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fa un freddo da lupi

Grammar & Usage

fixed expression

neutral

How it works

This is a common idiomatic expression used to describe extremely cold weather. It literally translates to 'it makes a cold of wolves', where 'fa' is the third person singular of the verb 'fare' (to make/do) and 'un freddo' means 'a cold'. 'Da lupi' is an idiomatic intensifier, meaning 'suitable for wolves' or 'of wolves', implying a severe, harsh cold that only wolves could endure or that makes one shiver like a wolf.

Sample sentences

Oggi fa un freddo da lupi, non uscire senza un cappotto pesante.

Today it's freezing cold, don't go out without a heavy coat.

Quando andiamo in montagna in inverno, fa sempre un freddo da lupi.

When we go to the mountains in winter, it's always bitterly cold.

Non mi aspettavo che a novembre facesse già un freddo così da lupi.

I didn't expect it to be so freezing cold already in November.

Quick facts

verbForm:The expression always uses 'fa' (third person singular of 'fare') to refer to the weather.

idiomaticOrigin:The 'da lupi' (of wolves) construction is an intensifier used with certain nouns to express an extreme degree, often negative. It evokes the image of wolves, animals known to inhabit harsh, cold environments, or perhaps the 'howling' cold.

Often used with

Fa caldo da morire

Piove a catinelle

C'è un sole che spacca le pietre

Fa un tempo da cani

Fa un freddo cane

Mnemonic

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Example

Oggi fa un freddo da lupi, non uscire senza un cappotto pesante.

Today it's freezing cold, don't go out without a heavy coat.

Quando andiamo in montagna in inverno, fa sempre un freddo da lupi.

When we go to the mountains in winter, it's always bitterly cold.