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essere un accessorio
/ˈɛs.se.re uˈn at.t͡ʃesˈsɔ.rjo/
to be an accessory
Nel caso di furto, lui è stato solo un accessorio.
In the case of theft, he was just an accessory.
Law
legal
To be a secondary participant in a crime, often by aiding or abetting the main perpetrator.
L'avvocato ha sostenuto che il cliente era solo un accessorio nel reato.
The lawyer argued that the client was merely an accessory to the crime.
Essere un accessorio in questa situazione significa condividere la responsabilità.
Being an accessory in this situation means sharing the responsibility.
In legal contexts, this phrase specifically refers to involvement in a crime without being the principal offender.
general
To be a secondary or minor element in a broader context, often implying a lack of importance.
In questo progetto, la tua opinione è solo un accessorio.
In this project, your opinion is just an accessory.
Questa funzione è un accessorio, non essenziale al funzionamento.
This feature is an accessory, not essential to the operation.
Used metaphorically to describe something that is supplementary rather than central.
Collocations
essere un accessorio a un reatoto be an accessory to a crimefungere da accessorioto act as an accessory
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Legal Context
In Italian law, being an 'accessorio' to a crime involves aiding or abetting, which can carry significant legal consequences. Always clarify the context when using this phrase.
Gold Rule
Avoid Literal Translation
Do not translate 'accessorio' as 'accessory' in the sense of fashion or computer hardware unless the context clearly supports it.
Word Origin
The phrase combines the Italian verb 'essere' (to be) with 'accessorio' (accessory), derived from Latin 'accessorius' meaning 'additional' or 'subsidiary'. The legal sense of 'accessory' in crime dates back to medieval Italian law.
Usage Notes
In legal contexts, 'accessorio' is a fixed term with specific implications. Outside of law, it can be used metaphorically to describe something of minor importance.
Word Breakdown
essere
to be
verbun accessorio
an accessory
noun phraseDizionario Italiano-Inglese