Bedeutung
To find no solution to a problem.
Kultureller Hintergrund
In Italy, this phrase is often linked to the concept of 'burocrazia lumaca' (snail-paced bureaucracy). It's a national pastime to complain about how long it takes to get anything done with the state. In Ticino, the phrase might be used more literally due to the high density of actual mountain tunnels (like the Gotthard), but the figurative meaning remains strong in business and politics. The phrase is a staple of 'Eurospeak' during financial crises. Italian representatives often use it in Brussels to describe the long road to fiscal recovery. The 'light' metaphor also resonates with religious themes of 'light after darkness' or 'hope after suffering,' which are deeply embedded in Italian culture.
Use 'Intravedere'
To sound truly advanced, use 'Non si intravede...' instead of 'Non si vede.' It sounds more literary and precise.
Don't over-dramatize
If you use this for small things, Italians might think you are being sarcastic or 'un po' troppo tragico' (a bit too tragic).
Bedeutung
To find no solution to a problem.
Use 'Intravedere'
To sound truly advanced, use 'Non si intravede...' instead of 'Non si vede.' It sounds more literary and precise.
Don't over-dramatize
If you use this for small things, Italians might think you are being sarcastic or 'un po' troppo tragico' (a bit too tragic).
The 'Lamentela' Bond
Using this phrase is a great way to bond with Italians over shared frustrations. It shows you understand the 'struggle'.
Teste dich selbst
Completa la frase con la forma corretta dell'idioma.
Dopo anni di sacrifici, finalmente la famiglia Rossi ________ la luce in fondo al tunnel.
The verb 'vedere' is the only one used in this idiom.
Quale di queste frasi è corretta?
Scegli la versione corretta dell'idioma:
The standard form uses 'in fondo al'.
In quale situazione useresti questo idioma?
Hai appena perso l'autobus e arriverai in ritardo di 5 minuti.
The idiom is for long-term, serious problems, not minor daily inconveniences.
Completa il dialogo tra due colleghi.
A: 'Il progetto è in ritardo di sei mesi.' B: 'Lo so, ________.'
The context of a 6-month delay implies a lack of hope/solution.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenDopo anni di sacrifici, finalmente la famiglia Rossi ________ la luce in fondo al tunnel.
The verb 'vedere' is the only one used in this idiom.
Scegli la versione corretta dell'idioma:
The standard form uses 'in fondo al'.
Hai appena perso l'autobus e arriverai in ritardo di 5 minuti.
The idiom is for long-term, serious problems, not minor daily inconveniences.
A: 'Il progetto è in ritardo di sei mesi.' B: 'Lo so, ________.'
The context of a 6-month delay implies a lack of hope/solution.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, but you must remove the 'Non'. 'Vedere la luce in fondo al tunnel' means you finally see a solution.
It is a loanword from English, but it is perfectly integrated into Italian and used by everyone.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends, but also in a serious newspaper article.
In this idiom, 'in fondo' is the fixed form. 'Alla fine' sounds like a literal translation from English and is less natural.
No, you must say 'in fondo al tunnel' (at the bottom/end of the tunnel).
Yes, to describe a project that is struggling or a market that is down.
Yes, if the relationship has been in a long crisis and you don't see how to fix it.
Not at all. It is used daily in modern Italian media.
'Non vedere una via d'uscita' (Not seeing a way out) is the closest synonym.
You say: 'Comincio a vedere la luce in fondo al tunnel.'
Verwandte Redewendungen
Vedere uno spiraglio
similarTo see a tiny opening or glimmer of hope.
Essere in un vicolo cieco
contrastTo be in a dead end.
Toccare il fondo
builds onTo hit rock bottom.
Vedere il bicchiere mezzo pieno
contrastTo see the glass half full.
