, ma poi i fatti contano." |
| I fatti valgono più delle parole | Actions matter more than promises or speeches. | "Non promettere, dimostra: i fatti valgono più delle parole." |
Conclusion
"Tra il dire e il fare c’è di mezzo il temporale" is a proverb that reminds us of the difficulty in moving from intentions to action. Understanding and using Italian sayings like this one will help you speak like a native and immerse yourself in Italian culture. To explore other nuances of the Italian language, also check out our articles on conjugating irregular verbs.
Has it ever happened to you to promise something and then not be able to fulfill it? Or do you know someone to whom this proverb fits perfectly? Share your experience in the comments!