Significado
To be transparent and honest about intentions.
Contexto cultural
In Italy, business relationships are often built on personal trust (fiducia). 'Mettere le carte in tavola' is a crucial step in moving from a 'getting to know you' phase to a 'serious partnership' phase. These games are social institutions in Italian bars. The literal act of putting cards on the table is often accompanied by loud exclamations, which mirrors the dramatic nature of the idiom. In some Southern regions, there is a cultural value of 'schiettezza' (being blunt). Using this phrase is seen as a sign of 'onore' (honor) and respect for the interlocutor. Political talk shows (like 'Porta a Porta') frequently use this phrase when moderators push politicians to reveal their true alliances or budget plans.
Use it to end a stalemate
If a conversation is going in circles, use this phrase to force a resolution. It shows leadership and confidence.
Watch the preposition
Never say 'su la tavola'. It's always 'in tavola'.
Significado
To be transparent and honest about intentions.
Use it to end a stalemate
If a conversation is going in circles, use this phrase to force a resolution. It shows leadership and confidence.
Watch the preposition
Never say 'su la tavola'. It's always 'in tavola'.
The 'Poker' connection
Even if you don't play cards, knowing the basics of Poker helps you understand the 'weight' of this phrase in Italy.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
Se vogliamo essere amici, dobbiamo ______ le carte in tavola.
After the modal verb 'dobbiamo', we need the infinitive 'mettere'.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly in a business context?
A: Ho messo le carte sulla tavola per la cena. B: Il socio ha finalmente messo le carte in tavola sui profitti.
Sentence B uses the figurative meaning correctly. Sentence A is literal and uses the wrong preposition.
Complete the dialogue.
Marco: 'Non so se posso fidarmi di te.' Giulia: 'Allora ______, non ho altri segreti!'
Giulia is offering transparency to build trust.
Match the situation to the best use of the phrase.
Situation: You are tired of your business partner hiding the real costs of a project.
This is the correct figurative use for a negotiation.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosSe vogliamo essere amici, dobbiamo ______ le carte in tavola.
After the modal verb 'dobbiamo', we need the infinitive 'mettere'.
A: Ho messo le carte sulla tavola per la cena. B: Il socio ha finalmente messo le carte in tavola sui profitti.
Sentence B uses the figurative meaning correctly. Sentence A is literal and uses the wrong preposition.
Marco: 'Non so se posso fidarmi di te.' Giulia: 'Allora ______, non ho altri segreti!'
Giulia is offering transparency to build trust.
Situation: You are tired of your business partner hiding the real costs of a project.
This is the correct figurative use for a negotiation.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt can be slightly aggressive. Use 'Sarebbe utile parlare con franchezza' if you want to be safer.
No, it's usually reserved for significant intentions or facts that change the 'game'.
Ho messo le carte in tavola.
Yes, 'Sputa il rospo' (Spit out the toad) is the slang equivalent for 'confess'.
Usually, yes, as it's about transparency between parties.
It's understood but sounds like a literal translation from English. Stick to 'in tavola'.
Yes, especially regarding transfer market negotiations.
It is used universally across Italy.
Yes, it's very common when one person wants to be honest about why they are leaving.
You still use the plural 'le carte'.
Frases relacionadas
giocare a carte scoperte
synonymTo act with total transparency throughout a process.
vuotare il sacco
similarTo confess everything.
parlare chiaro
similarTo speak clearly/plainly.
nascondere le carte
contrastTo hide one's cards/intentions.
mettere i puntini sulle i
builds onTo clarify every small detail.
