Italian Phrase
Sta per succedere qualcosa di grosso?
Meaning
Literally, 'Something big is about to happen.' It conveys anticipation of an important or exciting event that is imminent.
When to use
Use this phrase when you sense a major development is about to unfold—whether it's news, a personal surprise, or a public event. It works well in informal conversation, social media teasers, or when building suspense.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Stapersuccederequalcosadigrosso?
Stare + per + infinitive
This construction expresses an action that is about to happen very soon, similar to English 'to be about to'.
Succedere
An intransitive verb meaning 'to happen'. It does not take a direct object; the event itself is the subject.
Qualcosa di + adjective
After indefinite pronouns like 'qualcosa', use 'di' to link an adjective, e.g., 'qualcosa di grande', 'qualcosa di interessante'.
Grosso (adjective)
Literally 'big', but colloquially used to mean 'important' or 'significant' when referring to events.
🗨In Conversation
Hai sentito? Sta per succedere qualcosa di grosso!
Did you hear? Something big is about to happen!
Davvero? Non vedo l'ora di scoprirlo!
Really? I can't wait to find out!
✕Common Mistakes
Sta per succedere a qualcosa di grosso.
‘Succedere’ is intransitive; you don’t add ‘a’ before the event.
È per succedere qualcosa di grosso.
Use ‘stare’ for the near‑future construction, not ‘essere’.
Sta per succedere qualcosa grosso?
When linking an adjective after ‘qualcosa’, you need ‘di’.
↔Alternatives
Sta per succedere qualcosa di importante?
Something important is about to happen.
Si avvicina un evento di grande portata.
A large‑scale event is approaching.
Presto arriverà una notizia di rilievo.
Soon a noteworthy news will arrive.
Cultural Tip
In Italian media, 'qualcosa di grosso' is often used as a teaser to spark curiosity without revealing details. In formal writing you might prefer 'qualcosa di importante' or 'un evento di grande rilevanza' to avoid the colloquial tone of 'grosso'. Also, the phrase is commonly heard in TV promos, sports commentary, and among friends when a surprise is imminent.