معنی
To challenge someone persistently.
زمینه فرهنگی
The idiom is a linguistic fossil from the era when Italy led the world in silk production. It reminds modern Italians of their ancestors' manual dexterity and the frustrations of pre-industrial labor. Italian sports newspapers like 'La Gazzetta dello Sport' use this phrase almost daily. It is part of the 'epic' language used to describe football matches, making them sound like heroic battles. In Italian politics, appearing 'tough' is vital. Politicians use this phrase to show they aren't intimidated by their opponents or by the European Union's regulations. It is very common for Italian parents to use this phrase when talking about their children's rebellious phases, often with a mix of frustration and secret pride in the child's strong character.
Use it as a compliment
If you want to impress an Italian colleague, tell them 'Mi hai dato filo da torcere in quella riunione!' It shows you respect their intelligence and debating skills.
Don't pluralize
Never say 'fili da torcere'. Even if you have ten different problems, the idiom stays in the singular.
معنی
To challenge someone persistently.
Use it as a compliment
If you want to impress an Italian colleague, tell them 'Mi hai dato filo da torcere in quella riunione!' It shows you respect their intelligence and debating skills.
Don't pluralize
Never say 'fili da torcere'. Even if you have ten different problems, the idiom stays in the singular.
Sports context
If you're watching a football match with Italians, use this phrase when the underdog scores or defends well. You'll sound like a local expert.
خودت رو بسنج
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
Ieri il mio computer mi ha ______ filo da torcere con tutti quegli aggiornamenti.
The verb used in this idiom is always 'dare'. In the past tense with 'mi', it becomes 'mi ha dato'.
Which situation best fits the use of 'dare filo da torcere'?
Scenario: A small startup is competing against a massive corporation.
'Dare filo da torcere' is perfect for describing a smaller entity challenging a larger one.
Choose the best response to complete the dialogue.
A: 'Com'è andata la partita di tennis contro il campione?' B: 'È stata dura, ______.'
This response correctly uses the idiom to show that the speaker was a tough opponent.
🎉 امتیاز: /3
ابزارهای بصری یادگیری
بانک تمرین
3 تمرینهاIeri il mio computer mi ha ______ filo da torcere con tutti quegli aggiornamenti.
The verb used in this idiom is always 'dare'. In the past tense with 'mi', it becomes 'mi ha dato'.
Scenario: A small startup is competing against a massive corporation.
'Dare filo da torcere' is perfect for describing a smaller entity challenging a larger one.
A: 'Com'è andata la partita di tennis contro il campione?' B: 'È stata dura, ______.'
This response correctly uses the idiom to show that the speaker was a tough opponent.
🎉 امتیاز: /3
سوالات متداول
10 سوالNot at all. It's a neutral idiom that can even be used as a sign of respect for an opponent's strength.
Yes! You can say 'Questo tappo mi sta dando filo da torcere' if a bottle cap is stuck and hard to open.
'Mettere in difficoltà' is more literal. 'Dare filo da torcere' implies a longer, more persistent struggle.
Usually no. 'Dare filo da torcere' is the standard idiomatic form, though 'dare del filo da torcere' is also heard.
Yes, it's a great way to describe how you handled a difficult challenge in your previous role.
Yes, it is a standard Italian idiom used from Milan to Palermo.
No, 'torcere' must be in the active infinitive form, not reflexive.
You say 'Mi ha dato filo da torcere'.
Absolutely. It is very common in high-quality journalism, especially in sports and politics.
Using the wrong preposition, like 'filo per torcere' instead of 'filo da torcere'.
عبارات مرتبط
Mettere i bastoni tra le ruote
similarTo sabotage someone's plans.
Far sudare sette camicie
synonymTo make someone work extremely hard.
Essere un osso duro
builds onTo be a 'tough nut to crack' or a hard person to deal with.
Perdere il filo
contrastTo lose one's train of thought.
