Signification
Facing a problem directly.
Contexte culturel
In Italian companies, taking initiative is highly valued but must be balanced with 'rispetto' (respect). Using this phrase shows you are a leader. In rural Tuscany, the Chianina bull is a symbol of pride. The idiom here feels very grounded in local history. On Italian LinkedIn, you'll see this phrase in 'hustle culture' posts about overcoming obstacles. Classic 'Neorealismo' films often show characters forced to take the bull by the horns just to survive post-war poverty.
Use it for motivation
This is a great phrase to use in your head when you're feeling lazy. It provides a strong mental image of power.
Don't use with 'mucca'
Never say 'prendere la mucca'. It sounds like you're going to milk a cow, not solve a problem!
Signification
Facing a problem directly.
Use it for motivation
This is a great phrase to use in your head when you're feeling lazy. It provides a strong mental image of power.
Don't use with 'mucca'
Never say 'prendere la mucca'. It sounds like you're going to milk a cow, not solve a problem!
Combine with 'finalmente'
Saying 'Finalmente ho preso il toro per le corna' adds a sense of relief to the sentence.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'prendere'.
Ieri, Marco ha _______ il toro per le corna e ha parlato con il suo capo.
The sentence is in the past (ieri), so we need the past participle 'preso'.
Which situation best fits the idiom?
Quando dovresti 'prendere il toro per le corna'?
The idiom is about facing problems directly.
Match the Italian phrase to its English meaning.
1. Prendere il toro... 2. ...per le corna.
The phrase is split into its two main components.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Ho paura di fare l'esame.' B: 'Non preoccuparti, ________!'
B is encouraging A to face the challenge of the exam.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesIeri, Marco ha _______ il toro per le corna e ha parlato con il suo capo.
The sentence is in the past (ieri), so we need the past participle 'preso'.
Quando dovresti 'prendere il toro per le corna'?
The idiom is about facing problems directly.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
The phrase is split into its two main components.
A: 'Ho paura di fare l'esame.' B: 'Non preoccuparti, ________!'
B is encouraging A to face the challenge of the exam.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot necessarily. It implies determination and courage, not violence. It's seen as a positive trait in most contexts.
Yes, it's acceptable in a professional email if you're discussing a project strategy, though 'affrontare direttamente' is slightly more formal.
We don't usually pluralize 'toro' here. Even if there are many problems, we say 'prendere il toro per le corna' as a singular metaphorical act.
In Italian, 'le corna' is the irregular feminine plural used for animal horns. 'I corni' is used for musical instruments or mountain peaks.
Always 'per le corna'. 'Dalle' would mean 'from the horns,' which is grammatically incorrect for this idiom.
You can, but it might sound a bit dramatic. It's best for problems that require some effort or courage.
Not really, but you can just say 'Affrontiamolo!' (Let's face it!) if you're in a hurry.
No, it is almost always positive, indicating bravery and efficiency.
Yes, it is a standard Italian idiom used from Milan to Sicily.
No, 'taking the bull by the tail' would mean you're behind the problem and have no control!
Expressions liées
affrontare di petto
synonymTo face something with your chest (head-on).
andare al sodo
similarTo get to the point.
rompere il ghiaccio
similarTo break the ice.
tagliare la testa al toro
builds onTo cut the bull's head off (to settle a matter once and for all).
