Signification
To act correctly and follow the rules strictly.
Contexte culturel
The idiom reflects the historical importance of the textile guilds (Arti della Lana e della Seta) in cities like Florence, where quality control was a matter of civic pride. It is one of the most iconic 'threats' used by Italian parents, often accompanied by a specific gesture (a flat hand moving forward in a straight line). In Italian police or military jargon, 'filare dritto' is the standard expectation for subordinates, emphasizing the hierarchical nature of Italian society. The concept of 'straightness' vs 'crookedness' is a recurring theme in Italian literature, from Dante's 'diritta via' to modern crime novels.
The 'Dritto' Rule
Remember that 'dritto' never changes to 'dritta' or 'dritti' in this phrase. It's an adverbial block.
Don't over-use it
It can sound a bit aggressive or patronizing if used with peers. Use 'comportarsi bene' for a softer touch.
Signification
To act correctly and follow the rules strictly.
The 'Dritto' Rule
Remember that 'dritto' never changes to 'dritta' or 'dritti' in this phrase. It's an adverbial block.
Don't over-use it
It can sound a bit aggressive or patronizing if used with peers. Use 'comportarsi bene' for a softer touch.
The 'Fuso' connection
If you want to say someone is behaving *perfectly*, say 'fila dritto come un fuso' (straight as a spindle).
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'filare dritto'.
Se i ragazzi non __________, l'insegnante annullerà la gita.
'Dritto' is an adverb and doesn't change for plural subjects.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?
Choose the correct sentence:
The first sentence uses the idiom for behavior/discipline. The second is literal movement, and the third is a confusion with 'filarsela'.
Complete the dialogue.
Capo: 'Marco, questo è il tuo ultimo avvertimento.' Marco: 'Lo so, Capo. Da oggi in poi __________.'
The future tense is most appropriate for a promise of future behavior.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesSe i ragazzi non __________, l'insegnante annullerà la gita.
'Dritto' is an adverb and doesn't change for plural subjects.
Choose the correct sentence:
The first sentence uses the idiom for behavior/discipline. The second is literal movement, and the third is a confusion with 'filarsela'.
Capo: 'Marco, questo è il tuo ultimo avvertimento.' Marco: 'Lo so, Capo. Da oggi in poi __________.'
The future tense is most appropriate for a promise of future behavior.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsYes! It's very common to use it for pets that are finally learning to obey commands.
Both are correct. 'Filar dritto' is a common truncation in spoken Italian, but 'filare dritto' is the full form.
Not offensive, but it is authoritative. Don't say it to your boss, but your boss might say it to you!
They are synonyms. 'Rigare' refers to drawing lines, 'filare' to spinning thread. 'Rigare' is slightly more common in schools.
Yes, in its idiomatic sense of 'behaving', it always takes 'avere'.
Expressions liées
rigare dritto
synonymTo behave correctly, following the 'lines' of a notebook.
filarsela
contrastTo sneak away or escape.
mettere la testa a posto
similarTo settle down and start behaving responsibly.
filare come un fuso
builds onTo go very fast or work perfectly.
