During a recent B1 Italian lesson, we watched a memorable scene from Il Commissario Montalbano an Italian TV series. In this clip, Montalbano is at a restaurant and wants to order a traditional Italian seafood dish: spaghetti alle vongole. As he recommends it enthusiastically to his lunch companion, he uses a striking expression:
“Questo piatto è così buono da far resuscitare i morti.”
His words immediately caught my students’ attention. What does “far resuscitare i morti” mean here? Why would Montalbano use such a dramatic phrase to describe a dish?
Watch the clip here and then try to answer the question:
What Does “Far resuscitare i morti” Really Mean?
Literally, “fare resuscitare i morti” means “to bring the dead back to life.” But in everyday Italian, it’s a colourful way to say that something is so delicious, refreshing, or energising that it feels almost miraculous. Think of a rich espresso that instantly revives your energy or a homemade meal bursting with flavour that lifts your spirits — that’s the essence of this idiom.
What makes this expression truly unique is how it captures the Italian passion for vivid, expressive language intertwined with their deep love for food and life. Additionally, the subtle influence of religious imagery, so often woven into everyday speech, adds a rich layer of meaning. Italians frequently use imaginative and slightly exaggerated phrases to convey powerful emotions and sensations, making the language lively, colorful, and a joy to learn.
In our classes, we explore these cultural gems deeply. We don’t just memorise words; we learn how to use idioms like this one in real conversations, helping you sound natural and confident. For example, you might say:
- “Il profumo di quel pane appena sfornato fa resuscitare i morti.”
- “Un arrosto così tenero e saporito fa resuscitare i morti, perfetto per una cena fra amici.”
- “Le lasagne della nonna sono così deliziose che fanno resuscitare i morti.”
Practicing expressions like these in an interactive and lively environment is exactly what makes our lessons memorable and effective.
More real Italian typical expressions:
What makes this idiom so fascinating is how it reflects the deep-rooted presence of religious imagery in the language, rivalled only by the pleasure and importance of food for Italians. Here are some more idioms, this time related to food:
1. Essere buono come il pane
Meaning: To describe someone very kind-hearted and generous. Bread is a staple of Italian life and symbolises goodness.
Literal meaning: To be as good as bread
Example: Mia nonna è buona come il pane, sempre pronta ad aiutare gli altri.
(My grandmother has a generous heart, always ready to help others.)
2. Tutto fa brodo
Meaning: Every little contribution counts; everything adds value in life.
Literal meaning: Everything makes broth
Example: Anche una piccola somma aiuta, in fondo, tutto fa brodo.
(Even a small amount of money helps, after all, everything counts.)
3. Da leccarsi i baffi
Meaning: Said about food that is so delicious you want to savour every bit.
Literal meaning: To lick one’s whiskers
Example: Quella torta è da leccarsi i baffi!
(That cake is finger-licking good!)
4. Essere una buona forchetta
Meaning: To be someone who loves good food and enjoys eating.
Literal meaning: To be a good fork
Example: Marco è una buona forchetta, non perde mai una cena con gli amici.
(Marco loves his food; he never misses a dinner with friends.)
5. Pieno come un uovo
Meaning: To be completely full after eating a lot.
Literal meaning: Full as an egg
Example: Dopo quel pranzo abbondante, sono pieno come un uovo.
(After that big lunch, I’m stuffed.)
Conclusion
Learning expressions like this enriches your vocabulary and gives you insight into Italian culture and communication style. It’s not just about words — it’s about feeling the language come alive.
I encourage you to watch more scenes from Montalbano or other Italian shows to discover more fascinating idioms and expressions!
See you in the next lesson, and… buon appetito!
Laura x
P.S. If you’re looking for Italian classes that are well-structured, thoughtfully prepared, and focused on speaking, yet also fun and culturally immersive, my courses are perfect for you. We use real Italian media, idioms, and lively conversation practice to make your Italian so good it fa resuscitare i morti!
Practice:
Fill in the blanks with the correct idiom from the list above.
- Dopo aver mangiato tutta quella torta al cioccolato, ero __________!
- Mia zia è davvero gentile e generosa, è proprio __________.
- Antonio ama mangiare e non perde mai un’occasione per organizzare serate culinarie: è __________.
- Ha fatto del mio meglio per aiutare, aveva poco tempo, ma va benissimo, perché in fondo __________.
- La cena di ieri era così deliziosa, davvero __________!
Answer Key:
- pieno come un uovo
- buona come il pane
- una buona forchetta
- tutto fa brodo
- da leccarsi i baffi
