IdiomDaily Life
Italian
Italianalla bell'e meglio
Meaning: In a sloppy, careless, or makeshift manner; doing something poorly for lack of effort or care.
Literally: At the beautiful and better
Example: “Ha riparato la sedia alla bell'e meglio con del nastro.” — He fixed the chair any old how with some tape.
English equivalent: Any old how
Other ways to say this
- Italian: alla carlona Literally: In the Carlon manner
English: any old how
Origin: "As best as one can," the phrase stacks bello (fine) and meglio (better) ironically to describe something done roughly, with whatever was at hand. It is close to the variant alla bell'e buona. No particular story lies behind it.
More Italian idioms
- senza capo né coda In a senseless or disjointed way; without coherence, order, or point.
- a casa del diavolo Far away; a great distance to travel; the long way around.
- Il bue che dice cornuto all'asino Said when someone accuses another of a fault that is really their own.
- Il gioco non vale la candela The effort or risk is out of proportion to what you'd gain.
- In bocca al lupo Good luck! (replied with 'Crepi!' — may it die).
- Non tutte le ciambelle riescono col buco Things don't always go as planned.
Explore another collection: Proverbs
Short sayings of timeless wisdom from more than 50 cultures, each with its meaning and origin.
- Vesti un ciocco, pare un fiocco Fine clothes can make anyone look good.
- Casa mia, casa mia, per piccina che tu sia, tu mi sembri una badia However humble, your own home is the best place.
- Vedono più quattr'occhi che due Two people see more than one.
Keep exploring