Signification
To be very demanding or rigid.
Contexte culturel
The phrase is widely understood across all regions. It is a staple of everyday Italian conversation. In Italian universities, professors are often categorized by students as 'di manica stretta' or 'di manica larga'. In hierarchical Italian companies, the 'manica stretta' boss is a common archetype. It is often used to describe parents who are protective or strict about curfews.
Use the Antonym
Always remember 'manica larga' as the opposite. It helps you memorize both at once.
Context Matters
Italians love to complain about 'manica stretta' bureaucrats. It's a great way to bond over shared frustrations.
Signification
To be very demanding or rigid.
Use the Antonym
Always remember 'manica larga' as the opposite. It helps you memorize both at once.
Context Matters
Italians love to complain about 'manica stretta' bureaucrats. It's a great way to bond over shared frustrations.
Don't be literal
Never use this to describe a shirt that is too small. Use 'la manica è stretta'.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct idiom.
Il professore è ___________: non accetta mai ritardi.
The context of not accepting delays indicates strictness.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the best description for a strict boss.
'Manica stretta' is the correct idiom for strictness.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Perché non mi dai un'altra possibilità?' B: 'Mi dispiace, sono ___________.'
The refusal to give a second chance implies strictness.
Match the person to the description.
A teacher who never gives extra credit.
Rigidity in grading is a hallmark of being 'di manica stretta'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesIl professore è ___________: non accetta mai ritardi.
The context of not accepting delays indicates strictness.
Choose the best description for a strict boss.
'Manica stretta' is the correct idiom for strictness.
A: 'Perché non mi dai un'altra possibilità?' B: 'Mi dispiace, sono ___________.'
The refusal to give a second chance implies strictness.
A teacher who never gives extra credit.
Rigidity in grading is a hallmark of being 'di manica stretta'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsNo, it's a common way to express frustration with someone's strictness.
Yes, 'essere di manica stretta' is gender-neutral.
It's neutral. You can use it with friends or colleagues.
It's a historical metaphor for generosity vs. restriction.
Yes, as an adjective: 'È un professore manica stretta'.
Yes, it's standard Italian.
You can say 'molto di manica stretta'.
Yes, in journalism or informal essays.
Usually not, that's 'braccino corto'.
Yes, 'Il governo è di manica stretta'.
Yes, 'Sono di manica stretta'.
MA-ni-ka STRET-ta.
Expressions liées
Essere di manica larga
contrastTo be lenient/generous
Avere le maniche strette
synonymTo be strict
Essere severo
similarTo be strict
Essere rigido
similarTo be rigid
Avere il braccino corto
similarTo be stingy
