avere la faccia tosta
Ha avuto la faccia tosta di chiedermi soldi dopo che gli ho già dato mille euro!
He had the nerve to ask me for money after I already gave him a thousand euros!
to be extremely bold or shameless, often in a way that is considered rude or inappropriate
Marco ha la faccia tosta di arrivare in ritardo e poi chiedere perché il meeting è finito tardi!
Marco has the nerve to arrive late and then ask why the meeting ran late!
Non posso credere che tu abbia la faccia tosta di dire una cosa del genere a tua madre!
I can't believe you have the nerve to say something like that to your mother!
Often used to criticize someone's lack of shame or respect in a given situation.
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Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Context matters
Use 'avere la faccia tosta' when someone acts in a way that shows no shame or respect, often in a negative context. It’s stronger than 'avere il coraggio di' and implies rudeness.
Gold Rule
Avoid in formal writing
This idiom is highly informal and should be avoided in formal or professional contexts. Use alternatives like 'essere sfacciato' or 'avere il coraggio di' instead.
Word Origin
The phrase combines 'avere' (to have), 'faccia' (face), and 'tosta' (hardened/tough). 'Faccia tosta' literally means 'hard face,' metaphorically implying someone who is unashamed or brazen.
Usage Notes
This idiom is informal and often used in spoken Italian to express disapproval. It can be softened or strengthened by tone and context. The phrase 'faccia tosta' alone can also be used as a noun to describe someone with this trait.