Sometimes in life, things don't go smoothly—they get in the way. The Italian language captures this exact feeling with a very physical image. The idiom to go awry Originally, this phrase describes the unpleasant experience of choking on a bite of food. Today, however, it is much more commonly used figuratively to express that one simply cannot stomach a situation, a person, or a remark.
Listening and Speaking
(Phonetic transcription: an-DA-re di tra-WER-so)
Literal translation
Literally: to go sideways, to lie across. Figuratively: to get stuck in the wrong throat, to rub someone the wrong way, to be unable to tolerate something.
Meaning and Attitude Toward Life
The Turn to go awry stems from a physical sensation that everyone is familiar with: choking. This sudden, unpleasant sensation of something getting stuck is transferred to the emotional realm. When a situation or someone’s remark „di traverso va,“ it gets stuck in your throat. You can’t stomach it; it causes aversion and annoyance. The idiom always has a negative connotation and often expresses a mixture of frustration, resentment, and the feeling of having been treated unfairly. It’s used to make it clear that a line of acceptability has been crossed.
Origins and History
The origin of the idiom cannot be traced to any specific historical anecdote. Rather, it stems from a direct and obvious metaphor. The Italian word „traverso“ means „across.“ The idea is that food or liquid does not take the proper path through the esophagus but instead gets stuck and blocks the throat. This immediate physical experience of discomfort has been applied to psychological and social situations that are perceived as equally obstructive and unbearable.
Application example
- That comment the boss made during the meeting really rubbed me the wrong way.
- The boss's joke during the meeting really rubbed me the wrong way.
Cultural Tip
This expression is widely used throughout Italy and is part of everyday language. It is interesting to note how strongly it links physical sensations with emotional states, which is typical of the Italian language. Pay attention to the context: You can also use the phrase quite literally when a child has choked while eating.
In our daily column Learn Italian - Italian phrase of the day the editorial team of Italien News serves you a little „language espresso“. We don't just want to teach you vocabulary, we want to open up the heart of Italy. Discover the meaning, the origin and the subtle nuances behind the most beautiful Italian idioms. Perfect for your next vacation or simply for daydreaming. A presto!
