Bedeutung
Someone who acts independently.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The 'cane sciolto' is often a romanticized figure in Italian cinema, representing the hero who fights against a corrupt system without help. In the Italian Parliament, 'cani sciolti' often end up in the 'Gruppo Misto', a group for those who don't belong to any major party. There is a growing trend of 'cani sciolti' in the digital economy, as young Italians move away from the 'posto fisso' (permanent job) toward freelancing. The term was used to describe extra-parliamentary activists who refused to join the Red Brigades or other organized militant groups.
Use it as a compliment
If you want to praise someone's original thinking, this is a great phrase. It sounds more 'cool' than just saying 'indipendente'.
Gender Trap
Never use 'cagna' for women. Stick to 'Lei è un cane sciolto'. It's a metaphorical role, not a literal description of gender.
Bedeutung
Someone who acts independently.
Use it as a compliment
If you want to praise someone's original thinking, this is a great phrase. It sounds more 'cool' than just saying 'indipendente'.
Gender Trap
Never use 'cagna' for women. Stick to 'Lei è un cane sciolto'. It's a metaphorical role, not a literal description of gender.
Political Context
If you read Italian newspapers (like La Repubblica or Corriere della Sera), look for this phrase in the politics section. You'll see it everywhere!
Teste dich selbst
Completa la frase con la forma corretta dell'idioma.
Marco e Giulia non seguono mai il gruppo, sono proprio due ___ ___.
Since the subject is 'Marco e Giulia' (plural), we need 'cani sciolti'.
Qual è il significato più appropriato in questo contesto?
Il giornalista è un cane sciolto e non accetta ordini dai partiti.
In this context, it refers to his professional and intellectual independence.
Abbina la frase alla situazione corretta.
1. 'È un cane sciolto della politica.' 2. 'Il mio cane è sciolto nel parco.' 3. 'Agisce da cane sciolto in azienda.'
The phrase can be used literally for animals or figuratively for work and politics.
Completa il dialogo.
A: Vuoi venire alla riunione del sindacato? B: No, preferisco restare un ___ ___.
'Cane sciolto' is the standard idiom for refusing to join an organization.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Cane Sciolto vs. Team Player
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenMarco e Giulia non seguono mai il gruppo, sono proprio due ___ ___.
Since the subject is 'Marco e Giulia' (plural), we need 'cani sciolti'.
Il giornalista è un cane sciolto e non accetta ordini dai partiti.
In this context, it refers to his professional and intellectual independence.
1. 'È un cane sciolto della politica.' 2. 'Il mio cane è sciolto nel parco.' 3. 'Agisce da cane sciolto in azienda.'
The phrase can be used literally for animals or figuratively for work and politics.
A: Vuoi venire alla riunione del sindacato? B: No, preferisco restare un ___ ___.
'Cane sciolto' is the standard idiom for refusing to join an organization.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenGenerally no. It usually implies a level of respect for someone's independence, though it can be used to mean 'unpredictable' or 'unreliable' in a team setting.
Yes, but keep the noun masculine: 'Maria è un cane sciolto'. Using the feminine 'cagna' is a severe insult.
'Battitore libero' is more professional and common in sports/business. 'Cane sciolto' is more visceral and common in politics/social life.
It's common in journalism, but in a formal legal or academic document, you'd use 'indipendente' or 'autonomo'.
Almost exactly, but 'lone wolf' can have a darker, more isolated connotation in English that 'cane sciolto' usually lacks.
Yes: 'cani sciolti'. Make sure to pluralize both words.
Yes, it's a staple of Italian idiomatic speech, especially among adults and in the media.
No, the idiom only works with 'cane'. Cats are already assumed to be independent!
No, it implies they are free. A 'cane sciolto' might have many friends but no 'master' or 'boss'.
Use the verb 'agire': 'Agire da cane sciolto'.
Verwandte Redewendungen
battitore libero
synonymSomeone who acts independently, often in sports or politics.
voce fuori dal coro
similarA person who expresses an opinion different from the majority.
lupo solitario
similarLone wolf.
pecora nera
contrastBlack sheep.
andare controcorrente
builds onTo go against the current.
