Meaning
Extremely bad or stormy weather.
Cultural Background
In rural Italy, the wolf was often a character in 'veglie' (evening storytelling sessions by the fire). Bad weather was the time when these stories were told, reinforcing the link between storms and wolves. Despite the lack of wolves in cities like Milan or Rome, the phrase remains a staple of urban 'small talk' in elevators and offices. In the Alps, 'tempo da lupi' is taken more literally and seriously, often acting as a warning to hikers and skiers about life-threatening conditions. Italian Neorealist and Noir films often use 'tempo da lupi' to set a mood of despair or tension, reflecting the internal state of the characters.
The 'Da' Rule
Use 'da' for any idiom describing what something is 'for' or 'like'. It's a very common pattern in Italian.
Don't overdo it
If you use it for every little cloud, you'll sound like a 'lamentone' (a big complainer). Save it for the real storms!
Meaning
Extremely bad or stormy weather.
The 'Da' Rule
Use 'da' for any idiom describing what something is 'for' or 'like'. It's a very common pattern in Italian.
Don't overdo it
If you use it for every little cloud, you'll sound like a 'lamentone' (a big complainer). Save it for the real storms!
Combine with 'Mamma mia'
For maximum authenticity, start the sentence with 'Mamma mia, che tempo da lupi!'
The Dog Alternative
If you are in a city and it's just rainy/grey, 'tempo da cani' might sound slightly more natural to some locals.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct preposition and animal.
Oggi non vado a correre, c'è un tempo ___ _______.
The correct idiom is 'da lupi'. While 'da cani' is also an idiom, 'da lupi' is the one we are focusing on and is slightly more intense.
In which situation is 'tempo da lupi' MOST appropriate?
Quale situazione descrive un 'tempo da lupi'?
'Tempo da lupi' requires harsh, cold, or stormy conditions.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Usciamo a fare una passeggiata?' B: 'Ma sei matto? Guarda fuori, ___ ___ _______ ___ _______!'
The context of 'Ma sei matto?' (Are you crazy?) suggests the weather is too bad to go for a walk.
Match the weather description to the idiom.
Match the following:
Each idiom matches a specific intensity of weather.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use it
Perfect
- • Blizzards
- • Thunderstorms
- • Freezing rain
Wrong
- • Heatwaves
- • Light drizzle
- • Sunny days
Practice Bank
4 exercisesOggi non vado a correre, c'è un tempo ___ _______.
The correct idiom is 'da lupi'. While 'da cani' is also an idiom, 'da lupi' is the one we are focusing on and is slightly more intense.
Quale situazione descrive un 'tempo da lupi'?
'Tempo da lupi' requires harsh, cold, or stormy conditions.
A: 'Usciamo a fare una passeggiata?' B: 'Ma sei matto? Guarda fuori, ___ ___ _______ ___ _______!'
The context of 'Ma sei matto?' (Are you crazy?) suggests the weather is too bad to go for a walk.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Each idiom matches a specific intensity of weather.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it is informal but widely accepted in neutral contexts like the workplace or with strangers.
No, the idiom is fixed in the plural: 'lupi'.
No, it can mean heavy rain, strong wind, or just a very dark, cold, and miserable day.
'Lupi' is often felt to be more extreme or 'wilder' than 'cani', but they are mostly interchangeable.
Usually no. It implies a 'cold' harshness.
Yes, it is a national idiom, though it has stronger roots in the mountainous North and Center.
Yes, 'giornata da lupi' is a very common and correct variation.
Not really. For good weather, we just say 'un tempo splendido' or 'una bellissima giornata'.
Because wolves come down from the mountains when the weather is at its worst.
Only if you have a friendly relationship with the recipient. Otherwise, use 'tempo avverso'.
Related Phrases
tempo da cani
synonymBad weather
freddo cane
similarExtremely cold
in bocca al lupo
builds onGood luck
tempo da lupi e da briganti
specialized formDangerous weather
piove a catinelle
similarRaining cats and dogs
