There are many expressions in Italian, like in any language, but the ones I love the most are the ones which are similar to English idioms but literally translate quite differently (and humorously!).
Instead of "to throw a wrench in the works", we "mettere il bastone tra le ruote" or put a stick between the wheels.
Instead of "creme de la creme" (which is arguably french, not english), we have "fior fiore" or flower of flowers.
Instead of "don't judge a book by its cover", we have, "l'abito no fa il monaco" or the clothes do not make the monk
Instead of "to kill two birds with one stone", we have "prendere due piccioni con una fava" or to take two pigeons with one bean"
Instead of "when it rains, it pours", we have "piove sempre sul bagnato" or it rains always when it's already wet
And then, there are a few that are SO close, but just different enough to make one wonder... The Italians "essere come un elefante in un negozio di cristalleria" - to be an elephant in a china shop.
But, at least one thing stays the same: someone good with plants is "pollice verde" - green thumbs!
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