Signification
To delegate a task or duty.
Contexte culturel
The phrase is ubiquitous in Italian political talk shows (like 'Porta a Porta'), where guests often 'pass the ball' to avoid answering direct questions about accountability. In Italian startups, 'passare la palla' is seen as a sign of 'agilità' (agility), moving away from old-fashioned rigid hierarchies toward more fluid teamwork. Italian soccer commentators use 'passaggio filtrante' for a ball passed through defenders, but 'passare la palla' remains the general term for any hand-off. In many Italian families, the 'palla' of decision-making for Sunday lunch is often passed to the 'nonna' (grandmother), who has the final word on the menu.
Use with Pronouns
To sound like a native, use combined pronouns like 'Passagliela' (Pass it to him/her).
Don't say 'Pallone'
Even though a soccer ball is a 'pallone', the idiom only works with 'palla'.
Signification
To delegate a task or duty.
Use with Pronouns
To sound like a native, use combined pronouns like 'Passagliela' (Pass it to him/her).
Don't say 'Pallone'
Even though a soccer ball is a 'pallone', the idiom only works with 'palla'.
Email Etiquette
Use 'Passo la palla a [Nome]' at the end of an email to clearly signal a handover.
Sports Talk
Italians love sports metaphors; using this will make you sound very integrated into the culture.
Teste-toi
Completa la frase con la forma corretta del verbo 'passare'.
Ho finito il mio turno, ora ______ la palla a te.
The subject is 'Io' (I), so the verb must be 'passo'.
Quale frase usa l'idioma in modo corretto in un contesto professionale?
Scegli l'opzione migliore:
'Passare la palla' is the standard idiomatic expression for delegation.
Abbina la frase alla situazione corretta.
Frase: 'Non passarmi la palla proprio adesso che c'è un problema!'
The phrase expresses frustration at receiving a difficult task ('the ball') during a crisis.
Completa il dialogo.
A: 'Chi sceglie la musica per la festa?' B: 'Io non ho gusti moderni, _________________.'
B wants to delegate the choice to the others.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Passare la Palla vs Scaricare il Barile
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesHo finito il mio turno, ora ______ la palla a te.
The subject is 'Io' (I), so the verb must be 'passo'.
Scegli l'opzione migliore:
'Passare la palla' is the standard idiomatic expression for delegation.
Frase: 'Non passarmi la palla proprio adesso che c'è un problema!'
The phrase expresses frustration at receiving a difficult task ('the ball') during a crisis.
A: 'Chi sceglie la musica per la festa?' B: 'Io non ho gusti moderni, _________________.'
B wants to delegate the choice to the others.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsNo, it's generally neutral. It only becomes rude if you are clearly trying to avoid work you should be doing yourself.
It's better for emails or meetings. In a formal letter, use 'delegare'.
'Palla' is the general word for ball; 'pallone' is specifically a large, inflated ball like a soccer ball.
Yes, you usually pass the ball *to* someone (a person, a team, or a department).
Yes, it is a standard national idiom.
Yes, you can use it literally when playing sports.
Use 'scaricare il barile'.
Very common, especially in office comedies or crime dramas where people shift blame.
No, that doesn't make sense idiomaticially. You 'take' the ball if you want responsibility.
'Prendersi la responsabilità' or 'tenere palla' (to hog the ball).
Yes: 'Gli ho passato la palla ieri.'
Yes, basketball and volleyball too, but soccer is the main cultural driver in Italy.
Not really. For secrets, we use 'vuotare il sacco' (to empty the bag).
No, it's a standard idiom used by all age groups.
Expressions liées
Passare il testimone
similarTo pass the baton
Scaricare il barile
contrastTo pass the buck
Cedere il passo
similarTo give way
Prendere la palla al balzo
builds onTo seize the opportunity
Mettere la palla in centro
specialized formTo start over
