Signification
To spare no effort.
Contexte culturel
Italians often use hyperbole in daily speech to show passion and sincerity. Saying you'll do 'the impossible' is a way of building 'fiducia' (trust) in a relationship. In Italian business culture, 'l'emergenza' (the emergency) is a common state. Using this phrase shows you are a 'problem solver' who doesn't just stick to the job description. In the South, hospitality and helping family are paramount. This phrase might be used to describe the lengths a host goes to to make a guest feel welcome. News anchors frequently use this phrase when reporting on natural disasters (like floods or earthquakes) to describe the heroic efforts of the 'Protezione Civile'.
Use it for Sincerity
When you want to apologize for a failure but show you really tried, this phrase is your best friend. It softens the blow.
Don't Overuse
If you do 'the impossible' every day for small things, people will stop believing you. Save it for the big stuff.
Signification
To spare no effort.
Use it for Sincerity
When you want to apologize for a failure but show you really tried, this phrase is your best friend. It softens the blow.
Don't Overuse
If you do 'the impossible' every day for small things, people will stop believing you. Save it for the big stuff.
Combine with 'Nonostante'
It sounds very natural when paired with 'nonostante' (despite). E.g., 'Nonostante la stanchezza, ha fatto il possibile e l'impossibile.'
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'fare' and the missing articles.
Ieri noi _________ il possibile ___ l'impossibile per aiutarti.
The sentence refers to 'yesterday' (ieri), so we need the Passato Prossimo 'abbiamo fatto'. The conjunction is 'e' (and).
Which of these sentences is the most natural way to promise extreme effort?
Quale frase è corretta?
You need both articles ('il' and 'l'') and the conjunction 'e'.
Match the phrase to the most appropriate situation.
In quale situazione useresti 'fare il possibile e l'impossibile'?
This phrase is reserved for high-stakes, high-effort situations, not routine daily tasks.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Pensi che riuscirete a riparare il computer entro domani?' B: 'Non lo so, è molto rotto, ma ________________________.'
The standard form with correct articles is required.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesIeri noi _________ il possibile ___ l'impossibile per aiutarti.
The sentence refers to 'yesterday' (ieri), so we need the Passato Prossimo 'abbiamo fatto'. The conjunction is 'e' (and).
Quale frase è corretta?
You need both articles ('il' and 'l'') and the conjunction 'e'.
In quale situazione useresti 'fare il possibile e l'impossibile'?
This phrase is reserved for high-stakes, high-effort situations, not routine daily tasks.
A: 'Pensi che riuscirete a riparare il computer entro domani?' B: 'Non lo so, è molto rotto, ma ________________________.'
The standard form with correct articles is required.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
8 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it in almost any context, from a chat with a friend to a business meeting.
No, the order is always 'possibile' then 'impossibile'. It follows a logical progression from easy to hard.
Yes, 99% of the time. You might occasionally see 'tentare' (to try), but 'fare' is the idiomatic standard.
The objects 'il possibile e l'impossibile' are always singular. The verb 'fare' changes based on who is doing the action.
Absolutely. 'Farò il possibile e l'impossibile' is a very strong way to make a promise.
'Farsi in quattro' is more informal and suggests being very busy/active. 'Fare il possibile e l'impossibile' suggests overcoming great obstacles.
Yes, especially in journalism and literature to describe heroic or desperate efforts.
Yes, but it's less emphatic. Adding 'e l'impossibile' adds that extra layer of 'going the extra mile'.
Expressions liées
farsi in quattro
synonymTo do one's utmost
muovere mari e monti
similarTo move heaven and earth
fare i salti mortali
similarTo do somersaults
non lasciare nulla di intentato
specialized formTo leave no stone unturned
