Santo Grial
The English phrase 'holy grail' is translated into Italian as Santo Grial.
When used as a noun, Santo Grial refers to a distant or difficult, sought-after goal.
Meaning: distant or difficult, sought-after goal (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Santo Grial is the standard term for a sought-after goal, the form Santo Graal is used specifically to refer to the artifact from Arthurian mythology. Additionally, the term Sacra Coppa can be used to refer to the Holy Grail.
Related words
Did you know?
- In Italian literary traditions, the search for the Santo Graal is frequently used as a symbol for nobiltà d'animo, which means 'nobility of soul'.
- The Italian term Santo Grial is frequently applied to scientific breakthroughs or business milestones that seem impossible to achieve.
- The adjective santo used in this phrase shares the same Latin root as the English word 'saint', meaning 'consecrated' or 'set apart'.
Example conversation
Francesco and Giulia are discussing their career goals.
- FrancescoVuoi davvero quel posto di lavoro, Giulia?Do you really want that job, Giulia?
- GiuliaSì, per me è il Santo Grial della carriera.Yes, for me it is the holy grail of my career.
- FrancescoSembra un obiettivo molto difficile da raggiungere.It seems like a very difficult goal to achieve.
- GiuliaÈ proprio per questo che lo desidero così tanto.That is exactly why I want it so much.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries santo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
