per amor del cielo
Lemma: per amor del cielo
Translation: for heaven's sake; for goodness sake; for the love of God (idiom)
Etymology: This Italian expression combines 'per' (for), 'amor' (love), 'del' (of the), and 'cielo' (sky/heaven). It literally means 'for the love of heaven' and invokes heaven or God as a witness to express exasperation or emphasis. Similar to how English speakers use 'for heaven's sake', it appeals to a higher power to emphasize the speaker's feelings.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'amor' (love) and 'cielo' (heaven) - you're appealing to the love of heaven when you're exasperated.
- Picture someone looking up at the sky (cielo) in frustration while saying this phrase.
Synonyms
Cultural Context
This expression is commonly used in Italian conversation to express exasperation, impatience, or to emphasize a request or statement. While it has religious origins, it has become a standard expression used by Italians regardless of religious belief, similar to how 'for heaven's sake' is used in English.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'per amor del cielo' is an exclamation of exasperation, 'per amore di' means 'for the love of' and is used to express the reason or motivation for an action.
Notes: The first is an exclamation, while the second is explaining a motivation.
Mnemonic: 'Per amor del cielo' includes 'cielo' (heaven/sky) and expresses frustration upward, while 'per amore di' is directed at someone or something specific.