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mettere i bastoni tra le ruote

/ˈmet.te.re i ˈba.sto.ni tra le ˈrwo.te/
idiom★Intermediate◆idiom
informal

To put obstacles in someone's way; to hinder or obstruct someone's progress

Ha messo i bastoni tra le ruote al mio progetto.

He put obstacles in the way of my project.

Non voglio metterti i bastoni tra le ruote, ma devi considerare i rischi.

I don't want to hinder you, but you should consider the risks.

💡

This idiom is commonly used to describe intentional or unintentional obstruction of someone's plans or actions.

Collocations

mettere i bastoni tra le ruote a qualcunoto put obstacles in someone's way

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

mettere il bastone tra le ruoteidiom
to put a stick in the wheels (less common variant)

💡Pro Tip

Usage Tip

This idiom is often used in both professional and casual contexts to describe intentional or unintentional obstruction.

⚡Gold Rule

Literal vs. Figurative

The literal meaning involves physical obstruction, but the idiom is almost always used figuratively to describe hindrances in plans or actions.

📖Word Origin

The expression likely originates from the literal act of placing sticks (bastoni) between the wheels (ruote) of a vehicle to prevent it from moving, symbolizing obstruction.

📝Usage Notes

This idiom is informal and commonly used in everyday conversation to describe hindrances or obstacles.

Word Breakdown

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

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