Rule reminder
At advanced level, idioms reveal as much about the SPEAKER as about the situation. Why does a speaker choose an idiom over a literal phrase? Often because idioms carry emotional distance (understatement), solidarity (shared cultural references), humor, or criticism. Analyze the full social context, not just the meaning.
Sofia: 'Perché stai lavorando così tardi? Sono le due di notte!' Enrico: 'Devo consegnare questo domani mattina. Sto sudando sette camicie.' Sofia: 'Mettici tutta — ce la farai!' What is the relationship between the two idioms Sofia and Enrico use?