IdiomDaily Life
Italian
Italianper amore o per forza
Meaning: by any means necessary; whether one wishes it or not.
Literally: For love or for force
Example: “Per amore o per forza, domani si va dal dentista.” — By hook or by crook, we're going to the dentist tomorrow.
English equivalent: By hook or by crook
Equivalents in other languages
English: by hook or by crook
French: De gré ou de force Literally: By goodwill or by force
Origin: Two ways for something to happen: willingly, out of love or goodwill, or by force. The Hoepli dictionary defines it as something that must be done or endured with no possibility of refusal, so one may as well accept it with good grace. French has the same pairing, de gré ou de force.
More Italian idioms
- mettere radici to settle in a place permanently or commit to something long-term.
- tenere a freno la lingua to refrain from speaking; to keep silent.
- farsene un baffo to not care at all; to be indifferent to something.
- sulle spine In a state of anxious suspense or nervous tension, unable to relax.
- a gambe levate With great speed or haste, moving rapidly or impetuously.
- pendaglio da forca A person who deserves to be hanged; a worthless scoundrel.
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