Significado
To overcome fear to do something.
Contexto cultural
The heart is the most common body part used in Romanian idioms. It represents not just love, but the totality of a person's character and bravery. Similar visceral metaphors involving teeth and internal organs are common in Balkan languages, reflecting a shared history of stoicism and resilience. In traditional villages, 'a-și lua inima în dinți' was often used to describe the courage needed to face natural elements or wild animals. Today, the phrase is heavily used in the context of 'corporate courage'—standing up to management or changing career paths.
Use the Past Tense
Most people use this idiom in the past tense ('mi-am luat') to tell a story about something they achieved.
Don't forget the Reflexive
Saying 'Am luat inima în dinți' sounds like you found a physical heart on the floor and picked it up. Always use 'mi-am', 'ți-ai', etc.
Significado
To overcome fear to do something.
Use the Past Tense
Most people use this idiom in the past tense ('mi-am luat') to tell a story about something they achieved.
Don't forget the Reflexive
Saying 'Am luat inima în dinți' sounds like you found a physical heart on the floor and picked it up. Always use 'mi-am', 'ți-ai', etc.
Pair with 'În sfârșit'
It sounds very natural to say 'În sfârșit, mi-am luat inima în dinți...' (Finally, I gathered my courage...).
Emotional Weight
Using this phrase shows you are being vulnerable. It's a great way to build rapport with Romanian speakers.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the sentence with the correct reflexive pronoun.
Eu ___ iau inima în dinți și merg la interviu.
For 'Eu' (I), the dative reflexive pronoun is 'îmi'.
Which sentence is the correct idiom?
How do you say 'He gathered his courage'?
The standard idiom uses 'inima' (heart) and 'dinți' (teeth) with a reflexive verb.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
Andrei: 'Ți-e frică să sari cu parașuta?' Elena: 'Da, dar ___________ și o să sar!'
Elena is expressing that she will overcome her fear to perform the action.
Match the situation to the idiom.
You are about to ask your boss for a promotion after 3 years.
Asking for a promotion is a nerve-wracking situation that requires gathering courage.
Put the verb and pronoun in the past tense (Perfect Compus).
Ieri, noi ________ (a-și lua) inima în dinți și am plecat în excursie.
For 'Noi' (We), the past tense reflexive is 'ne-am luat'.
What is the opposite of 'a-și lua inima în dinți' in terms of action?
Which phrase means to be too scared to act?
'To be afraid even of one's shadow' is the opposite of taking action despite fear.
🎉 Puntuación: /6
Ayudas visuales
Courage vs. Fear
Banco de ejercicios
6 ejerciciosEu ___ iau inima în dinți și merg la interviu.
For 'Eu' (I), the dative reflexive pronoun is 'îmi'.
How do you say 'He gathered his courage'?
The standard idiom uses 'inima' (heart) and 'dinți' (teeth) with a reflexive verb.
Andrei: 'Ți-e frică să sari cu parașuta?' Elena: 'Da, dar ___________ și o să sar!'
Elena is expressing that she will overcome her fear to perform the action.
You are about to ask your boss for a promotion after 3 years.
Asking for a promotion is a nerve-wracking situation that requires gathering courage.
Ieri, noi ________ (a-și lua) inima în dinți și am plecat în excursie.
For 'Noi' (We), the past tense reflexive is 'ne-am luat'.
Which phrase means to be too scared to act?
'To be afraid even of one's shadow' is the opposite of taking action despite fear.
🎉 Puntuación: /6
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, it is a timeless idiom used by all age groups in Romania.
Yes, but it might sound slightly dramatic or humorous, which is fine in casual conversation.
Forgetting the dative reflexive pronoun (îmi, îți, își).
No, it is almost always positive, as it implies overcoming fear.
Yes, 'ne-am luat inimile în dinți' is correct, but 'ne-am luat inima în dinți' is also used collectively.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or with your best friend.
It's like the 'i' in 'cousin' or the sound you make when you see something gross. It's deep in the throat.
Not really, but 'a prinde curaj' is a simpler alternative.
It's better for the interview than the cover letter. In writing, it might be a bit too idiomatic for a CV.
Not necessarily, it only describes the act of *starting* the action despite fear.
Frases relacionadas
A prinde curaj
similarTo gain courage
A-și face curaj
similarTo make courage for oneself
A fi curajos
builds onTo be brave
A-și călca pe inimă
contrastTo go against one's feelings
A-i pieri curajul
contrastTo lose one's courage
