المعنى
To be anxious about something.
خلفية ثقافية
Italians often use hand gestures to accompany this. You might see someone tapping their fingers rapidly or mimicking a 'pricking' motion with their fingers to show they are 'sulle spine'. In classic Italian 'Giallo' films, the director's goal is to 'tenere lo spettatore sulle spine' (keep the viewer on pins and needles) until the very end. In some southern regions, the physical restlessness is emphasized even more, sometimes linked to the heat of the sun or the 'scirocco' wind which makes people edgy. The 'esame di maturità' (high school exit exam) is the ultimate 'stare sulle spine' moment for every Italian teenager.
Use with 'Tenere'
If you want to sound more native, use 'Non tenermi sulle spine!' when someone is slow to tell you a secret.
Plural Only
Never say 'sulla spina'. It's a fixed plural idiom.
المعنى
To be anxious about something.
Use with 'Tenere'
If you want to sound more native, use 'Non tenermi sulle spine!' when someone is slow to tell you a secret.
Plural Only
Never say 'sulla spina'. It's a fixed plural idiom.
Social Media
On Italian Twitter, you'll see #sullespine during sports matches or reality show finales.
Empathy
Saying 'Ti capisco, sarai sulle spine' is a very kind way to acknowledge someone's stress.
اختبر نفسك
Completa la frase con la forma corretta di 'stare sulle spine'.
Mentre aspettavo la risposta del mio capo, io ________.
Since the subject is 'io' and it's a past state of waiting, 'stavo sulle spine' is the most natural fit.
Quale frase è corretta?
Scegli l'opzione grammaticalmente corretta.
The idiom requires the plural 'spine' and the verb 'tenere' when someone else is causing the suspense.
In quale situazione useresti 'stare sulle spine'?
Abbina la situazione all'idioma.
The idiom is used for anxious waiting and suspense.
Completa il dialogo.
A: 'Hai visto il finale della serie?' B: 'No, non dirmelo! Mi vuoi ________?'
'Tenere sulle spine' is used when someone else is withholding information.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
وسائل تعلم بصرية
Stare vs Tenere
بنك التمارين
4 تمارينMentre aspettavo la risposta del mio capo, io ________.
Since the subject is 'io' and it's a past state of waiting, 'stavo sulle spine' is the most natural fit.
Scegli l'opzione grammaticalmente corretta.
The idiom requires the plural 'spine' and the verb 'tenere' when someone else is causing the suspense.
Abbina la situazione all'idioma.
The idiom is used for anxious waiting and suspense.
A: 'Hai visto il finale della serie?' B: 'No, non dirmelo! Mi vuoi ________?'
'Tenere sulle spine' is used when someone else is withholding information.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
الأسئلة الشائعة
14 أسئلةYes, 'essere sulle spine' is perfectly acceptable and common, though 'stare' is slightly more idiomatic.
Mostly, but it can be used for positive suspense too, like waiting to open a birthday present.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
The closest equivalents are 'to be on pins and needles' or 'to be on tenterhooks'.
No, 'stare sulle punte' means to stand on your tiptoes (like a ballerina).
Yes, but 'stare sulle spine' is more descriptive and focuses on the *waiting* aspect.
Use 'Mi stai tenendo sulle spine'.
Yes, for example: 'Il mercato è sulle spine per le nuove tasse'.
No, only for the metaphorical 'pain' of anxiety.
There isn't a direct opposite idiom, but 'mettersi l'anima in pace' (to put one's soul at peace) is often the result of no longer being on thorns.
Yes, many Italian pop songs use it to describe romantic longing or waiting.
No, that would be literal. Keep it as 'stare sulle spine'.
It's universal! Everyone from kids to grandparents uses it.
Only if the excitement has a nervous, suspenseful edge. For pure joy, use 'non vedo l'ora'.
عبارات ذات صلة
avere il fiato sospeso
similarTo have bated breath
essere in ansia
synonymTo be anxious
non vedere l'ora
similarTo can't wait
mettere il pepe al culo
contrastTo put fire under someone's butt
stare in campana
contrastTo be on the lookout
