What Does "C’è un tempo da lupi" Mean: Meaning and Origin to Speak Like a Native Speaker

If you are learning Italian and want to speak like a native speaker, you'll often come across idiomatic expressions like "C’è un tempo da lupi." This phrase is a classic Italian saying, widely used to describe extreme weather conditions. But what does it really mean? And why is it said this way? In this article, we will explore the deep meaning of "C’è un tempo da lupi," its curious origin, and give you practical examples to use it correctly in every conversation, enriching your advanced vocabulary.

Table of Contents

• What does “C’è un tempo da lupi” mean?
• When and how to use “C’è un tempo da lupi”
• Real examples with “C’è un tempo da lupi”
• Other related expressions
• Conclusion

What does “C’è un tempo da lupi” mean?

It indicates extremely adverse weather conditions. It’s not just rain or wind, but a combination of elements that make the climate hostile. It refers to cold, windy, rainy, snowy, or stormy weather. Imagine a day when the sky is leaden and the temperature is harsh. It describes weather so bad that it discourages anyone from leaving the house. It’s the kind of weather that makes you want to stay warm and safe indoors. Literally, "lupi weather" is wild and inhospitable weather. It connects to the idea of an environment suitable only for tough and solitary creatures like wolves. This Italian idiomatic expression evokes a sense of danger or discomfort, typical of the coldest and darkest days. For a broader understanding of the term "lupo" in the context of the Italian language, you can consult the Treccani dictionary.

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When and how to use “C’è un tempo da lupi”

• Who uses it? It’s a common expression among Italians of all ages and regions. It’s not limited to a specific slang, but is part of the advanced vocabulary of those who want to communicate authentically and naturally. You’ll often hear it in family, among friends, or even on the news to describe a particularly bad weather report.
• Contexts of use: Mainly in informal conversations about weather and plans. It’s used among friends and family to comment on the weather or justify the desire not to go out. It can also appear in wider discussions involving events affected by bad weather, like transport delays or the cancellation of outdoor events. Less common in formal or written contexts, such as official weather news, where more technical terms such as "adverse conditions" or "disturbances" are preferred. To further explore the use of temporal prepositions, you can consult our detailed guide here.
• Tone: Informal, direct and often used to express displeasure or to justify the desire to stay indoors. Sometimes used in a slightly humorous tone, but the message is always clear: the weather is terrible.

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Real examples with “C’è un tempo da lupi”

• 📍 Context (friends)

  • Sara: "Are you going out tonight? I was thinking of taking a walk."
  • Marco: "Are you crazy? Look outside, c’è un tempo da lupi! Let’s stay home where it’s warm."

• 📍 Context (family)

  • Grandma: "Are the kids still outside?"
  • Dad: "Yes, but with this wind I hope they don’t get sick. C’è proprio un tempo da lupi today."

• 📍 Context (at work, during a break)

  • Colleague A: "The courier is late today, not surprising."
  • Colleague B: "Exactly, c’è un tempo da lupi and the roads must be impassable."

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Other related expressions

Conclusion

Now you know that "C’è un tempo da lupi" is much more than a simple description of the weather; it’s an authentic and common way to express extreme weather conditions. Including it in your vocabulary will help you speak like a real Italian and better understand Italian idiomatic expressions. What’s your favorite Italian expression about the weather? Share it in the comments below!