mettersi al riparo
To take cover in Italian is mettersi al riparo.
Meaning: Translations (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The expression is composed of the reflexive verb mettersi (to put oneself) and the prepositional phrase al riparo (at or in the shelter/protection).
How does it change in a sentence?
Because mettersi is a reflexive verb, it must be conjugated with reflexive pronouns (mi, ti, si, ci, vi, si) to show that the subject is performing the action on themselves.
Did you know?
- The word riparo shares a root with the English word 'repair'. Originally, both referred to the act of restoring a wall or barrier to provide protection from the elements.
- To describe taking cover from a financial burden, Italians use the phrase mettersi al riparo dalle spese, which literally means putting oneself in shelter from expenses.
- While mettersi al riparo is general, Italians use the word rifugio to describe a specific type of mountain shelter used by hikers and skiers.
Examples in context
- Dovremmo metterci al riparo, sta per piovere!We should take cover, it's about to rain!
- Dobbiamo rifugiarci in quel locale, c'è una forte tempesta!We need to take cover in that establishment, there's a strong storm!
- Raggiungimi sotto il portico, così ci mettiamo all'asciutto!Join me under the porch, so we can take cover from the rain!
- Raggiungiamola nella sala interna, così ci mettiamo al riparo dai pericoli della folla.Let's join her in the indoor hall, so we can take cover from the dangers of the crowd.
- Piove molto. Dobbiamo metterci al riparo sotto quel grande albero.It's raining heavily, we should take cover under that big tree.
- C'è un tornado in arrivo! Dobbiamo rifugiarci nel seminterrato.There's a tornado coming! We need to take cover in the basement.
- Facciamo una pausa sotto il tetto del negozio. Ci mettiamo al riparo dai raggi del sole.Let's take a break under the shop's roof, we'll take cover from the sun's rays.
- Mettiti al riparo!Take cover!
- È meglio mettersi al riparo sotto l'albero.It is better to take cover under the tree.
Example conversation
Francesco and Martina are hiking when a storm begins.
- FrancescoGuarda quelle nuvole, sta per piovere!Look at those clouds, it's about to rain!
- MartinaDobbiamo mettersi al riparo sotto quell'albero.We need to take cover under that tree.
- FrancescoHai ragione, Martina, corriamo!You are right, Martina, let's run!
- MartinaSiamo al sicuro qui, Francesco.We are safe here, Francesco.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mettersi, riparo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
