Meaning
To do something with an uncertain outcome.
Cultural Background
In Italian culture, stability (stabilità) is highly valued. Taking a 'salto nel buio' is often seen as a sign of great courage or great desperation, reflecting the historical economic challenges of the country. In Italian business news, this phrase is frequently used to criticize government maneuvers that lack clear financial coverage, highlighting a cultural skepticism towards unplanned change. Italian literature often uses the metaphor of light and dark to represent knowledge vs. ignorance. This idiom fits into that long tradition of 'illuminismo' (enlightenment). In some southern regions, there is a fatalistic view of 'salto nel buio'—sometimes you just have to jump and trust in 'fortuna' (luck) or 'provvidenza' (providence).
Use it for empathy
When a friend tells you about a scary new project, saying 'È un bel salto nel buio!' shows you understand their bravery and the risk involved.
Don't over-conjugate
While 'fare' changes, 'salto nel buio' almost always stays exactly as it is. Don't try to change 'buio' to 'buia' even if the subject is feminine.
Meaning
To do something with an uncertain outcome.
Use it for empathy
When a friend tells you about a scary new project, saying 'È un bel salto nel buio!' shows you understand their bravery and the risk involved.
Don't over-conjugate
While 'fare' changes, 'salto nel buio' almost always stays exactly as it is. Don't try to change 'buio' to 'buia' even if the subject is feminine.
Combine with 'vero'
Adding 'vero' (real) makes it sound much more natural: 'Un vero salto nel buio'.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'fare'.
L'anno scorso, io ________ un salto nel buio e ho aperto un ristorante.
The sentence refers to 'L'anno scorso' (last year), so the Passato Prossimo 'ho fatto' is required.
Which situation best describes a 'salto nel buio'?
Quale di queste situazioni è un 'salto nel buio'?
Moving to a country where you know no one involves high uncertainty and risk, fitting the idiom.
Match the Italian phrase with its English equivalent.
Collega le frasi.
The other options are related but different: 'Andare sul sicuro' is the opposite (to play it safe).
Complete the dialogue with the correct idiom.
A: 'Vuoi davvero investire tutti i tuoi soldi in quella nuova app?' B: 'Sì, so che è un ________, ma ci credo molto.'
The context of investing all money in something uncertain perfectly fits 'salto nel buio'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesL'anno scorso, io ________ un salto nel buio e ho aperto un ristorante.
The sentence refers to 'L'anno scorso' (last year), so the Passato Prossimo 'ho fatto' is required.
Quale di queste situazioni è un 'salto nel buio'?
Moving to a country where you know no one involves high uncertainty and risk, fitting the idiom.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
The other options are related but different: 'Andare sul sicuro' is the opposite (to play it safe).
A: 'Vuoi davvero investire tutti i tuoi soldi in quella nuova app?' B: 'Sì, so che è un ________, ma ci credo molto.'
The context of investing all money in something uncertain perfectly fits 'salto nel buio'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsNot necessarily. While it implies risk and anxiety, it can also imply excitement and a positive new beginning. It depends on your tone of voice!
It is grammatically correct but sounds very poetic or old-fashioned. Stick to 'nel buio' for daily conversation.
'Rischiare' is a general verb for taking a risk. 'Fare un salto nel buio' is more descriptive and emphasizes that you have NO idea what will happen.
Yes, it's a great way to describe a time you were brave and took a chance, as long as you explain why you did it.
Yes, it is a standard Italian idiom used from Milan to Sicily.
Related Phrases
andare sul sicuro
contrastTo play it safe
un salto nel vuoto
similarA leap into the void
rischiare l'osso del collo
specialized formTo risk one's neck
buttarsi a capofitto
builds onTo dive in headfirst
