المعنى
To have total control over others.
خلفية ثقافية
The phrase reflects the historical 'paternalism' in Italian workplaces, where the 'padrone' (owner) had absolute say over employees' lives. Journalists frequently use this to describe 'trasformismo'—where one leader can shift the entire political climate of the country. In some southern regions, the phrase is linked to the concept of 'rispetto' (respect/power), where a local figurehead dictates social norms. Often used to describe the 'matriarch' or 'patriarch' who, despite not having an official title, runs the entire extended family.
Use with 'chi'
It's very natural to use this with 'chi' (who) to identify the power-holder: 'Bisogna capire chi fa il bello e il cattivo tempo qui.'
Don't pluralize
Never say 'i belli e i cattivi tempi'. It sounds like you are talking about historical eras (good times and bad times).
المعنى
To have total control over others.
Use with 'chi'
It's very natural to use this with 'chi' (who) to identify the power-holder: 'Bisogna capire chi fa il bello e il cattivo tempo qui.'
Don't pluralize
Never say 'i belli e i cattivi tempi'. It sounds like you are talking about historical eras (good times and bad times).
Irony is key
Italians often use this with a sigh or a roll of the eyes to show they find the person's power annoying.
اختبر نفسك
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
In questa azienda, è il proprietario che ________ il bello e il cattivo tempo.
The subject 'il proprietario' is third-person singular, so 'fa' is the correct present tense conjugation.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly to describe a bossy person?
Scegli la frase corretta:
The idiom is fixed: 'il bello e il cattivo tempo'.
Match the situation to the meaning of the idiom.
Se dico che un politico 'fa il bello e il cattivo tempo', cosa intendo?
The idiom refers to absolute power and decision-making.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Perché non chiedi a Sara di cambiare il piano?' B: 'Inutile, lei ________ e non ascolta nessuno.'
The context implies Sara is in control and doesn't listen, which fits the idiom perfectly.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
وسائل تعلم بصرية
Power Idioms Comparison
بنك التمارين
4 تمارينIn questa azienda, è il proprietario che ________ il bello e il cattivo tempo.
The subject 'il proprietario' is third-person singular, so 'fa' is the correct present tense conjugation.
Scegli la frase corretta:
The idiom is fixed: 'il bello e il cattivo tempo'.
Se dico che un politico 'fa il bello e il cattivo tempo', cosa intendo?
The idiom refers to absolute power and decision-making.
A: 'Perché non chiedi a Sara di cambiare il piano?' B: 'Inutile, lei ________ e non ascolta nessuno.'
The context implies Sara is in control and doesn't listen, which fits the idiom perfectly.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةNot inherently rude, but it is critical. You wouldn't say it TO your boss, but you would say it ABOUT them to a colleague.
Yes, it works for any gender. 'Lei fa il bello e il cattivo tempo.'
Not necessarily, but it implies they are very dominant and perhaps a bit arbitrary.
Yes, like 'Il mercato fa il bello e il cattivo tempo' (The market dictates everything).
The closest are 'to call the shots' or 'to rule the roost'.
Yes, especially in journalism and political analysis.
No, the idiom specifically uses 'cattivo' (bad) for the negative part.
Yes, it is a standard Italian idiom understood from North to South.
Yes: 'Lui farà il bello e il cattivo tempo se vince le elezioni.'
No, you need the whole phrase for it to make sense as an idiom.
عبارات ذات صلة
fare e disfare
similarTo make and unmake things at will.
comandare a bacchetta
similarTo rule with an iron fist.
avere il coltello dalla parte del manico
similarTo have the upper hand.
essere l'ultima ruota del carro
contrastTo be the least important person.
