Meaning
To avoid addressing the main point.
Cultural Background
In Italian political talk shows (like 'Porta a Porta'), journalists often use this phrase to challenge guests. It reflects a public desire for transparency in a system often criticized for being overly bureaucratic and 'baroque' in its language. There is a stereotype that Northern Italians (especially in Milan) are more direct ('andare al sodo'), while Southern Italians might use more 'giri di parole' as a form of social grace. Using this phrase can sometimes highlight these regional communication differences. Italian families are often very tight-knit, and difficult news is sometimes delivered by 'girando intorno al problema' to soften the blow. This is called 'prendere la pillola con lo zucchero' (taking the pill with sugar). In Italian universities, oral exams are the norm. Students who don't know the answer often try to 'girare intorno al problema' by talking about related topics. Professors will quickly shut this down with 'Non giri intorno alla domanda'.
Use 'Ci'
To sound like a native, use 'Non girarci intorno' instead of the full phrase when the topic is known.
Don't be too blunt
While this phrase is useful, telling a superior 'Non giri intorno al problema' can be seen as very aggressive. Use it with caution.
Meaning
To avoid addressing the main point.
Use 'Ci'
To sound like a native, use 'Non girarci intorno' instead of the full phrase when the topic is known.
Don't be too blunt
While this phrase is useful, telling a superior 'Non giri intorno al problema' can be seen as very aggressive. Use it with caution.
The 'Giro' Culture
Italians value eloquence. Sometimes what looks like 'girare intorno' is just someone trying to be poetic. Observe the context!
Test Yourself
Completa la frase con la forma corretta di 'girarci intorno'.
Smettila di ______! Dimmi subito cosa è successo.
The pronominal form 'girarci' is required here to refer to the situation already understood by the speakers.
Quale di queste frasi è un sinonimo di 'Girare intorno al problema'?
Scegli l'opzione corretta:
'Menare il can per l'aia' is a classic Italian idiom meaning to waste time and avoid the point.
In quale situazione useresti questa frase?
Situazione: Un politico risponde a una domanda sulle tasse parlando del tempo e delle vacanze.
The politician is avoiding the direct question, which is the definition of the idiom.
Completa il dialogo.
A: 'Non so come dirtelo, ma la macchina... sai, le macchine sono vecchie...' B: '_________________! L'hai rotta?'
B is asking A to stop stalling and get to the point.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesSmettila di ______! Dimmi subito cosa è successo.
The pronominal form 'girarci' is required here to refer to the situation already understood by the speakers.
Scegli l'opzione corretta:
'Menare il can per l'aia' is a classic Italian idiom meaning to waste time and avoid the point.
Situazione: Un politico risponde a una domanda sulle tasse parlando del tempo e delle vacanze.
The politician is avoiding the direct question, which is the definition of the idiom.
A: 'Non so come dirtelo, ma la macchina... sai, le macchine sono vecchie...' B: '_________________! L'hai rotta?'
B is asking A to stop stalling and get to the point.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt can be. It's a direct challenge to someone's communication style. Use it with friends or when you are genuinely frustrated in a professional setting.
Yes, but it's rare. 'Ho girato intorno al tavolo' is literal. 'Ho girato intorno al problema' is almost always figurative.
'Menare il can per l'aia' is more idiomatic and slightly more informal/rustic. 'Girare intorno al problema' is more modern and standard.
Use 'avere'. Example: 'Lui ha girato intorno al problema'.
Not a single word, but you can say 'un giro di parole' (a turn of words) to describe the act.
Yes, 'questione' is a perfect synonym for 'problema' in this context.
No, it usually means avoiding the truth or being indirect, not necessarily telling a flat-out lie.
The most common opposite is 'andare al sodo' or 'andare dritto al punto'.
Very often, especially when discussing budgets, delays, or performance issues.
Yes, it's very common when one partner is trying to avoid a difficult conversation about the relationship.
Related Phrases
Andare al sodo
contrastTo get to the point / the core.
Menare il can per l'aia
synonymTo beat around the bush (idiomatic).
Giro di parole
builds onA circumlocution / wordy way of speaking.
Prenderla alla lontana
similarTo start a story from a very distant point.
