Meaning
Being certain.
Cultural Background
In artisan workshops (botteghe), a master craftsman is said to move 'a colpo sicuro'. It represents the 'occhio' (eye) and 'mano' (hand) developed over decades. When recommending a 'trattoria', Italians use this phrase to signal that the place is authentic and consistent, avoiding 'tourist traps'. In Rome, you might hear 'a botta sicura'. 'Botta' is more visceral and common in Romanesco-influenced Italian. Being able to navigate a city or a menu 'a colpo sicuro' is seen as a sign of being 'scafato' (street-smart/experienced).
The 'A' Rule
Always remember the 'A'. It's the most common error. Think of it as 'Aiming' (A) at the target.
Don't over-pluralize
Keep it singular. 'A colpi sicuri' sounds like you are literally shooting a gun multiple times.
Meaning
Being certain.
The 'A' Rule
Always remember the 'A'. It's the most common error. Think of it as 'Aiming' (A) at the target.
Don't over-pluralize
Keep it singular. 'A colpi sicuri' sounds like you are literally shooting a gun multiple times.
Use it for recommendations
It's the best way to sound like a local when giving advice. It shows you really trust the place you are suggesting.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct preposition and phrase.
Non ti preoccupare, conosco la strada. Vado ___ ___ ___.
The idiom always uses the preposition 'a' and the masculine singular 'sicuro'.
Which situation best fits the phrase 'a colpo sicuro'?
Quale situazione è adatta?
The phrase implies certainty based on knowledge or habit.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Sai dove sono le forbici?' B: 'Sì, sono nel primo cassetto. Vai ___ ___ ___.'
'A colpo sicuro' is perfect here because B is telling A exactly where to find something without searching.
Match the verb with the context for 'a colpo sicuro'.
Abbina il verbo al contesto.
All these verbs are commonly used with 'a colpo sicuro'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNon ti preoccupare, conosco la strada. Vado ___ ___ ___.
The idiom always uses the preposition 'a' and the masculine singular 'sicuro'.
Quale situazione è adatta?
The phrase implies certainty based on knowledge or habit.
A: 'Sai dove sono le forbici?' B: 'Sì, sono nel primo cassetto. Vai ___ ___ ___.'
'A colpo sicuro' is perfect here because B is telling A exactly where to find something without searching.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
All these verbs are commonly used with 'a colpo sicuro'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes! It shows confidence. You can say you can perform a certain task 'a colpo sicuro'.
Not exactly. 'Sicuramente' is 'surely'. 'A colpo sicuro' describes the *way* you do something based on knowledge.
No, it is an invariable phrase. It always ends in 'o'.
Usually not. You don't 'find a person a colpo sicuro' unless you are looking for them in a specific spot.
Related Phrases
Andare sul sicuro
similarTo take no risks.
A colpo d'occhio
similarAt a glance.
Senza fallo
synonymWithout fail.
Andare a botta sicura
informal alternativeTo go with total certainty.
Puntare sul cavallo vincente
builds onTo bet on the winning horse.
