Signification
To be angry at someone for past actions.
Contexte culturel
Italians are often perceived as expressive and passionate. This idiom reflects that passion in a negative sense—when an Italian is hurt, the 'poison' can last a long time. It's common to hear this in talk shows or political debates. In some southern regions, the concept of 'omertà' and 'onore' makes grudges particularly significant. While the idiom is used nationally, the weight of a 'dente avvelenato' in a small village might be felt more strongly. Hierarchy and personal relationships are key in Italian offices. A 'dente avvelenato' often arises when someone feels their loyalty wasn't rewarded or they were 'sorpassato' (passed over) for a promotion. Football is a religion. When a player leaves a club for a rival (like moving from Roma to Lazio), the fans will have 'il dente avvelenato' for years.
Use with 'Con'
Always remember the preposition 'con' when targeting a person. It's the most natural way to use it.
Don't overuse
It's a strong idiom. If you use it for every little thing, you'll sound overly dramatic.
Signification
To be angry at someone for past actions.
Use with 'Con'
Always remember the preposition 'con' when targeting a person. It's the most natural way to use it.
Don't overuse
It's a strong idiom. If you use it for every little thing, you'll sound overly dramatic.
The 'Viper' connection
If you want to be even more descriptive, you can say someone is a 'vipera' (viper) if they have a poisoned tooth.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'avere' and the preposition.
Giulia ___ il dente avvelenato ___ suo fratello da anni.
Giulia is 3rd person singular (ha) and the correct preposition is 'con'.
Which situation best describes someone with 'il dente avvelenato'?
Quale situazione è corretta?
This describes a long-term grudge due to a past betrayal.
Choose the best response for the dialogue.
A: 'Perché non vuoi invitare Stefano alla festa?' B: '_________________'
This correctly uses the idiom to explain an interpersonal conflict.
Match the Italian idiom with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are all related expressions of resentment.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Anger vs. Grudge
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesGiulia ___ il dente avvelenato ___ suo fratello da anni.
Giulia is 3rd person singular (ha) and the correct preposition is 'con'.
Quale situazione è corretta?
This describes a long-term grudge due to a past betrayal.
A: 'Perché non vuoi invitare Stefano alla festa?' B: '_________________'
This correctly uses the idiom to explain an interpersonal conflict.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are all related expressions of resentment.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's not rude or vulgar, but it is very informal. You can use it with friends and family without any problem.
Yes! 'Ho il dente avvelenato' is a common way to express your own lingering frustration.
'Essere arrabbiato' is just being angry. 'Avere il dente avvelenato' implies the anger is old and you haven't forgotten the cause.
Technically people will understand, but it's not the correct idiom. Stick to 'avvelenato'.
Yes, it is a standard Italian idiom recognized from North to South.
Usually no. You have a grudge against people, companies, or groups, not a broken car or the weather.
You can say 'Non sono uno che porta rancore' or 'Non ho il dente avvelenato'.
Absolutely. 'Avevo il dente avvelenato, ma ora ci siamo chiariti' (I had a grudge, but now we've cleared things up).
Not necessarily, but it often implies that you would be happy to see the other person fail or that you want to 'strike back' verbally.
Yes, 'nutrire risentimento' or 'portare rancore' are the formal equivalents.
Expressions liées
avercela con qualcuno
similarTo be angry with someone.
legarsela al dito
builds onTo not forget a slight.
nutrire rancore
synonymTo harbor a grudge.
sputare veleno
specialized formTo speak very bitterly.
mettere una pietra sopra
contrastTo move on / bury the hatchet.
