B2 Idiom 중립

Mettere la mano sul fuoco

To bet everything on something

To be absolutely certain about something.

🌍

문화적 배경

The legend of Mucius Scaevola is taught to every Italian schoolchild. It represents 'virtus' (virtue/courage) and the idea that a true Roman's word is more important than their physical safety. The 'Ordeal by Fire' was a real legal practice in the Middle Ages. If a person could walk over hot coals or hold hot iron without being burned, they were considered innocent by God. This idiom is a linguistic fossil of that belief. In Italian business culture, 'mettere la mano sul fuoco' is a serious commitment. If a manager says this about an employee, they are taking personal responsibility for that employee's future mistakes. In some southern regions, the concept of 'onore' (honor) makes this phrase even more powerful. It is not used lightly, as failing to uphold the guarantee could lead to a significant loss of social standing.

🎯

Use the Conditional

Natives almost always use 'Metterei' (I would put) rather than 'Metto' (I put). It sounds more natural and idiomatic.

⚠️

Don't Overuse

If you use this for every small thing, you lose credibility. Save it for big moments of trust.

To be absolutely certain about something.

🎯

Use the Conditional

Natives almost always use 'Metterei' (I would put) rather than 'Metto' (I put). It sounds more natural and idiomatic.

⚠️

Don't Overuse

If you use this for every small thing, you lose credibility. Save it for big moments of trust.

💬

The 'Ci' Particle

Adding 'ci' (Metterci) makes you sound much more like a native speaker. 'Ci metterei la mano sul fuoco' is the gold standard.

셀프 테스트

Completa la frase con la forma corretta del verbo 'mettere' al condizionale presente.

Io __________ la mano sul fuoco per l'onestà di mio fratello.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: metterei

The conditional 'metterei' is used to express a hypothetical guarantee ('I would put').

Quale particella pronominale viene spesso usata con questa espressione?

___ metterei la mano sul fuoco.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Ci

'Ci' is the locative/instrumental particle used here to refer to the fact or situation being guaranteed.

In quale situazione è PIÙ appropriato usare questa frase?

Situazione: Un tuo amico è accusato di aver mentito, ma tu sai che è sincero.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Quando vuoi garantire al 100% che l'amico dice la verità.

The idiom is used for absolute certainty and vouching for someone.

Completa il dialogo.

A: 'Sei sicuro che il negozio sia aperto?' B: 'Sì, ___ _________ la mano sul fuoco.'

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: ci metterei

The combination of 'ci' and the conditional 'metterei' is the most natural way to respond to a question about certainty.

🎉 점수: /4

시각 학습 자료

연습 문제 은행

4 연습 문제
Completa la frase con la forma corretta del verbo 'mettere' al condizionale presente. Fill Blank B1

Io __________ la mano sul fuoco per l'onestà di mio fratello.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: metterei

The conditional 'metterei' is used to express a hypothetical guarantee ('I would put').

Quale particella pronominale viene spesso usata con questa espressione? Choose B2

___ metterei la mano sul fuoco.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Ci

'Ci' is the locative/instrumental particle used here to refer to the fact or situation being guaranteed.

In quale situazione è PIÙ appropriato usare questa frase? situation_matching A2

Situazione: Un tuo amico è accusato di aver mentito, ma tu sai che è sincero.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Quando vuoi garantire al 100% che l'amico dice la verità.

The idiom is used for absolute certainty and vouching for someone.

Completa il dialogo. dialogue_completion B2

A: 'Sei sicuro che il negozio sia aperto?' B: 'Sì, ___ _________ la mano sul fuoco.'

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: ci metterei

The combination of 'ci' and the conditional 'metterei' is the most natural way to respond to a question about certainty.

🎉 점수: /4

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Yes, but it's more common for people or facts. For objects, it usually refers to their quality (e.g., 'Metterei la mano sul fuoco per questa macchina').

The standard idiom is singular ('la mano'). Using the plural ('le mani') is rare and usually just an individual variation.

Not at all. It's a very passionate and positive way to show trust. However, the negative version can be seen as a slight lack of confidence.

'Essere sicuri' is a simple statement of fact. 'Mettere la mano sul fuoco' is an emotional and moral guarantee.

Yes, e.g., 'Avrei messo la mano sul fuoco per lui' (I would have vouched for him), often used when someone has disappointed you.

No, it's purely metaphorical. No one expects you to actually touch fire!

Yes, it is a standard Italian idiom recognized from North to South.

It sounds a bit strange. For weather, it's better to say 'Sono arcisicuro' or 'Ci scommetto'.

Using 'nel' instead of 'sul'. Remember: 'sul fuoco'.

Just saying 'Ci metterei la mano!' is sometimes used in very fast conversation.

관련 표현

🔗

Giocarsi la testa

similar

To bet one's head on something.

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Scherzare col fuoco

contrast

To play with fire (take risks).

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Metterci la faccia

builds on

To put one's face/reputation on the line.

🔗

Essere pappa e ciccia

similar

To be very close friends.

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