per amore o per forza
Meaning: by any means necessary; whether one wishes it or not.
Language: Italian
Literally: for love or for force
Category: Daily Life
Origin: The phrase presents a stark binary: willing compliance or coercion—together they cover all possible outcomes.
More idioms — Daily Life
- tirare l'acqua al proprio mulino — to act in self-interest, redirecting resources or advantage to oneself.
- in pompa magna — with ceremony, grandeur, and great fanfare.
- alle calende greche — never; at an impossible or non-existent time.
- mi sa — I suppose, I guess, or I have the impression.
- nei panni di — In the position, role, or situation of someone else; in their shoes.
- andare a nozze — To be perfectly suited or to delight in something.
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.
From our proverbs
- A man must sell his ware at the rate of the market. — Accept prevailing conditions rather than resist them; pricing yourself against market rea…
- Forsake not the market for the toll. — Avoid sacrificing greater opportunities for minor immediate gains or obligations.
- If fools went not to market, bad ware would not be sold. — Foolish buyers create demand for inferior goods, enabling unscrupulous sellers to profit…