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un tempo da lupi

Grammar & Usage

fixed expression

neutral

How it works

This is an idiomatic expression composed of the indefinite article 'un' (a/an), the noun 'tempo' (weather/time), and the prepositional phrase 'da lupi' (of/for wolves). Literally meaning 'a time/weather of/for wolves', it metaphorically describes very harsh, cold, or stormy weather. The preposition 'da' here implies suitability or characteristic, much like 'weather for wolves'.

Sample sentences

Oggi c'è proprio un tempo da lupi, non si può uscire di casa.

Today it's really terrible weather, you can't leave the house.

Durante l'inverno in montagna, si aspettano spesso giornate con un tempo da lupi.

During winter in the mountains, you often expect days with terrible weather.

Nonostante il tempo da lupi, siamo andati a camminare nel bosco.

Despite the terrible weather, we went for a walk in the woods.

Quick facts

idiomaticUsage:Used to describe extremely bad weather conditions, often cold, windy, or rainy. It can also be extended to 'fame da lupi' (wolf-like hunger) or 'freddo da lupi' (wolf-like cold) to emphasize intensity.

literalTranslation:a weather of wolves

Often used with

Mnemonic

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Example

Oggi c'è proprio un tempo da lupi, non si può uscire di casa.

Today it's really terrible weather, you can't leave the house.

Durante l'inverno in montagna, si aspettano spesso giornate con un tempo da lupi.

During winter in the mountains, you often expect days with terrible weather.