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PhrasesAgreeing and DisagreeingLasciami dire una cosa: non funzionerà.
B1informal

Lasciami dire una cosa: non funzionerà.

Let me say one thing: it won't work.

Pronunciation

'Lasciami dire' — LA-scia-mi DI-re. 'Lasciami' is the imperative — 'let me'. Stress on both first syllables.

When to use it

Use when you want to clearly signal that you have a firm opinion to voice — often against the prevailing view. The introductory 'lasciami dire una cosa' prepares the listener for a direct statement.

What it means

'Lasciami dire' (let me say) requests space to speak. 'Una cosa' (one thing) implies conciseness and precision — you have one specific point to make. Then comes the direct disagreement. This structure is clear, confident, and slightly dramatic.

Variations

Te lo dico chiaro e tondo: mi sembra sbagliato.

I'll tell you straight out: it seems wrong to me.

'Chiaro e tondo' (clear and round = plainly and bluntly) — famous Italian phrase for directness

Voglio essere onesto/a: ho i miei dubbi.

I want to be honest: I have my doubts.

Announces frankness before expressing doubt — prepares listener for candour

Non te lo dico per farti dispiacere, ma sbaglia.

I'm not telling you to upset you, but he/she is wrong.

Softens the blow while still delivering honest disagreement

Mini Dialogue

— Sembra tutti entusiasti del piano. — Lasciami dire una cosa: non funzionerà. Ho visto piani simili fallire. — Sei troppo pessimista. — Forse. Ma l'esperienza insegna.

— Everyone seems enthusiastic about the plan. — Let me say one thing: it won't work. I've seen similar plans fail. — You're too pessimistic. — Maybe. But experience teaches.

Cultural Note

'L'esperienza insegna' (experience teaches) is a common Italian appeal to practical wisdom over theoretical enthusiasm. Older or more experienced Italians regularly invoke their experience as a counterweight to younger enthusiasm — and it's often effective.