Signification
To take someone or something to safety.
Contexte culturel
The 'Protezione Civile' is a highly respected institution in Italy. You will often see 'mettere in salvo' in their official communications during earthquakes or floods. Italy has the highest number of UNESCO sites. 'Mettere in salvo' is a technical term used by the 'Carabinieri dell'Arte' when they rescue stolen or endangered artworks. Given Italy's long coastline, maritime rescue is a common theme in literature and news, where this phrase is ubiquitous. In Italian culture, the family is the 'safe harbor'. The phrase is often used metaphorically to describe protecting one's family from external hardships.
Use the reflexive for yourself
Remember to use 'mettersi in salvo' when you are the one escaping. 'Mi sono messo in salvo' (I got to safety).
Don't change 'salvo'
Even if you are saving 'le bambine' (the girls), it is still 'in salvo', not 'in salve'.
Signification
To take someone or something to safety.
Use the reflexive for yourself
Remember to use 'mettersi in salvo' when you are the one escaping. 'Mi sono messo in salvo' (I got to safety).
Don't change 'salvo'
Even if you are saving 'le bambine' (the girls), it is still 'in salvo', not 'in salve'.
News Language
You will hear this phrase constantly on Italian news (TG1, TG5). It's the standard way to report on rescues.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'mettere in salvo'.
Ieri i vigili del fuoco ___________ tre gattini dal tetto.
We need the passato prossimo of 'mettere' (hanno messo) because the firefighters are the ones doing the action.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the correct usage of the phrase.
'In salvo' is invariable and uses the preposition 'in'.
Match the action to the situation.
When would you use 'mettersi in salvo' (reflexive)?
The reflexive 'mettersi' means you are saving yourself.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'C'è un incendio nel bosco!' B: 'Presto, dobbiamo ___________ gli animali!'
'Mettere in salvo' is the only phrase that fits the context of a fire/rescue.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Mettere in Salvo vs. Risparmiare
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesIeri i vigili del fuoco ___________ tre gattini dal tetto.
We need the passato prossimo of 'mettere' (hanno messo) because the firefighters are the ones doing the action.
Choose the correct usage of the phrase.
'In salvo' is invariable and uses the preposition 'in'.
When would you use 'mettersi in salvo' (reflexive)?
The reflexive 'mettersi' means you are saving yourself.
A: 'C'è un incendio nel bosco!' B: 'Presto, dobbiamo ___________ gli animali!'
'Mettere in salvo' is the only phrase that fits the context of a fire/rescue.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, they are almost interchangeable. 'Portare' emphasizes the movement/transport slightly more.
It's neutral. You can use it with friends or in a business report.
No, it is invariable in this specific phrase.
No, use 'parare'.
There isn't a direct opposite phrase, but you could say 'lasciare in pericolo' (to leave in danger).
Use 'Mi sono messo in salvo'.
Very similar, but 'mettere al sicuro' is more about long-term security (like a safe), while 'mettere in salvo' is about rescue from immediate danger.
Yes, 'mettere in salvo una vita' is correct and very dramatic.
Yes, for protecting assets or data.
Changing 'salvo' to 'salva' or 'salvi'. Keep it 'salvo'!
Expressions liées
portare in salvo
similarTo carry to safety
trarre in salvo
specialized formTo pull to safety
mettere al sicuro
synonymTo put in a secure place
mettersi in salvo
builds onTo save oneself
salvare capra e cavoli
similarTo save both the goat and the cabbage
