Sometimes you just want to get rid of someone—preferably for good. In Italian, there’s an expression for this that sounds polite at first glance but actually means the exact opposite: to go to hell. This idiom is a classic way to vent anger and frustration. It’s a polite way of telling people—or even annoying things—to go to hell.
Listening and Speaking
Phonetic transcription: an-DA-re a FAR-si be-ne-DI-re
Literal translation
Literally: to go get blessed. Figuratively: to go to hell, to go to the ends of the earth.
Meaning and Attitude Toward Life
The expression to go to hell is a euphemism, a sugarcoated way of phrasing a blunt demand. People use it when they’ve had enough of a person or a situation and want to vent their anger. It is the linguistic expression of an outburst of rage or deep annoyance. Although the words „let them be damned“ sound harmless, the tone is crucial: it is always irritated, angry, or resigned. The phrase belongs to informal colloquial language and is used across all social classes to brusquely rebuff someone.
Origins and History
The exact origin of the idiom is unclear, but its nature as a euphemism is obvious. Instead of directly wishing someone „to hell“ or to some other unpleasant place, one chooses an ironic circumlocution. The phrase „to be blessed“ is meant cynically here. You’re sending the person to a place from which they’d be better off not returning, and in doing so, you hypocritically give them your blessing. This kind of linguistic disguise is typical of many Southern European curses and insults.
Application example
- After hours of pointless discussions, I told him to go to hell.
- After hours of pointless discussions, I told him to go to hell.
Cultural Tip
Although the expression is rude, it isn’t extremely vulgar. It falls somewhere in the middle of the spectrum of Italian swear words and is often used in the heat of the moment, such as in traffic or during an argument. You can also apply this expression to objects: If your computer crashes, you can say, „E vai a farti benedire!“.
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!
