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Fa un caldo da lupi

Grammar & Usage

fixed expression

neutral to informal

How it works

This idiomatic expression literally translates to 'It makes a heat of wolves.' The verb 'fare' (to make/do) is used impersonally for weather conditions. 'Da lupi' is an idiomatic intensifier, meaning 'like wolves' or 'for wolves,' implying a harsh or extreme condition.

Sample sentences

Oggi pomeriggio fa un caldo da lupi, non usciremo.

It's extremely hot this afternoon, we won't go out.

Nonostante l'aria condizionata, in ufficio fa un caldo da lupi.

Despite the air conditioning, it's scorching hot in the office.

Dopo aver camminato per ore, faceva un caldo da lupi e avevamo una sete da lupi.

After walking for hours, it was extremely hot and we were incredibly thirsty.

Quick facts

idiomaticUsage:The phrase 'da lupi' is a common Italian idiom used to intensely describe extreme conditions, often negative ones. While 'lupo' means wolf, the expression doesn't literally refer to wolves but to the severity of the condition, perhaps evoking the harshness of a wolf's life or environment.

impersonalVerb:'Fare' is used impersonally for weather ('fa caldo', 'fa freddo').

Often used with

Mnemonic

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Example

Oggi pomeriggio fa un caldo da lupi, non usciremo.

It's extremely hot this afternoon, we won't go out.

Nonostante l'aria condizionata, in ufficio fa un caldo da lupi.

Despite the air conditioning, it's scorching hot in the office.