Bedeutung
Attempting too much at once.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The idiom reflects the 'cultura della prudenza' (culture of prudence) which is very strong in the Italian middle class. It's often used by parents to keep children's expectations realistic. In the South, where family honor is paramount, this idiom is a warning against 'shaming' the family through financial failure caused by vanity. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Italy often use this phrase to justify slow, organic growth rather than taking on venture capital or massive debt. The concept of 'staying in one's place' is a major theme in Verga's 'I Malavoglia', where the family's ruin begins when they try to trade lupins (a step longer than their leg).
Use it for money
If you are unsure when to use it, stick to financial contexts. It's the most natural fit for Italian speakers.
Don't use for physical trips
If someone literally trips on the sidewalk, this idiom is too 'heavy'. Just say 'attento!'
Bedeutung
Attempting too much at once.
Use it for money
If you are unsure when to use it, stick to financial contexts. It's the most natural fit for Italian speakers.
Don't use for physical trips
If someone literally trips on the sidewalk, this idiom is too 'heavy'. Just say 'attento!'
The 'Secondo' variation
Use 'Fare il passo secondo la gamba' to sound like a very wise, old-school Italian speaker.
Teste dich selbst
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'fare'.
L'anno scorso, Marco ________ il passo più lungo della gamba e ha perso molti soldi.
The sentence refers to 'L'anno scorso' (last year), so we need the past tense (passato prossimo).
What does this idiom mean in a business context?
Il consulente dice: 'Non fate il passo più lungo della gamba'.
The idiom warns against overextending one's resources.
Match the situation to the advice.
Giulia vuole comprare una casa da 1 milione di euro, ma guadagna 1000 euro al mese.
Giulia is trying to spend much more than she has, which is the perfect situation for this idiom.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Voglio imparare 5 lingue in un mese!' B: 'Attento, non ________.'
Learning 5 languages in a month is an unrealistic goal, so the warning idiom is appropriate.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Leg vs. Step
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenL'anno scorso, Marco ________ il passo più lungo della gamba e ha perso molti soldi.
The sentence refers to 'L'anno scorso' (last year), so we need the past tense (passato prossimo).
Il consulente dice: 'Non fate il passo più lungo della gamba'.
The idiom warns against overextending one's resources.
Giulia vuole comprare una casa da 1 milione di euro, ma guadagna 1000 euro al mese.
Giulia is trying to spend much more than she has, which is the perfect situation for this idiom.
A: 'Voglio imparare 5 lingue in un mese!' B: 'Attento, non ________.'
Learning 5 languages in a month is an unrealistic goal, so the warning idiom is appropriate.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNo, for food use 'Avere gli occhi più grandi della pancia'.
No, it's usually helpful advice, though it can be slightly patronizing if said to a superior.
Yes, 'Ho fatto il passo più lungo della gamba' is very common when admitting a mistake.
The closest is 'To bite off more than you can chew'.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends or in a business email.
No, it is always singular: 'della gamba'.
No, that is not a standard idiom.
Yes, it is a national idiom understood from Milan to Sicily.
Yes, if a team tries to play too aggressively and loses, you can use it.
It's an idiom, but it's often used as a piece of proverbial wisdom.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Fare il passo secondo la gamba
contrastTo live within one's means.
Avere gli occhi più grandi della pancia
similarTo take more food than one can eat.
Fare un passo falso
similarTo make a mistake.
Mettere il carro davanti ai buoi
similarTo put the cart before the horse.
Sputare in cielo
contrastTo act with extreme arrogance.
