stringere i denti
The English phrase "grin and bear it" is translated into Italian as stringere i denti.
The phrase is used to describe enduring a difficult or unpleasant situation with fortitude and without complaining.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, stringere i denti means "to clench one's teeth".
Did you know?
- The verb stringere shares a common ancestor with the English word 'strict'. Both stems relate to the concept of drawing something tight or binding it closely.
- Italian has a similar phrase stringere la cinghia, which means 'to tighten the belt'. While stringere i denti is about emotional fortitude, stringere la cinghia is specifically about enduring financial hardship.
- You can also use the verb stringere to mean 'to squeeze' or 'to embrace', showing how the same root covers both the tightening of teeth and the tightening of a hug.
Examples in context
- Non è facile, ma mi faccio forza e vado avanti.It's not easy, but I grin and bear it.
- Devi solo stringere i denti e finire il lavoro.You just have to grin and bear it and finish the work.
- È un periodo difficile, bisogna stringere i denti.It is a difficult period, one must grin and bear it.
- Non puoi lamentarti, devi stringere i denti.You can't complain, you have to grin and bear it.
Example conversation
Francesco and Giulia are discussing a difficult project at work.
- FrancescoQuesto progetto è davvero stressante, Giulia.This project is really stressful, Giulia.
- GiuliaLo so, ma dobbiamo stringere i denti.I know, but we have to grin and bear it.
- FrancescoHai ragione, mancano solo due giorni.You're right, there are only two days left.
- GiuliaEsatto, ce la faremo.Exactly, we will make it.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries stringere, stringere i denti, CC BY-SA 4.0.
