Confidenza toglie riverenza

Meaning: Too much familiarity erodes respect.

Literally: Familiarity removes reverence

Example: “Non trattare il capo come un amico: confidenza toglie riverenza.” — Don't treat the boss like a friend: familiarity breeds contempt.

Equivalents in English, French, Spanish, Japanese, and Dutch

English: Familiarity breeds contempt
French: La familiarité engendre le mépris (literally: Familiarity breeds contempt)
Spanish: La confianza da asco (literally: Familiarity breeds disgust)
Japanese: 親しき仲にも礼儀あり (Shitashiki naka ni mo reigi ari) (literally: Even in close relationships, there is etiquette)
Dutch: Al te grote gemeenzaamheid baart verachting (literally: Too much familiarity breeds contempt)

Origin: Confidenza is closeness, riverenza respect: the more of the first, the less of the second.

Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.

Sei una forza della natura You're unstoppable — your energy and drive are bigger than any obstacle.
Hai le mani d'oro You're extraordinarily skilled with your hands — a craftsperson, cook, or fixer of legend…
Sei una persona d'oro You're genuinely wonderful — kind, trustworthy, and precious to have in one's life.

Keep exploring