Meaning
To make someone behave correctly.
Cultural Background
In Italian offices, hierarchy is often respected. 'Mettere in riga' is a phrase a manager might use to assert authority without being overly aggressive. Italian families often value strong parental guidance. The phrase is frequently used to describe a parent's duty to teach children discipline. Italian sports fans and coaches use this phrase to describe the need for focus and discipline during a tough season. In social settings, the phrase can be used jokingly among friends to describe someone who is acting silly.
Remember the context
Only use this for people or behavior, never for objects.
Tone matters
It can sound aggressive, so be careful when using it with people you don't know well.
Meaning
To make someone behave correctly.
Remember the context
Only use this for people or behavior, never for objects.
Tone matters
It can sound aggressive, so be careful when using it with people you don't know well.
Use 'metterti' for yourself
Use the reflexive form 'metterti in riga' to talk about your own self-improvement.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
Il professore ha dovuto __________ gli studenti perché facevano troppo rumore.
The phrase 'mettere in riga' is the correct idiom for disciplining students.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
Choose the correct sentence:
The phrase is used for people/behavior, not inanimate objects.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'I miei figli non ascoltano mai.' B: 'Forse dovresti __________.'
The idiom 'metterli in riga' is the natural way to suggest disciplining children.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesIl professore ha dovuto __________ gli studenti perché facevano troppo rumore.
The phrase 'mettere in riga' is the correct idiom for disciplining students.
Choose the correct sentence:
The phrase is used for people/behavior, not inanimate objects.
A: 'I miei figli non ascoltano mai.' B: 'Forse dovresti __________.'
The idiom 'metterli in riga' is the natural way to suggest disciplining children.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, it is too aggressive and implies you are their superior.
It can be, depending on your tone. It is a firm expression.
No, it is a metaphor. The line is invisible.
Yes, it's common to use it for pets that are misbehaving.
'Fila' is for queues of objects; 'riga' is for behavioral standards.
It is neutral. It works in both casual and professional settings.
Only if you are describing how you manage a team, not how you treat the interviewer.
Yes, it's common in informal texts to friends.
You can say 'mettere in riga i conti' (to balance the books).
It's an idiom; the grammar is fixed.
Yes, it is very common.
No, that is incorrect.
Related Phrases
Stare in riga
similarTo behave oneself
Rimettere in riga
builds onTo put back in line
Dare una regolata
synonymTo give a correction
Tenere in riga
similarTo keep in line
