Signification
Everything is proceeding without any problems.
Contexte culturel
Because Italian administrative processes are notoriously complex, saying 'è filato liscio' after visiting a government office is a sign of immense relief and almost a minor miracle. The phrase connects modern Italians to their history of textile production (Prato, Como, Biella). It honors the idea that quality work is 'smooth'. Italians often use this to describe family gatherings. Avoiding 'polemiche' (arguments) is the goal for a dinner to 'filare liscio'. Italy's long coastline means many idioms come from the sea. 'Filare' also means to pay out a cable; if the cable snags, the anchor or sail won't work.
Use 'Tutto'
This idiom is most natural when preceded by 'tutto' (everything). 'Tutto è filato liscio' sounds much more native than just 'Il progetto è filato liscio'.
Auxiliary Check
Always use 'essere'. Saying 'Ho filato liscio' sounds like you were spinning wool yourself!
Signification
Everything is proceeding without any problems.
Use 'Tutto'
This idiom is most natural when preceded by 'tutto' (everything). 'Tutto è filato liscio' sounds much more native than just 'Il progetto è filato liscio'.
Auxiliary Check
Always use 'essere'. Saying 'Ho filato liscio' sounds like you were spinning wool yourself!
The 'Oil' Add-on
Adding 'come l'olio' makes you sound very fluent and adds a touch of Italian flair to your speech.
Negative Usage
Don't forget you can use it in the negative: 'Qualcosa non ha filato liscio' to describe a mysterious problem.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
Speravo che l'esame andasse bene, e infatti tutto è _______ _______.
In the past tense, we use 'essere' (è) and the masculine singular 'filato liscio' is the standard idiomatic form.
Which situation best fits the phrase 'filare liscio'?
Quale situazione è adatta?
'Filare liscio' refers to events and processes, not physical objects or personality traits.
Choose the best response.
A: 'Com'è andata la presentazione al capo?' B: '_________________'
This response correctly uses the idiom to describe a successful event.
Match the idiom to the context.
Match 'Filare liscio come l'olio' with its best context.
The addition of 'come l'olio' emphasizes the total lack of friction in a process.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Smooth vs. Not Smooth
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesSperavo che l'esame andasse bene, e infatti tutto è _______ _______.
In the past tense, we use 'essere' (è) and the masculine singular 'filato liscio' is the standard idiomatic form.
Quale situazione è adatta?
'Filare liscio' refers to events and processes, not physical objects or personality traits.
A: 'Com'è andata la presentazione al capo?' B: '_________________'
This response correctly uses the idiom to describe a successful event.
Match 'Filare liscio come l'olio' with its best context.
The addition of 'come l'olio' emphasizes the total lack of friction in a process.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, you can't say 'Lui fila liscio' to mean he is a smooth person. It only applies to situations or actions.
Both are possible if the subject is feminine (like 'la festa'), but 'filato liscio' is the standard, invariable idiomatic form used by most natives.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
'Filare' is slightly more idiomatic and evocative, while 'andare' is more basic. They are interchangeable.
Yes! 'Speriamo che tutto fili liscio' (I hope everything goes smoothly) is very common.
Yes, it specifically emphasizes the lack of obstacles or interruptions.
Yes, in literature you might see 'Tutto filò liscio', but in speech, we use 'è filato'.
Slang might use 'andare alla grande' or 'andare da Dio', but 'filare liscio' is already very common in casual speech.
Only if you mean the 'trip' was smooth. If you mean the engine is smooth, use 'il motore gira bene'.
Because it refers to the smooth movement of thread being spun.
Expressions liées
andare come l'olio
synonymTo go like oil (very smoothly)
senza intoppi
similarWithout hitches
andare a gonfie vele
similarTo go with full sails
mettere i bastoni tra le ruote
contrastTo put sticks in the wheels
filarsela
builds onTo sneak away
