mettere i bastoni tra le ruote

/ˈmettere i baˈstoni tra le ˈrɔte/◆idiom
to put a spoke in someone's wheel

Non vuole che io ottenga la promozione, continua a mettere i bastoni tra le ruote.

He doesn’t want me to get the promotion; he keeps putting a spoke in my wheel.

◆ What It Really Means
to deliberately obstruct or hinder someone’s plans or efforts
Literal Meaning
to place sticks between the spokes of a wheel to stop it from turning
Literal Breakdown
mettereto put+i bastonithe sticks+tra le ruotebetween the wheels
◇ Mental Image
A mental picture of sticks lodged between the spokes of a wagon wheel, preventing it from rotating and thus stopping its movement.
◈ When to Use
Imagine two colleagues competing for a promotion. One might 'mettere i bastoni tra le ruote' of the other by spreading rumors or withholding crucial information to sabotage their chances.
◉ Cultural Note
This idiom reflects Italy’s historical reliance on carts and wagons, where such sabotage would have been a practical method of obstruction. It highlights the cultural importance of metaphorical language in Italian communication.
informal

to deliberately obstruct or hinder someone’s plans or efforts

Il suo capo gli ha messo i bastoni tra le ruote ogni volta che ha cercato di avanzare nella carriera.

His boss put a spoke in his wheel every time he tried to advance in his career.

Non permetterò che mi mettano i bastoni tra le ruote durante questo progetto.

I won’t let anyone put a spoke in my wheel during this project.

Often used in professional or competitive contexts to describe sabotage or unfair interference.

Related Phrases

mettere il bastone tra le ruoteidiom
a shortened variant of the same idiom

Pro Tip

Contextual Usage

Use this idiom when someone is intentionally sabotaging another person’s efforts, especially in competitive or professional environments. Avoid using it for minor inconveniences.

Gold Rule

Idiom vs. Literal Meaning

Never interpret this phrase literally. It always refers to deliberate obstruction, not physical interference with wheels.

Word Origin

The phrase dates back to the 16th century and refers to the literal act of placing sticks (bastoni) between the spokes of a wheel to stop a cart or wagon from moving. Over time, it evolved into a metaphor for hindering progress.

Usage Notes

This idiom is commonly used in both personal and professional settings to describe deliberate obstruction. It carries a slightly negative connotation, implying malice or unfairness.

Word Breakdown

mettere
to put
verb
+
i bastoni
the sticks
noun
+
tra le ruote
between the wheels
prepositional phrase
Dizionario Italiano-Inglese