B1 Idiom 중립

prendere le redini

to take the reins

To take control of a situation.

🌍

문화적 배경

The horse is a symbol of nobility and power in Italian history. Idioms involving horses often carry a sense of 'high-stakes' leadership. During the Palio di Siena, the 'fantino' (jockey) is the ultimate example of someone who must 'prendere le redini' of a wild horse to win for his district. Italian companies are often family-owned. 'Prendere le redini' is the standard way to describe the 'passaggio generazionale' (generational hand-over) from father to son/daughter. The metaphor dates back to Roman chariot racing. The 'auriga' (charioteer) was the one who literally held the reins of the empire's entertainment.

🎯

Use 'In Mano'

Add 'in mano' (in hand) to sound even more native: 'Prendere le redini in mano'.

⚠️

Plural Only

Never say 'la redine' unless you are literally talking about one single strap of a horse's harness.

To take control of a situation.

🎯

Use 'In Mano'

Add 'in mano' (in hand) to sound even more native: 'Prendere le redini in mano'.

⚠️

Plural Only

Never say 'la redine' unless you are literally talking about one single strap of a horse's harness.

💬

Political Context

You will see this in every Italian newspaper during an election. It's the 'go-to' phrase for journalists.

💡

Verb Choice

Use 'prendere' for the start of leadership, and 'tenere' for the continuation of leadership.

셀프 테스트

Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.

Dopo che il capo se n'è andato, Marco ha dovuto ______ le redini dell'ufficio.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: prendere

After 'ha dovuto' (had to), we need the infinitive form of the verb.

Which preposition is correct?

Voglio prendere le redini ___ mia vita.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: della

The idiom 'prendere le redini' is followed by the preposition 'di' + article.

Match the sentence to the context.

Match: 'Il nuovo allenatore ha preso le redini della squadra.'

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Sports

'Squadra' means team, which fits the sports context.

What would a leader say in this situation?

Situazione: Il progetto è in ritardo e nessuno sa cosa fare. Tu dici: 'Non preoccupatevi, ______.'

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: prendo le redini io

You are volunteering to take charge, so you use the first person singular.

🎉 점수: /4

시각 학습 자료

Leadership Metaphors

Horse (Equestrian)
Prendere le redini Take the reins
Ship (Nautical)
Tenere il timone Hold the rudder
Car (Modern)
Mettersi alla guida Get at the wheel

연습 문제 은행

4 연습 문제
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom. Fill Blank B1

Dopo che il capo se n'è andato, Marco ha dovuto ______ le redini dell'ufficio.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: prendere

After 'ha dovuto' (had to), we need the infinitive form of the verb.

Which preposition is correct? Choose A2

Voglio prendere le redini ___ mia vita.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: della

The idiom 'prendere le redini' is followed by the preposition 'di' + article.

Match the sentence to the context. situation_matching A2

Match: 'Il nuovo allenatore ha preso le redini della squadra.'

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Sports

'Squadra' means team, which fits the sports context.

What would a leader say in this situation? dialogue_completion B1

Situazione: Il progetto è in ritardo e nessuno sa cosa fare. Tu dici: 'Non preoccupatevi, ______.'

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: prendo le redini io

You are volunteering to take charge, so you use the first person singular.

🎉 점수: /4

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or with your friends.

No, for a car you use 'mettersi al volante'. 'Redini' is strictly for horses or metaphorical leadership.

The opposite is 'mollare le redini' (to let go) or 'perdere le redini' (to lose control).

Yes, 'prendere redini' without 'le' sounds incomplete and incorrect.

It's better to say 'prendere le redini della mia vita'.

Yes, it is one of the most common business idioms in Italian.

It's a more forceful, formal version of 'prendere le redini'.

Usually no. It's for situations that require 'steering' or 'guidance' over time.

Yes, 'la redine' (singular) and 'le redini' (plural) are feminine.

Generally positive, as it implies taking responsibility and showing leadership.

관련 표현

🔗

tenere le redini

similar

To keep/hold the reins

🔗

mollare le redini

contrast

To let go of the reins

🔄

mettersi alla guida

synonym

To put oneself at the wheel

🔗

impugnare le redini

specialized form

To grasp the reins firmly

🔗

essere al comando

similar

To be in command

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