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essere nero
/ˈɛs.se.re ˈne.ro/◆idiom
to be very angry
Era nero per il ritardo del treno.
He was furious about the train's delay.
informal
To be extremely angry or furious, often to the point of losing control.
Quando ha saputo della bugia, è diventato nero.
When he found out about the lie, he became furious.
Non essere nero con me, ho fatto del mio meglio!
Don't be angry with me, I did my best!
This expression is commonly used in informal contexts to describe intense anger, often with a sense of frustration or helplessness.
Collocations
essere nero di rabbiato be black with angeressere nero come la peceto be as black as pitch
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Cultural Context
In Italian culture, the color black is often associated with strong negative emotions, which is why 'essere nero' is used to describe intense anger.
Gold Rule
Usage
This phrase is informal and should be used carefully in formal or professional settings.
Word Origin
The phrase likely originates from the association of the color black with anger, darkness, and negativity in Italian culture.
Usage Notes
This idiom is widely used in everyday Italian to express strong anger, often in situations where someone feels wronged or frustrated.
Word Breakdown
essere
to be
verbnero
black
adjectiveDizionario Italiano-Inglese