Significado
Being exhausted or having no options.
Contexto cultural
The structure of the Italian meal is a source of national pride. Skipping courses is often seen as a sign of haste or lack of appreciation for food. Italians often use food metaphors in business to soften bad news. Saying a project is 'alla frutta' is a way to admit failure with a touch of shared cultural humor. In the South, 'la frutta' is often followed by 'amaro' or 'limoncello'. Some might jokingly say 'siamo all'amaro' to mean they are even beyond the fruit stage! Political cartoonists frequently draw politicians sitting at a table with only a single, rotten apple to signify the end of their power.
Use it for humor
Italians love self-deprecation. Using this phrase when you're just a little tired makes you sound charming and fluent.
Not for funerals
Even though it means 'the end', never use it to describe someone who is dying or a funeral; it's too casual and disrespectful.
Significado
Being exhausted or having no options.
Use it for humor
Italians love self-deprecation. Using this phrase when you're just a little tired makes you sound charming and fluent.
Not for funerals
Even though it means 'the end', never use it to describe someone who is dying or a funeral; it's too casual and disrespectful.
The 'Siamo' version
You will hear 'Siamo alla frutta' (We are at the fruit) very often as a general comment on a bad situation, even if the speaker is alone.
Teste-se
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'essere alla frutta'.
Dopo aver corso per due ore, io e Marco ______.
The subject is 'io e Marco' (we), so the verb must be 'siamo'.
Match the situation to the correct meaning of 'essere alla frutta'.
Situazione: 'Ho speso tutti i miei risparmi per la vacanza.'
In this context, the phrase refers to financial exhaustion.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?
Choose the natural Italian sentence:
The idiom can be applied to machines that are failing or 'dying'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Vuoi venire alla festa stasera?' B: 'No, mi dispiace, ho lavorato troppo e ______.'
The standard idiom uses the verb 'essere'.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
When to say 'Sono alla frutta'
Physical
- • After gym
- • No sleep
- • Long walk
Financial
- • End of month
- • Empty wallet
- • Too many bills
Mental
- • After exams
- • Long meetings
- • Too much stress
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosDopo aver corso per due ore, io e Marco ______.
The subject is 'io e Marco' (we), so the verb must be 'siamo'.
Situazione: 'Ho speso tutti i miei risparmi per la vacanza.'
In this context, the phrase refers to financial exhaustion.
Choose the natural Italian sentence:
The idiom can be applied to machines that are failing or 'dying'.
A: 'Vuoi venire alla festa stasera?' B: 'No, mi dispiace, ho lavorato troppo e ______.'
The standard idiom uses the verb 'essere'.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasYes! 'La mia batteria è alla frutta' is a very common way to say your phone is about to die.
No, it's not rude, but it is very informal. Don't use it in a formal speech or a job interview.
In Italian, 'frutta' is often a collective noun representing the whole category of fruit, similar to 'furniture' in English.
No, the idiom only works with fruit. 'Verdura' (vegetables) are served earlier in the meal.
Yes, it is a national idiom understood from Milan to Sicily.
No, quite the opposite. It implies you've 'eaten' everything life has to offer and have nothing left.
'Stanco' is just tired. 'Alla frutta' is 'tired and finished/done'.
Yes, 'Lui è alla frutta' can mean he has no more credibility or talent left.
Often accompanied by a tilt of the head and a puff of air (the 'uff' sound).
Yes, it means 'to reach the end of one's rope'.
Frases relacionadas
essere al verde
similarTo be broke/out of money.
essere agli sgoccioli
similarTo be running out of time.
essere alla canna del gas
specialized formTo be in a desperate, suicidal situation.
toccare il fondo
similarTo hit rock bottom.
essere a pezzi
synonymTo be in pieces/exhausted.
