What Does "Fare il bello e il cattivo tempo" Mean: Meaning and Origin

Do you really want to speak like a native Italian? Then it's key to know Italian idiomatic expressions. Today we'll discover a very common expression: "Fare il bello e il cattivo tempo". This phrase, seemingly simple, hides a deeper meaning related to power and control. Learning Italian also includes understanding these cultural nuances. In this article, we'll explore the meaning of "Fare il bello e il cattivo tempo", its curious origin, and how to use it correctly to enrich your advanced vocabulary. Get ready to use this expression in real life!

Table of Contents

• What does “Fare il bello e il cattivo tempo” mean?
• When and how to use “Fare il bello e il cattivo tempo”
• Real examples with “Fare il bello e il cattivo tempo”
• Other related expressions
• Conclusion

What does “Fare il bello e il cattivo tempo” mean?

• Exercising absolute power or having total control over a situation or people.
• Deciding autonomously and without consultation, influencing events as one pleases.
• Indicates unquestioned authority and the possibility to act freely without obstacles, setting the rules and conditions.

Origin of the expression

This expression has ancient roots, probably tied to the image of a deity or ruler who had the power to influence the weather. The "good" and "bad weather" metaphorically represent favorable and unfavorable conditions. The one who makes "il bello e il cattivo tempo" is the person who, like nature, can alter reality at will, bringing both benefits and difficulties. This expression reflects how "weather" (atmospheric), in Italian popular culture, is often associated with the idea of control and free will, as well described by the Treccani dictionary.

More: Essere travolti da un ciclone and What It Means in English

When and how to use “Fare il bello e il cattivo tempo”

• Who uses it? Mainly adults. It's a common expression in the Italian language and doesn't have particular regional restrictions.
• Contexts? Widely used in the workplace to describe a boss or colleague with great power. Also used in the family for parents or spoiled children, or among friends to indicate who leads in a group. It's among common Italian expressions to describe power dynamics. If you want to learn more about how power verbs influence sentence construction, check out our guide on direct and indirect pronouns in Italian.
• Tone? Usually a descriptive tone, sometimes with a critical or disapproving nuance, especially if power is used arbitrarily. It can also be used jokingly.

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Real examples with “Fare il bello e il cattivo tempo”

• 📍 Context (workplace)

  • Person A: "Who makes the final decisions on this project?"
  • Person B: "Well, the marketing director. By now in the office he does il bello e il cattivo tempo."

• 📍 Context (family)

  • Person A: "My five-year-old niece is a whirlwind, I don't understand how her parents manage her."
  • Person B: "Ah, she does il bello e il cattivo tempo at home, no one ever says no to her."

• 📍 Context (social)

  • Person A: "I heard the new president changed all the rules."
  • Person B: "Yes, since he arrived, he does il bello e il cattivo tempo without consulting anyone."

• 📍 Context (politics)

  • Person A: "It seems that politician controls everything in the region."
  • Person B: "Sure, in that party he's the one who does il bello e il cattivo tempo."

More: Vivere sotto una nuvola Meaning, Origin, and How to Use It

Other related expressions

Conclusion

"Fare il bello e il cattivo tempo" is a vivid expression describing someone who holds absolute power. Using it will help you speak like a native, better understanding Italian culture.

Have you ever met someone who "fa il bello e il cattivo tempo"? Share your story in the comments! We would love to read your examples.