Signification
Traveling or sitting on a horse.
Contexte culturel
In Siena, the 'Palio' is a horse race that defines the city's identity. Being 'a cavallo' here has a literal, prestigious weight. Historically, the 'butteri' of Maremma were the Italian cowboys. For them, being 'a cavallo' was a daily work requirement and a source of pride. Many Italian historical figures are depicted 'a cavallo' in statues (monumenti equestri) in every main piazza, symbolizing leadership. In Italian startups, 'essere a cavallo' is used when a round of funding is secured, showing how medieval metaphors survive in tech.
The 'Tra' Rule
When using it for time, always use 'tra' or 'fra'. Example: 'A cavallo tra lunedì e martedì.'
Singular Only
Never pluralize 'cavallo' in the idiom. 'Siamo a cavalli' is incorrect.
Signification
Traveling or sitting on a horse.
The 'Tra' Rule
When using it for time, always use 'tra' or 'fra'. Example: 'A cavallo tra lunedì e martedì.'
Singular Only
Never pluralize 'cavallo' in the idiom. 'Siamo a cavalli' is incorrect.
The 'Essere' Key
Remember that for success, the verb is almost always 'essere'. 'Stare a cavallo' is much less common.
Regional variations
In some southern dialects, you might hear variations, but 'a cavallo' is understood everywhere in Italy.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
Ho finalmente trovato un volo economico per Roma, ora siamo ______!
The idiom 'essere a cavallo' means you are in a good position because you solved a problem.
Which sentence uses 'a cavallo' in its 'straddling' sense?
Select the correct usage:
This describes the cat being positioned across the top of the wall.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Hai finito di scrivere la tesi?' B: 'Sì, mancano solo le conclusioni...' A: 'Allora ______!'
We use 'essere' (sei) with 'a cavallo' to tell someone they are almost finished and safe.
Match the situation to the phrase.
You were born on December 31st, 1999.
This correctly uses the 'spanning two periods' sense.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
A Cavallo vs. Andare a Cavallo
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesHo finalmente trovato un volo economico per Roma, ora siamo ______!
The idiom 'essere a cavallo' means you are in a good position because you solved a problem.
Select the correct usage:
This describes the cat being positioned across the top of the wall.
A: 'Hai finito di scrivere la tesi?' B: 'Sì, mancano solo le conclusioni...' A: 'Allora ______!'
We use 'essere' (sei) with 'a cavallo' to tell someone they are almost finished and safe.
You were born on December 31st, 1999.
This correctly uses the 'spanning two periods' sense.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, 'essere a cavallo' is almost always positive, meaning you've found a way out of trouble.
Yes, especially when describing dates ('a cavallo tra il 5 e il 10 maggio'). For 'success,' it's better for spoken meetings.
'In sella' (in the saddle) means you are in control or starting something. 'A cavallo' means you are already safe/set.
Literally yes, but 90% of the time in conversation, there is no real horse involved!
No, the idiom is fixed as 'a cavallo' regardless of your gender.
No, 'a cavalluccio' is specifically for piggyback rides, usually for children.
Use 'Vado a cavallo' or 'Sto cavalcando'.
Only if they are physically straddling something, like a towel 'a cavallo' of a rack.
Very! It's a staple of Italian comedy when a character finally gets a 'break'.
'To be home free' or 'to be all set' are the best matches.
Expressions liées
a cavalluccio
specialized formPiggyback style
andare a cavallo
similarTo go horse riding
cavalcare l'onda
builds onTo ride the wave
mettersi a cavalcioni
similarTo sit astride
essere in una botte di ferro
synonymTo be in an iron barrel
