Italian Phrase
Mettilo a fiamma alta.
Meaning
Literally, 'Put it on high flame.' It is a cooking instruction telling someone to set the pot or pan over the highest heat setting.
When to use
Use this phrase in a kitchen when you want a dish to cook quickly, to bring a sauce to a rapid boil, or to sear meat. It is informal and typically spoken among family or friends.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Mettiloafiammaalta
Imperative (tu) of 'mettere'
The verb 'mettere' in the second‑person singular informal imperative drops the final -e, becoming 'metti'.
Clitic pronoun 'lo'
The direct object pronoun 'lo' (it) is attached to the imperative verb, forming 'mettilo'.
Preposition 'a' for setting a condition
When talking about cooking, 'a' introduces the manner or setting, e.g., 'a fuoco medio' or 'a fiamma alta'.
Noun phrase 'fiamma alta'
Literally 'high flame'; used to describe the highest heat setting on a stove.
🗨In Conversation
Mettilo a fiamma alta, così l’acqua bolle subito.
Put it on high flame, so the water boils right away.
Va bene, lo faccio subito.
Okay, I’ll do it right away.
✕Common Mistakes
Metti lo a fiamma alta.
The pronoun must be attached to the imperative verb; separate placement is incorrect.
Mettilo a fuoco alta.
The adjective must agree with the noun; 'fuoco' is masculine, so it should be 'alto'.
Mettilo a fiamma alta.
If you are speaking formally, use the polite imperative: 'Metta' + pronoun after the verb: 'Metta lo a fiamma alta' (or better, 'Lo metta a fiamma alta').
↔Alternatives
Portalo a fuoco alto.
Bring it to high heat.
Accendi il fuoco al massimo.
Turn the heat to maximum.
Metti la pentola sul fuoco più alto.
Place the pot on the highest heat.
Cultural Tip
In Italian kitchens, the word 'fiamma' is often used for gas stoves, while 'fuoco' can refer to both gas and electric burners. When speaking to older generations, 'fuoco' is more common. Also, Italians usually prefer medium heat for most sauces; using 'fiamma alta' is reserved for quick boiling or searing.