Signification
Doing something elaborately.
Contexte culturel
The phrase is linked to 'La Bella Figura', the cultural emphasis on presentation and social standing. Doing things 'in grande' is often a way to honor guests. In the South, 'fare le cose in grande' is almost a social requirement for religious milestones like Baptisms and Communions, often involving entire villages. In the North, especially Milan, the phrase is frequently applied to business and design, reflecting the city's status as a global hub of fashion and industry. The concept persists in the diaspora, where large Sunday dinners and elaborate holiday decorations are a way to maintain cultural identity.
Complimenting a Host
If you are at a party, saying 'Avete fatto le cose in grande!' is one of the best compliments you can give an Italian host.
Sarcasm Alert
Be careful with your tone. If said with a roll of the eyes, it implies the person is being 'extra' or showing off unnecessarily.
Signification
Doing something elaborately.
Complimenting a Host
If you are at a party, saying 'Avete fatto le cose in grande!' is one of the best compliments you can give an Italian host.
Sarcasm Alert
Be careful with your tone. If said with a roll of the eyes, it implies the person is being 'extra' or showing off unnecessarily.
The Wedding Rule
In Italy, if you are invited to a wedding where they 'fanno le cose in grande', your gift (usually money) should reflect the scale of the event.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
Per il loro anniversario, Marco e Sara hanno deciso di ______ le cose ______ grande.
After 'decidere di', we need the infinitive form 'fare'. The fixed phrase is 'in grande'.
Which sentence is correct?
Select the grammatically correct option:
'In grande' is a fixed phrase and doesn't change to plural.
Match the response to the situation.
Your friend tells you they are renting a private jet for their vacation. What do you say?
This is the natural reaction to someone planning something very expensive or luxurious.
Fill in the missing line.
A: 'Come sarà la festa di stasera?' B: 'Sarà fantastica, gli organizzatori ______.'
The past tense 'hanno fatto' indicates the work already put into the organization.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to use 'Fare le cose in grande'
Events
- • Weddings
- • Birthdays
- • Anniversaries
Business
- • Product Launch
- • Grand Opening
- • Expansion
Personal
- • Renovations
- • Holiday Dinners
- • Travel
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesPer il loro anniversario, Marco e Sara hanno deciso di ______ le cose ______ grande.
After 'decidere di', we need the infinitive form 'fare'. The fixed phrase is 'in grande'.
Select the grammatically correct option:
'In grande' is a fixed phrase and doesn't change to plural.
Your friend tells you they are renting a private jet for their vacation. What do you say?
This is the natural reaction to someone planning something very expensive or luxurious.
A: 'Come sarà la festa di stasera?' B: 'Sarà fantastica, gli organizzatori ______.'
The past tense 'hanno fatto' indicates the work already put into the organization.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsUsually, it refers to an event or a project rather than a single object. For a gift, you'd say 'hai fatto un regalo pazzesco'.
Both exist! 'In grande' means on a large scale. 'Alla grande' means 'great' or 'excellently' (e.g., 'Sta andando tutto alla grande').
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
No, 'in grande' is a fixed phrase. To emphasize, say 'veramente in grande'.
Usually yes, but it can also mean a lot of effort and organization without a huge budget.
Yes, sarcastically. 'Hai fatto le cose in grande con questo errore!' (You really messed up big time!).
The most common opposite is 'fare le cose in piccolo'.
Yes, especially in movies about the Mafia or high society where displays of power are central.
Absolutely. 'Per cena ho fatto le cose in grande' means you cooked many elaborate dishes.
In this fixed phrase, it functions more like an adverb describing *how* the things are done.
Expressions liées
in pompa magna
synonymWith great ceremony
non badare a spese
similarTo spare no expense
fare il passo più lungo della gamba
contrastTo overextend oneself
fare le cose in piccolo
contrastTo do things on a small scale
fare le cose per bene
similarTo do things properly
