المعنى
To be in a difficult or risky situation.
خلفية ثقافية
The sea is a constant presence in Italian literature, from Dante to Verga. This idiom reflects the historical reality of the Mediterranean as a source of both wealth and extreme danger. In Venice, 'cattive acque' could historically refer to 'acqua alta' (high tide) which threatens the city's foundations, adding a layer of physical reality to the idiom. Italians often use this phrase to soften the blow of bad news. It sounds less harsh than saying 'we are bankrupt' (siamo falliti). Italian newspapers (like Il Sole 24 Ore) frequently use nautical metaphors to describe the Eurozone or the national debt.
Use it for empathy
When someone tells you about their problems, saying 'Capisco, navighi in cattive acque' shows you recognize the complexity of their struggle.
Plural only!
Never say 'cattiva acqua'. It sounds like you are complaining about the taste of your tap water.
المعنى
To be in a difficult or risky situation.
Use it for empathy
When someone tells you about their problems, saying 'Capisco, navighi in cattive acque' shows you recognize the complexity of their struggle.
Plural only!
Never say 'cattiva acqua'. It sounds like you are complaining about the taste of your tap water.
Combine with 'a vista'
To sound like a native C2 speaker, say: 'Navighiamo in cattive acque e stiamo procedendo a vista' (We are in trouble and just winging it day by day).
اختبر نفسك
Completa la frase con la forma corretta del verbo 'navigare'.
Se l'inflazione continua a salire, molte famiglie ________ in cattive acque.
The sentence uses 'Se' (if) with a future implication, so the future tense 'navigheranno' is the most natural fit.
Qual è il significato corretto di 'navigare in cattive acque'?
L'espressione significa:
The idiom is a metaphor for crisis and risk, not literal swimming or vacationing.
Completa il dialogo tra due colleghi.
A: 'Hai sentito di Marco? Ha perso tutti i suoi risparmi in borsa.' B: 'Sì, purtroppo ora ________.'
'Naviga in cattive acque' fits the context of financial loss. 'È in alto mare' means being far from a goal, and 'nuota nell'oro' means being very rich.
Abbina la situazione alla frase corretta.
Situazione: Un'azienda sta per fallire.
'Vento in poppa' means having success, and 'porto sicuro' means a safe investment.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
وسائل تعلم بصرية
بنك التمارين
4 تمارينSe l'inflazione continua a salire, molte famiglie ________ in cattive acque.
The sentence uses 'Se' (if) with a future implication, so the future tense 'navigheranno' is the most natural fit.
L'espressione significa:
The idiom is a metaphor for crisis and risk, not literal swimming or vacationing.
A: 'Hai sentito di Marco? Ha perso tutti i suoi risparmi in borsa.' B: 'Sì, purtroppo ora ________.'
'Naviga in cattive acque' fits the context of financial loss. 'È in alto mare' means being far from a goal, and 'nuota nell'oro' means being very rich.
Situazione: Un'azienda sta per fallire.
'Vento in poppa' means having success, and 'porto sicuro' means a safe investment.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
الأسئلة الشائعة
5 أسئلةNot at all. It is standard in financial journalism and executive meetings to describe serious but not yet terminal problems.
Yes, if you are facing a serious, ongoing medical issue, you can say your health is 'navigando in cattive acque'.
'Essere' is a state; 'navigare' implies you are still moving/trying to survive within that state.
It is neutral. It works in a newspaper and in a bar with friends.
Yes, 'brutte acque' is a very common and slightly more informal synonym.
عبارات ذات صلة
Essere in alto mare
similarTo be far from finishing a task or to be confused.
Avere il vento in poppa
contrastTo be very successful and have everything going your way.
Avere l'acqua alla gola
builds onTo be in extreme distress, usually with no time left.
Salvare il salvabile
specialized formTo save what can be saved from a disaster.
