la stoffa

cloth; fabric; the right stuff, the necessary qualities, the fabric

→ il

phrase Rare #34,665

cloth; fabric; the right stuff, the necessary qualities Literally means cloth or fabric. In figurative uses, especially in expressions like avere la stoffa, it means to have what it takes or the right qualities for a role or task.

IT: La stoffa nera assorbe la luce.

EN: Black cloth absorbs light.

Ho sempre pensato di avere la stoffa per fare l'artista.

I’ve always thought I had what it takes to be an artist.

— Return to Silent Hill (2026)

La stoffa nera assorbe la luce.

Black fabric absorbs light.

Perché loro sono tutti bravi, ma lui ha la stoffa del genio.

Because they're all good, but he has the makings of a genius.

— Quasi famosi (2000)

Avete davvero la stoffa?

Do you really have what it takes?

— War Machine (2026)

La mia opinione personale, cara, è che non ha la stoffa adatta.

My personal opinion, dear, is that he doesn't have the right stuff.

— Wicked (2024)

Non credo tu abbia la stoffa.

I don’t think you have what it takes.

— Send Help (2026)

phrase Rare #37,589

the fabric Refers to cloth or textile material, especially material used for making clothes. The feminine article la is used before stoffa, which begins with a consonant.

IT: Il sarto taglia la stoffa.

EN: The tailor cuts the fabric.

A mio marito è piaciuta molto la stoffa che gli ho comprato.

My husband really liked the fabric I bought him.

— Lussuria - Seduzione e tradimento (2007)

Il sarto taglia la stoffa della taglia giusta.

The tailor cuts the fabric to the right size.

E la stoffa?

And the fabric?

— Il mio amico Ivan Lapshin (1985)

Che c'è, non ti piace la stoffa, Armonica?

What’s wrong, don’t you like the fabric, Harmonica?

— C'era una volta il West (1968)

Il sarto taglia la stoffa.

The tailor cuts the fabric.