in bocca al lupo
Parola del giorno | Word of the day
Today's Parola del Giorno is the expression, in bocca al lupo, which means good luck or break a leg (literally: in the mouth of the wolf).
When someone says this to you, it should be immediately followed by Crepi (il lupo) (May it die).
See the expression used below in its context:
Sebastiano: Spero di aver studiato bene per questo esame! Sono molto nervoso!
Sebastiano: I hope I studied well for this exam! I am very nervous!
Andrea: Non ti preoccupare, andrà tutto bene! Sei sempre preparatissimo!
Andrea: Don't worry, it will all go well! You are always very prepared!
Sebastiano: Mamma mia...adesso tocca a me… devo andare!
Sebastiano: My goodness...now it is my turn...I have to go!
Andrea: In bocca al lupo!
Andrea: Good luck!
Sebastiano: Crepi!
Sebastiano: Thanks!1 *
Crepi literally means May it die, but it could mean thank you in response to someone wishing you Good luck (as in our example). In Italian superstitions, luck will not be conferred to you unless you say crepi in response to in bocca al lupo. Be careful using the imperative crepi outside of this context as you do not want to tell someone to drop dead by mistake!