المعنى
To annoy someone with endless requests.
خلفية ثقافية
The use of religious metaphors for secular frustration is a hallmark of Italian 'espressività'. It doesn't necessarily indicate the speaker is religious. In the South, the phrase can be even more dramatic, sometimes accompanied by hand gestures like touching the forehead or chest to emphasize the 'martyrdom'. Sports newspapers (like La Gazzetta dello Sport) frequently use this phrase to describe how fans or journalists treat a player who missed a penalty. The 'Via Crucis' (Way of the Cross) is a common ritual in Italy. This phrase is a linguistic reflection of that cultural imagery being applied to daily life.
Use with Pronouns
It's almost always used with 'mi', 'ti', 'lo', etc. Practice saying 'Non mettermi in croce' as a single block.
Don't be too literal
If you use this in a church, people might think you're talking about the statues!
المعنى
To annoy someone with endless requests.
Use with Pronouns
It's almost always used with 'mi', 'ti', 'lo', etc. Practice saying 'Non mettermi in croce' as a single block.
Don't be too literal
If you use this in a church, people might think you're talking about the statues!
Tone Matters
Say it with a sigh or a smile to make it a lighthearted complaint. Say it sharply to show real anger.
Hyperbole is Key
Italians love drama. Using this phrase makes you sound much more native than just saying 'mi dai fastidio'.
اختبر نفسك
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'mettere in croce' and the necessary pronoun.
Mia sorella ____ (pestering me) perché vuole il mio vestito nuovo.
We need the 3rd person singular 'mette' and the pronoun 'mi' (me).
Which situation is most appropriate for the phrase 'mettere in croce'?
In which case would you say 'Non mettermi in croce!'?
The phrase is used for persistent, annoying requests.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Hai fatto i compiti? E la camera? E hai chiamato la nonna? B: Mamma, basta! Non ____!
The speaker is asking the mother to stop nagging.
Match the sentence to the context.
1. Lo hanno messo in croce per un tweet. / 2. Mi mette in croce per i soldi.
Sense 2 refers to public criticism, Sense 1 to personal nagging.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
وسائل تعلم بصرية
Nagging vs. Crucifying
بنك التمارين
4 تمارينMia sorella ____ (pestering me) perché vuole il mio vestito nuovo.
We need the 3rd person singular 'mette' and the pronoun 'mi' (me).
In which case would you say 'Non mettermi in croce!'?
The phrase is used for persistent, annoying requests.
A: Hai fatto i compiti? E la camera? E hai chiamato la nonna? B: Mamma, basta! Non ____!
The speaker is asking the mother to stop nagging.
1. Lo hanno messo in croce per un tweet. / 2. Mi mette in croce per i soldi.
Sense 2 refers to public criticism, Sense 1 to personal nagging.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
الأسئلة الشائعة
14 أسئلةNo, it's not offensive, but it is informal. It's a common idiom that doesn't carry religious weight in daily conversation.
Only if you have a very close, informal relationship. Otherwise, it might sound like you are complaining too much.
'Rompere' is more general (to annoy). 'Mettere in croce' specifically implies repetitive requests or harsh judgment.
No, the idiom is fixed as 'in croce', not 'nella croce'.
You could say 'insistere molto' or 'fare molte pressioni'.
Yes, but you'd use 'stare in croce' (I am on the cross/suffering).
Yes, it is a standard Italian idiom understood from North to South.
No, it's only used for people (or entities like companies/governments).
Usually, but it can also mean 'to judge very harshly' in a public context.
There isn't a direct opposite idiom, but 'lasciare in pace' (to leave in peace) is the desired result.
Very! You'll hear it in almost every Italian comedy or family drama.
Yes, and they often do when parents ask too many questions about school!
Yes, but 'crocefiggere' is more dramatic and slightly less common in casual speech.
Mi stanno mettendo in croce.
عبارات ذات صلة
stare in croce
similarTo be in a state of great anxiety or suffering.
dare il tormento
synonymTo torment someone.
rompere le scatole
similarTo annoy/bother someone.
fare la croce a qualcuno
contrastTo give up on someone.
portare la croce
builds onTo bear a heavy burden/responsibility.
