Bedeutung
Being transparent.
Kultureller Hintergrund
Card games like Scopa and Briscola are central to Italian social life, especially in bars and piazzas. This makes gambling metaphors very relatable to all generations. Journalists frequently use this phrase to demand transparency from politicians, reflecting a cultural desire for 'chiarezza' (clarity) in a complex political system. In Italian business culture, building 'fiducia' (trust) is essential. Using this phrase can actually speed up a deal by signaling that you are ready to skip the formalities. The historical 'Ridotti' of Venice were the first state-sanctioned gambling houses in the world, where this phrase likely gained its metaphorical power.
Use it to build trust
When you use this phrase in a negotiation, it immediately signals that you are a serious and honest person.
Don't over-use it
If you say it too often, people might start to think you are actually hiding something!
Bedeutung
Being transparent.
Use it to build trust
When you use this phrase in a negotiation, it immediately signals that you are a serious and honest person.
Don't over-use it
If you say it too often, people might start to think you are actually hiding something!
The 'Piazza' effect
Italians value directness in personal relationships. Don't be afraid to use this with friends.
Teste dich selbst
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
Se vogliamo essere amici, dobbiamo parlare a ______ ______.
The idiom is fixed in the plural: 'carte scoperte'.
Which verb is most commonly used with this idiom?
Quale verbo si usa di più?
The idiom comes from card games, so 'giocare' (to play) is the most natural verb.
Match the situation to the best use of the phrase.
In quale situazione useresti 'a carte scoperte'?
It is used when you need to be transparent about intentions, like salary or roles.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Non so se posso fidarmi di te.' B: 'Ti giuro, sto ______ a carte scoperte.'
'Sto giocando a carte scoperte' means 'I am playing with cards on the table (being honest)'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Honesty Levels
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenSe vogliamo essere amici, dobbiamo parlare a ______ ______.
The idiom is fixed in the plural: 'carte scoperte'.
Quale verbo si usa di più?
The idiom comes from card games, so 'giocare' (to play) is the most natural verb.
In quale situazione useresti 'a carte scoperte'?
It is used when you need to be transparent about intentions, like salary or roles.
A: 'Non so se posso fidarmi di te.' B: 'Ti giuro, sto ______ a carte scoperte.'
'Sto giocando a carte scoperte' means 'I am playing with cards on the table (being honest)'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenIt is neutral. You can use it in a business meeting or with your best friend.
It's less common. Use 'parlare a carte scoperte' instead of 'dire a carte scoperte'.
Yes, but it's more idiomatic and emphasizes transparency in a specific situation.
No, that would ruin the surprise! It's for when you *want* people to know the truth.
No, 'a carta scoperta' is rarely used and sounds incorrect in this idiomatic sense.
The opposite is 'giocare coperto' or 'nascondere le proprie intenzioni'.
Yes, it is very common in emails, journalism, and literature.
Not usually. It is seen as a sign of respect and clarity.
No, 99% of the time it is used figuratively about life and communication.
It's grammatically possible but 'a carte scoperte' is the standard idiom.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Mettere le carte in tavola
synonymTo put the cards on the table.
A viso aperto
similarWith an open face.
Senza peli sulla lingua
similarWithout hair on the tongue.
Fare il doppio gioco
contrastTo play a double game.
Sputare il rospo
builds onTo spit out the toad.
