in bocca al lupo
good luck (literally: into the wolf's mouth)
Advanced Phrase
🔊
Pronunciation
/in ˈbok.ka al ˈlu.po/
💡
Cultural Note
Italians NEVER say 'buona fortuna' (good luck) — they consider it bad luck, like saying 'break a leg' backwards. Instead, they say 'in bocca al lupo' (into the wolf's mouth), and you MUST respond 'crepi!' (may it die!) or 'crepi il lupo!' Never respond with 'grazie' — that would jinx everything. This superstition is taken very seriously.
📝 Example Sentences
Domani hai l'esame? In bocca al lupo!
You have your exam tomorrow? Good luck!
In bocca al lupo per il colloquio! — Crepi!
Good luck with the interview! — Thanks! (lit: may it die!)
In bocca al lupo a tutti i candidati.
Good luck to all the candidates.