Signification
To be very wary of potential danger.
Contexte culturel
Italians value 'occhio' (eye/attention). Being 'sul chi vive' is seen as a sign of maturity and social awareness, especially in big cities like Naples or Rome. Many Italian idioms come from the era of city-states and constant warfare. This phrase reflects the historical reality of living in walled cities with sentries. With the rise of online scams, Italian consumer protection agencies often use this phrase to warn citizens to be careful with their data. In Italian culture, the 'famiglia' is the safe zone. Being 'sul chi vive' within the family is considered a sign of a deep crisis.
Use with 'Mettere'
Instead of just saying you are alert, say 'Mi ha messo sul chi vive' to explain *why* you became alert. It sounds very native.
Don't Pluralize
Never say 'sui chi vivono'. It's a fixed phrase. Keep it singular even for groups.
Signification
To be very wary of potential danger.
Use with 'Mettere'
Instead of just saying you are alert, say 'Mi ha messo sul chi vive' to explain *why* you became alert. It sounds very native.
Don't Pluralize
Never say 'sui chi vivono'. It's a fixed phrase. Keep it singular even for groups.
The 'Furbizia' Link
Use this phrase when talking about scams or street-smarts to show you understand Italian social nuances.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
In quel quartiere pericoloso, noi ________ sempre sul chi vive.
The subject is 'noi' (we), so the verb 'stare' must be conjugated as 'stiamo'.
Which preposition is correct in this idiom?
Non fidarti di lui, resta ______ chi vive.
The idiom is fixed with the preposition 'sul' (su + il).
Match the situation to the most appropriate use of the phrase.
Situazione: Sei in un ufficio dove girano voci di licenziamenti.
The phrase is used in tense situations where you expect bad news or a threat.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Hai visto come ci guardava quel tizio?' B: 'Sì, meglio ________.'
When someone looks at you suspiciously, the natural response is to be alert.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Alertness Levels
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesIn quel quartiere pericoloso, noi ________ sempre sul chi vive.
The subject is 'noi' (we), so the verb 'stare' must be conjugated as 'stiamo'.
Non fidarti di lui, resta ______ chi vive.
The idiom is fixed with the preposition 'sul' (su + il).
Situazione: Sei in un ufficio dove girano voci di licenziamenti.
The phrase is used in tense situations where you expect bad news or a threat.
A: 'Hai visto come ci guardava quel tizio?' B: 'Sì, meglio ________.'
When someone looks at you suspiciously, the natural response is to be alert.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsNot necessarily. It describes a state of caution. While the situation causing it might be negative, being 'sul chi vive' is often seen as a smart, defensive move.
Yes, it's neutral enough for a professional setting, but usually you'd use it *about* the situation, not directly *to* your boss's face.
'Stare attento' is general attention (like in class). 'Stare sul chi vive' is specific, defensive vigilance against a threat.
Yes, it is a standard Italian idiom recognized from North to South.
Yes, 'rimanere' or 'restare' are common alternatives to 'stare' and emphasize staying in that state for a long time.
It's neutral. You can find it in newspapers, books, and casual conversations.
Exactly. English actually borrowed the phrase from French, just like Italian did.
No, it's almost always used for potential threats or negative surprises.
You say: 'Mi hai messo sul chi vive'.
In the origin, yes. In the idiom, it's just a fixed noun-like phrase.
Yes, a goalkeeper might 'stare sul chi vive' during a dangerous attack.
Using the wrong preposition, like 'in' instead of 'su'.
Yes, it's a perfect 'power phrase' to move from intermediate to advanced.
It implies tension and readiness, which often stems from fear, but it's more about the *action* of being alert.
Expressions liées
stare in campana
similarTo be alert/watch out
stare all'erta
synonymTo be on alert
stare con quattro occhi
similarTo be very watchful
abbassare la guardia
contrastTo lower one's guard
