C1 Idiom Neutral

Grattare il fondo del barile

To scrape the bottom of the barrel

Significado

To use the last remaining, often poor, resources.

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Contexto cultural

In Italy, this phrase is often used in political commentary to describe a party that has run out of ideas. In the US, it is frequently used in sports journalism when a team has to sign players from the minor leagues. Commonly used in British English to describe low-quality entertainment or media. Reflects a shared history of agrarian scarcity where every bit of food mattered.

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Context is Key

Always ensure you are talking about resources or choices, not feelings.

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Regional Variations

In some regions, 'raschiare' is more common than 'grattare'.

Significado

To use the last remaining, often poor, resources.

💡

Context is Key

Always ensure you are talking about resources or choices, not feelings.

💬

Regional Variations

In some regions, 'raschiare' is more common than 'grattare'.

Ponte a prueba

Fill in the blank with the correct word.

Stiamo grattando il fondo del ________.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: barile

The idiom is 'grattare il fondo del barile'.

What does this phrase mean?

Cosa significa 'grattare il fondo del barile'?

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Usare le ultime risorse rimaste

It refers to using the last, often poor, resources.

Complete the dialogue.

A: Non abbiamo più candidati validi. B: ________.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Stiamo grattando il fondo del barile

The context implies a lack of good options.

🎉 Puntuación: /3

Ayudas visuales

Banco de ejercicios

3 ejercicios
Fill in the blank with the correct word. Fill Blank A2

Stiamo grattando il fondo del ________.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: barile

The idiom is 'grattare il fondo del barile'.

What does this phrase mean? Choose B1

Cosa significa 'grattare il fondo del barile'?

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Usare le ultime risorse rimaste

It refers to using the last, often poor, resources.

Complete the dialogue. dialogue_completion B2

A: Non abbiamo più candidati validi. B: ________.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Stiamo grattando il fondo del barile

The context implies a lack of good options.

🎉 Puntuación: /3

Preguntas frecuentes

2 preguntas

Yes, if you are talking about a pool of candidates or staff.

It can be, as it implies the quality is low.

Frases relacionadas

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Toccare il fondo

similar

To hit rock bottom

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Essere alla frutta

similar

To be at the end of one's rope

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Avere le mani legate

contrast

To have one's hands tied

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Non avere più cartucce

similar

To have no more ammunition

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