Meaning
To be safely cared for.
Cultural Background
In Italy, this phrase is often used to validate a 'raccomandazione' (a personal referral). If someone says you are in good hands, they are often staking their own reputation on that person's skill. The phrase is famously associated with Allstate Insurance ('You're in good hands with Allstate'), making it feel very corporate and protective in an American context. While the concept exists, Japanese culture often emphasizes the 'omotenashi' (hospitality) of the provider rather than the 'hands' of the expert. The French version 'entre de bonnes mains' is used frequently in the culinary world to describe a kitchen under a new chef.
Agreement is Key
Always remember that 'mani' is feminine plural. Even if you are talking about a male doctor, you say 'in buone mani'.
Don't use 'dentro'
Using 'dentro' makes it sound like you are physically inside someone's palms. Stick to 'in'.
Meaning
To be safely cared for.
Agreement is Key
Always remember that 'mani' is feminine plural. Even if you are talking about a male doctor, you say 'in buone mani'.
Don't use 'dentro'
Using 'dentro' makes it sound like you are physically inside someone's palms. Stick to 'in'.
Upgrade to 'Ottime'
To sound more native and enthusiastic, use 'in ottime mani' (in excellent hands).
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'essere'.
Non preoccuparti per i tuoi gatti, con me ________ in buone mani.
The subject is 'i tuoi gatti' (they), so the verb must be 'sono'.
Which of these is the correct feminine plural form of the idiom?
Il paziente è...
'Mano' is feminine, so 'buone' and 'mani' must both be feminine plural.
Match the response to the situation.
Situazione: Ho paura di lasciare mio figlio al nido per la prima volta.
The response refers to 'mio figlio' (he), so we use 'è'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Il meccanico sembra molto giovane.' B: 'Sì, ma è bravissimo. ________.'
The idiom specifically uses 'mani'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use 'In Buone Mani'
Health
- • Doctors
- • Surgeons
- • Nurses
Family
- • Babysitters
- • Teachers
- • Grandparents
Services
- • Mechanics
- • Lawyers
- • Architects
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNon preoccuparti per i tuoi gatti, con me ________ in buone mani.
The subject is 'i tuoi gatti' (they), so the verb must be 'sono'.
Il paziente è...
'Mano' is feminine, so 'buone' and 'mani' must both be feminine plural.
Situazione: Ho paura di lasciare mio figlio al nido per la prima volta.
The response refers to 'mio figlio' (he), so we use 'è'.
A: 'Il meccanico sembra molto giovane.' B: 'Sì, ma è bravissimo. ________.'
The idiom specifically uses 'mani'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, but usually only if the object requires expert care, like a vintage car or a precious heirloom.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Because 'mano' is a feminine noun, and its plural 'mani' is also feminine.
Yes, it is the direct opposite and means to be in the care of someone incompetent or dangerous.
Related Phrases
mettere le mani avanti
similarTo make excuses in advance.
avere le mani d'oro
builds onTo be extremely skilled with one's hands.
lavarsene le mani
contrastTo wash one's hands of something (refuse responsibility).
essere in una botte di ferro
synonymTo be in a very safe/ironclad situation.
