B2 — Upper Intermediate❤️ Love & Family
Essere in balia di qualcuno
To be at someone's mercy
Literal Translation
"To be at the mercy of someone"
What it means
To be at someone's mercy; to be dominated by a partner. Used when someone is so in love or so dominated that they have lost their independence. Can imply admiration, concern, or criticism depending on context.
Example in context
"È completamente in balia di lei — fa tutto quello che lei vuole."
"He is completely at her mercy — he does everything she wants."
Want to practice Italian?
Take a free placement test and start with grammar exercises.