partire in quarta
Lemma: partire in quarta
Translation: to start with a bang; to get off to a flying start; to start at full speed; to go full throttle (idiom)
Etymology: This Italian idiom comes from automotive terminology. 'Partire' means 'to leave/start' and 'quarta' refers to the fourth gear in a manual transmission vehicle. The expression literally means 'to start in fourth gear', which would cause a car to accelerate very quickly (skipping the lower gears). It metaphorically describes beginning something with great energy, enthusiasm or at full speed.
Example Usage
Dopo aver vinto la prima gara, la squadra è partita in quarta nel campionato.
After winning the first match, the team got off to a flying start in the championship.
Non appena ha sentito l'idea, è partito in quarta con il progetto senza nemmeno fare un piano.
As soon as he heard the idea, he started the project with a bang without even making a plan.
La nuova azienda è partita in quarta e ha già ottenuto ottimi risultati.
The new company started at full speed and has already achieved excellent results.
Mnemonics
- Think of a race car starting directly in fourth gear - it would shoot forward with tremendous speed.
- Imagine someone 'quartering' (dividing into four parts) the normal startup time by beginning at maximum effort.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This expression is commonly used in everyday Italian conversation to describe someone who begins a project, relationship, or activity with great enthusiasm and energy. It reflects the Italian appreciation for passion and vigor in undertakings.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'partire in quarta' means to start something with great enthusiasm, 'partire per la quarta' would literally mean 'to leave for the fourth (place)' and is not an established idiom.
Confused word:
È partito per la quarta destinazione del suo viaggio.
He left for the fourth destination of his journey.
Notes: The preposition makes all the difference: 'in' relates to the state or condition, while 'per' indicates direction or destination.
Mnemonic: 'In quarta' refers to the gear (enthusiasm), while 'per la quarta' would refer to a destination.
Explanation: Both expressions indicate an enthusiastic start, but 'partire in quarta' specifically emphasizes speed and immediate full effort, while 'partire alla grande' emphasizes starting in an impressive or grand manner.
Confused word:
La festa è partita alla grande con fuochi d'artificio e musica dal vivo.
The party started in a big way with fireworks and live music.
Notes: Both are positive expressions about beginnings, but with slightly different emphasis.
Mnemonic: Think of 'in quarta' as the speed (fourth gear) and 'alla grande' as the style (grandly).