in gamba
capable, competent, on the ball
Intermediate Phrase
🔊
Pronunciation
/in ˈɡamba/
💡
Cultural Note
'In gamba' literally means 'on one's legs' — standing firm and capable. It's one of the warmest compliments you can receive in Italian, implying that someone is reliable, smart, and effective. It's particularly common as praise for young people and is a compliment that encompasses both intelligence and practical ability.
📝 Example Sentences
Il tuo avvocato è davvero in gamba.
Your lawyer is really competent.
Per la sua età, è una ragazza molto in gamba.
For her age, she's a very capable girl.
Abbiamo bisogno di persone in gamba come te.
We need capable people like you.