fuori dal comune
Lemma: fuori dal comune
Translation: out of the ordinary; unusual; exceptional; extraordinary; uncommon (idiom)
Etymology: This Italian idiom combines 'fuori' (out, outside) with 'dal comune' (from the common). 'Comune' derives from Latin 'communis' (common, shared by all), which also gave us the English words 'common' and 'community'. The expression literally means 'outside of what is common' and has evolved to describe anything that stands apart from the norm.
Example Usage
Quel ristorante offre un'esperienza culinaria fuori dal comune.
That restaurant offers an extraordinary culinary experience.
Ha un talento fuori dal comune per la musica.
He has an exceptional talent for music.
Questa è una bellezza fuori dal comune.
This is an extraordinary beauty.
Il film presenta una storia fuori dal comune.
The film presents an unusual story.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'fuori' as 'far from' and 'comune' as 'common' - something that is far from common is unusual.
- Imagine someone stepping outside ('fuori') of city hall ('il comune') to do something extraordinary.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
This expression is widely used in Italian to express admiration for something or someone that stands out from the crowd. It can be used to describe exceptional talent, unusual beauty, or remarkable situations.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'fuori dal comune' means 'unusual' or 'extraordinary', 'fuori dal comune di' followed by a place name means 'outside the municipality of' that place.
Notes: The word 'comune' in Italian can refer both to something common/ordinary and to a municipality or town hall, creating this potential confusion.
Mnemonic: If 'fuori dal comune' is followed by 'di' and a place name, it's talking about geographic location, not something unusual.