Signification
To be in a difficult financial or personal situation.
Contexte culturel
In Italy, the phrase is frequently heard during discussions about the 'caro vita' (high cost of living). It reflects a social reality where many families live paycheck to paycheck. In 'Poliziottesco' films (Italian crime thrillers of the 70s), detectives often use this phrase when they finally catch a criminal in a 'vicolo' (alley). In Southern Italy, the concept of being 'alle strette' is sometimes linked to the idea of 'asfissia' (asphyxiation), emphasizing the physical lack of air/space. Using this phrase in a business negotiation can be a strategic move to signal that you cannot offer any more discounts or concessions.
The 'Mettere' Power Move
Use 'mettere alle strette' in business contexts to describe a successful negotiation tactic where you forced the other party to agree.
Plural Only!
Never use 'stretta' in the singular for this idiom. It's a common mistake that makes you sound like a beginner.
Signification
To be in a difficult financial or personal situation.
The 'Mettere' Power Move
Use 'mettere alle strette' in business contexts to describe a successful negotiation tactic where you forced the other party to agree.
Plural Only!
Never use 'stretta' in the singular for this idiom. It's a common mistake that makes you sound like a beginner.
Polite Poverty
Saying 'stiamo un po' alle strette' is a very Italian, polite way to say you're broke without sounding too desperate.
Teste-toi
Completa la frase con la forma corretta di 'stare alle strette'.
Questo mese ho avuto troppe spese mediche e ora ________.
The phrase requires the plural 'strette' and the verb 'stare' or 'essere'.
Quale frase usa l'idioma correttamente?
Scegli l'opzione corretta:
Option A is about clothing (wrong context). Option C uses the wrong preposition ('in le' instead of 'alle').
Completa il dialogo.
A: 'Vuoi venire al cinema stasera?' B: 'Mi piacerebbe, ma ________.'
B is declining because they have no money, so 'sto alle strette' is the perfect idiom.
In quale situazione useresti 'mettere alle strette'?
Abbina l'azione alla situazione:
'Mettere alle strette' means to corner someone or force them to act/speak.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesQuesto mese ho avuto troppe spese mediche e ora ________.
The phrase requires the plural 'strette' and the verb 'stare' or 'essere'.
Scegli l'opzione corretta:
Option A is about clothing (wrong context). Option C uses the wrong preposition ('in le' instead of 'alle').
A: 'Vuoi venire al cinema stasera?' B: 'Mi piacerebbe, ma ________.'
B is declining because they have no money, so 'sto alle strette' is the perfect idiom.
Abbina l'azione alla situazione:
'Mettere alle strette' means to corner someone or force them to act/speak.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, you can say 'stare alle strette con i tempi' to mean you are very short on time.
Both are correct. 'Essere' is more common for the general state, while 'stare' emphasizes the ongoing condition of being in that spot.
No, but it's very direct. It's better to use it to describe a situation ('Il budget è alle strette') rather than your personal feelings unless you have a close relationship.
You could say 'essere nel benessere' or 'navigare nell'oro' (to sail in gold).
No, it can also mean being cornered in an argument or having to make a difficult choice between two bad options.
It can be. It implies applying pressure, so use it carefully depending on who you are talking about.
Only literally. Figuratively, it's for situations. For a crowded room, use 'stare stretti'.
You say 'Sono alle strette' or 'Mi hanno messo alle strette'.
Yes, it is standard Italian and understood from Milan to Sicily.
Yes, if the relationship is forcing you to make a hard choice or is under great pressure.
Expressions liées
essere con l'acqua alla gola
synonymTo be in deep trouble (literally: with water at the throat).
mettere al muro
similarTo put someone against the wall.
stringere la cinghia
builds onTo tighten the belt.
essere al verde
specialized formTo be completely out of money.
