Meaning
To work or move much faster.
Cultural Background
Italy's identity is closely tied to brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Fiat. This makes car metaphors very natural and common in the language. In Northern Italy, especially Milan, there is a strong emphasis on 'efficienza' and 'produttività'. 'Mettere il turbo' is a common office phrase there. Italian sports newspapers like 'La Gazzetta dello Sport' frequently use this phrase in headlines to describe a player's performance. While it started in the 80s, younger generations still use it, often influenced by video games (like Mario Kart) where 'turbo' is a standard mechanic.
Use it to motivate
It's a great way to sound like a natural leader in a group project without being too bossy.
Don't over-use
If you say it every day, people will think you are disorganized and always rushing.
Meaning
To work or move much faster.
Use it to motivate
It's a great way to sound like a natural leader in a group project without being too bossy.
Don't over-use
If you say it every day, people will think you are disorganized and always rushing.
The 'Turbo' gesture
Sometimes Italians accompany this phrase with a hand gesture: a closed fist moving forward quickly.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'mettere il turbo'.
Se vogliamo finire il lavoro entro le cinque, dobbiamo ________.
After 'dobbiamo' (we must), we need the infinitive form.
Which situation is most appropriate for 'mettere il turbo'?
In quale situazione useresti questa frase?
The phrase implies speed and urgency, perfect for a timed exam.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Siamo in ritardo per il film!' B: 'Lo so, ora ________.'
The correct verb is 'mettere'.
Match the phrase to the meaning.
Mettere il turbo alla tesi
It means to accelerate the process of writing.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesSe vogliamo finire il lavoro entro le cinque, dobbiamo ________.
After 'dobbiamo' (we must), we need the infinitive form.
In quale situazione useresti questa frase?
The phrase implies speed and urgency, perfect for a timed exam.
A: 'Siamo in ritardo per il film!' B: 'Lo so, ora ________.'
The correct verb is 'mettere'.
Mettere il turbo alla tesi
It means to accelerate the process of writing.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo, it's not rude, but it is informal. It's fine with friends and colleagues, but maybe not with your grandmother or a judge.
Yes! You can say 'Lui ha messo il turbo' to mean he started working or running very fast.
The opposite would be 'andare a passo di lumaca' (to go at a snail's pace) or 'prendersela comoda' (to take it easy).
No, 'turbo' is masculine in Italian, so it must be 'il turbo'.
Related Phrases
andare a tavoletta
synonymTo go at full speed (pedal to the metal).
bruciare le tappe
similarTo skip stages to reach a goal faster.
andare a rilento
contrastTo go very slowly.
dare una marcia in più
builds onTo give an extra boost or advantage.
