in bocca al lupo

Italian

Etymology

Literally, “in the wolf's mouth”.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /imˌbok.ka.alˈlu.po/

• Audio:

  (file)

• Rhymes: -upo

Interjection

in bocca al lupo

1. good luck, fingers crossed, break a leg

   Synonyms: (vulgar) in culo alla balena, buona fortuna

Usage notes

• The typical reply to this interjection is crepi il lupo! (literally “may the wolf die!”), or simply crepi! (literally “may it die!”).