Communication
Tomar el pelo
Word for word„To take the hair”
MeaningTo tease or fool someone as a joke
How we say itTo pull someone's leg
Origin & usage: Used when someone jokes and tries to make you believe something untrue; its origin is uncertain.
Example
¿En serio has ganado la lotería o me estás tomando el pelo?
Did you really win the lottery or are you pulling my leg?
Communication
Dar en el clavo
Word for word„To hit on the nail”
MeaningTo be exactly right
How we say itTo hit the nail on the head
Origin & usage: The image is a hammer striking the nail squarely; said when someone gets something exactly right.
Example
Con ese comentario has dado en el clavo: el problema es la falta de tiempo.
You've hit the nail on the head with that comment: the problem is the lack of time.
Work & money
Costar un ojo de la cara
Word for word„To cost an eye of the face”
MeaningTo be extremely expensive
How we say itTo cost an arm and a leg
Origin & usage: Used for painfully high prices; the origin is uncertain, but the image is paying with part of your body.
Example
Este piso en el centro nos ha costado un ojo de la cara.
This flat in the city centre cost us an arm and a leg.
Everyday life
Estar en las nubes
Word for word„To be in the clouds”
MeaningTo be distracted or daydreaming
How we say itTo have one's head in the clouds
Origin & usage: Said of someone absent-minded or dreamy who isn't paying attention to what is going on.
Example
Perdona, no te he oído; estaba en las nubes.
Sorry, I didn't hear you; my head was in the clouds.
Everyday life
Meter la pata
Word for word„To put the paw in”
MeaningTo make an embarrassing blunder
How we say itTo put one's foot in it
Origin & usage: Used for clumsy, embarrassing mistakes, especially saying something tactless.
Example
Metí la pata al preguntarle por su exnovia delante de todos.
I put my foot in it when I asked him about his ex-girlfriend in front of everyone.
Everyday life
Tirar la toalla
Word for word„To throw the towel”
MeaningTo give up, admit defeat
How we say itTo throw in the towel
Origin & usage: From boxing, where a trainer throws a towel into the ring to concede the fight.
Example
El proyecto era difícil, pero no pienso tirar la toalla.
The project was hard, but I'm not going to throw in the towel.
Emotions
Ahogarse en un vaso de agua
Word for word„To drown in a glass of water”
MeaningTo panic over a minor problem
How we say itTo make a mountain out of a molehill
Origin & usage: Said of someone who gets overwhelmed or stuck because of trivial difficulties.
Example
No te ahogues en un vaso de agua; es solo un pequeño retraso.
Don't make a mountain out of a molehill; it's only a small delay.
Everyday life
Estar como pez en el agua
Word for word„To be like a fish in the water”
MeaningTo feel completely at ease
How we say itTo be in one's element
Origin & usage: Said of someone perfectly suited to a place or activity, like a fish in its natural habitat.
Example
Desde que empezó a trabajar en la radio, está como pez en el agua.
Since she started working in radio, she's been in her element.
Communication
Poner las cartas sobre la mesa
Word for word„To put the cards on the table”
MeaningTo speak openly, hiding nothing
How we say itTo lay one's cards on the table
Origin & usage: From card games, where you reveal your hand; used for honest talks and negotiations.
Example
Antes de firmar, pongamos las cartas sobre la mesa y hablemos claro.
Before we sign, let's lay our cards on the table and speak plainly.
Everyday life
Consultar con la almohada
Word for word„To consult with the pillow”
MeaningTo wait until the next day before deciding
How we say itTo sleep on it
Origin & usage: Used when someone wants to think calmly overnight before making a decision.
Example
No te decidas ahora; consúltalo con la almohada y mañana me dices.
Don't decide now; sleep on it and let me know tomorrow.
Everyday life
Hacer la vista gorda
Word for word„To make the fat view”
MeaningTo pretend not to see something
How we say itTo turn a blind eye
Origin & usage: Used when someone deliberately ignores a fault or a breach of the rules.
Example
El profesor hizo la vista gorda cuando vio que copiábamos.
The teacher turned a blind eye when he saw us copying.
Work & money
Estar sin blanca
Word for word„To be without a white”
MeaningTo have no money at all
How we say itTo be flat broke
Origin & usage: The 'blanca' was an old Spanish coin of very little value; having none means having nothing.
Example
No puedo salir este fin de semana; estoy sin blanca hasta que cobre.
I can't go out this weekend; I'm flat broke until payday.
Everyday life
Matar dos pájaros de un tiro
Word for word„To kill two birds with one shot”
MeaningTo achieve two things with a single action
How we say itTo kill two birds with one stone
Origin & usage: The image is a hunter bringing down two birds with a single shot; used to talk about efficiency.
Example
Si vas al centro, compra el regalo y recoge el paquete: así matas dos pájaros de un tiro.
If you're going into town, buy the present and pick up the parcel: that way you kill two birds with one stone.
Work & money
Dar gato por liebre
Word for word„To give cat for hare”
MeaningTo cheat someone with an inferior product
How we say itTo rip someone off
Origin & usage: It is said old inns served cat meat as hare; today it means any swindle, especially when buying something.
Example
En ese mercado te dan gato por liebre si no revisas bien lo que compras.
At that market they'll rip you off if you don't check what you're buying.
Communication
Irse por las ramas
Word for word„To go off along the branches”
MeaningTo stray from the main topic
How we say itTo beat around the bush
Origin & usage: The image is someone wandering onto the branches instead of staying on the trunk, the main point.
Example
Cuando le pregunté por el dinero, se fue por las ramas y no me contestó.
When I asked him about the money, he beat around the bush and didn't answer.
Everyday life
Ponerse las pilas
Word for word„To put one's batteries in”
MeaningTo get moving and start making a real effort
How we say itTo pull one's socks up
Origin & usage: A modern image: a device that springs to life once new batteries are put in.
Example
Si quieres aprobar en junio, tienes que ponerte las pilas ya.
If you want to pass in June, you need to pull your socks up now.
Luck & chance
Llover sobre mojado
Word for word„To rain on the wet”
MeaningOne misfortune comes on top of another
How we say itIt never rains but it pours
Origin & usage: Used when a problem or misfortune piles on top of others that already exist.
Example
Primero me despidieron y ahora se me ha roto el coche: llueve sobre mojado.
First I got fired and now my car has broken down: it never rains but it pours.
Emotions
Estar hasta las narices
Word for word„To be up to the nostrils”
MeaningTo be completely fed up
How we say itTo be fed up to the back teeth
Origin & usage: The image is a level rising up to your nose, the limit of what you can bear.
Example
Estoy hasta las narices de tanto ruido en la obra de al lado.
I'm fed up to the back teeth with all the noise from the building site next door.
Wisdom
Pedir peras al olmo
Word for word„To ask the elm for pears”
MeaningTo expect the impossible from someone
How we say itTo get blood from a stone
Origin & usage: Elm trees don't bear pears; said when you expect something that, by nature, someone cannot give.
Example
Esperar que él llegue puntual es pedir peras al olmo.
Expecting him to arrive on time is like trying to get blood from a stone.
Conflict
Echar leña al fuego
Word for word„To throw firewood on the fire”
MeaningTo make a conflict or tense situation worse
How we say itTo add fuel to the fire
Origin & usage: The image of a fire blazing higher when wood is added; used mostly for arguments.
Example
Sus comentarios en la reunión solo sirvieron para echar leña al fuego.
His comments at the meeting only added fuel to the fire.
Everyday life
Dormir a pierna suelta
Word for word„To sleep with a loose leg”
MeaningTo sleep deeply and peacefully
How we say itTo sleep like a log
Origin & usage: It evokes someone sleeping relaxed, legs stretched out, without a care in the world.
Example
Después de la excursión, los niños durmieron a pierna suelta toda la noche.
After the trip, the kids slept like logs all night.
Work & money
Tirar la casa por la ventana
Word for word„To throw the house out of the window”
MeaningTo spend lavishly on an occasion
How we say itTo push the boat out
Origin & usage: Used especially for parties and celebrations where people spend a great deal of money.
Example
Para la boda de su hija tiraron la casa por la ventana.
They really pushed the boat out for their daughter's wedding.
Communication
No tener pelos en la lengua
Word for word„Not to have hairs on one's tongue”
MeaningTo speak one's mind bluntly
How we say itNot to mince one's words
Origin & usage: Said of a very direct person who gives their opinion even if it bothers others.
Example
Mi abuela no tiene pelos en la lengua y siempre dice lo que piensa.
My grandmother doesn't mince her words and always says what she thinks.
Relationships
Ser uña y carne
Word for word„To be nail and flesh”
MeaningTo be inseparable, extremely close
How we say itTo be as thick as thieves
Origin & usage: The image of a nail joined to the flesh shows a bond that is very hard to break.
Example
Lucía y Marta son uña y carne desde el colegio.
Lucía and Marta have been as thick as thieves since school.
Luck & chance
Bailar con la más fea
Word for word„To dance with the ugliest one”
MeaningTo get the worst part of a situation
How we say itTo draw the short straw
Origin & usage: It evokes dances where someone ended up with the partner nobody chose; used for unpleasant tasks.
Example
Como soy el nuevo, me ha tocado bailar con la más fea y trabajar en Navidad.
As I'm the new guy, I drew the short straw and have to work at Christmas.
Wisdom
Buscarle tres pies al gato
Word for word„To look for three feet on the cat”
MeaningTo overcomplicate things or look for non-existent problems
How we say itTo split hairs
Origin & usage: The older form was 'five feet': a cat has four, so you seek what doesn't exist; said of people who overcomplicate things.
Example
No le busques tres pies al gato: el contrato está bien y podemos firmarlo.
Stop splitting hairs: the contract is fine and we can sign it.
Conflict
Cantar las cuarenta
Word for word„To sing the forty”
MeaningTo tell someone off bluntly
How we say itTo read someone the riot act
Origin & usage: From the card game tute: holding the king and knight of trumps lets you 'sing' forty points aloud.
Example
Cuando llegó tarde otra vez, su jefa le cantó las cuarenta.
When he was late again, his boss read him the riot act.
Wisdom
Empezar la casa por el tejado
Word for word„To start the house with the roof”
MeaningTo do things in the wrong order
How we say itTo put the cart before the horse
Origin & usage: No house is built from the roof down; said of someone who skips the basic steps.
Example
Comprar los muebles antes de tener piso es empezar la casa por el tejado.
Buying furniture before you have a flat is putting the cart before the horse.
Everyday life
En un abrir y cerrar de ojos
Word for word„In an opening and closing of eyes”
MeaningExtremely quickly, in an instant
How we say itIn the blink of an eye
Origin & usage: It compares the length of an action to a blink; used for things that happen very fast.
Example
Los niños se comieron la tarta en un abrir y cerrar de ojos.
The children ate the cake in the blink of an eye.
Everyday life
Estar chupado
Word for word„To be sucked”
MeaningTo be very easy
How we say itTo be a doddle
Origin & usage: A colloquial expression, very common in Spain, especially among young people, for simple tasks or exams.
Example
El examen de conducir está chupado si practicas un poco.
The driving test is a doddle if you practise a bit.
Emotions
Estar de mala leche
Word for word„To be of bad milk”
MeaningTo be in a bad mood
How we say itTo be in a foul mood
Origin & usage: Colloquial; 'mala leche' also means ill will, while 'estar de' marks a passing state.
Example
No le hables ahora, que está de mala leche desde la reunión.
Don't talk to him now; he's been in a foul mood since the meeting.
Emotions
Estar en el séptimo cielo
Word for word„To be in the seventh heaven”
MeaningTo be extremely happy
How we say itTo be on cloud nine
Origin & usage: In ancient cosmologies, the seventh heaven was the highest one, closest to God.
Example
Desde que le dieron la beca, está en el séptimo cielo.
Since she got the scholarship, she's been on cloud nine.
Communication
Hablar por los codos
Word for word„To talk through the elbows”
MeaningTo talk nonstop
How we say itTo talk the hind legs off a donkey
Origin & usage: Said, usually jokingly, of someone who never stops talking; the origin of the image is uncertain.
Example
Mi vecino habla por los codos; siempre llego tarde por su culpa.
My neighbour could talk the hind legs off a donkey; I'm always late because of him.
Wisdom
Hacer castillos en el aire
Word for word„To make castles in the air”
MeaningTo make unrealistic plans
How we say itTo build castles in the air
Origin & usage: A castle with no foundations cannot stand; said of dreams and plans with no real basis.
Example
Deja de hacer castillos en el aire y busca un trabajo de verdad.
Stop building castles in the air and find a real job.
Emotions
Importar un pimiento
Word for word„To matter a pepper”
MeaningNot to care at all
How we say itNot to give a damn
Origin & usage: The cheap, ordinary pepper stands for something worthless; variants include 'un pepino' or 'un rábano'.
Example
Me importa un pimiento lo que digan los demás.
I don't give a damn what other people say.
Communication
Irse de la lengua
Word for word„To go from the tongue”
MeaningTo reveal a secret carelessly
How we say itTo let the cat out of the bag
Origin & usage: Used when someone carelessly reveals something that was meant to stay secret.
Example
Era una sorpresa, pero mi hermano se fue de la lengua y ella ya lo sabe.
It was a surprise, but my brother let the cat out of the bag and she already knows.
Relationships
Llevarse como el perro y el gato
Word for word„To get along like the dog and the cat”
MeaningTo argue all the time
How we say itTo fight like cat and dog
Origin & usage: Dogs and cats are seen as natural enemies; said of people who are always quarrelling.
Example
Mis dos hermanos se llevan como el perro y el gato.
My two brothers fight like cat and dog.
Everyday life
No ver tres en un burro
Word for word„Not to see three on a donkey”
MeaningTo have very poor eyesight
How we say itTo be as blind as a bat
Origin & usage: Said jokingly: if you can't make out three people riding a donkey, your eyesight is very poor.
Example
Sin gafas no veo tres en un burro.
Without my glasses I'm as blind as a bat.
Conflict
Pagar los platos rotos
Word for word„To pay for the broken plates”
MeaningTo suffer for other people's mistakes
How we say itTo carry the can
Origin & usage: The image is of someone paying for dishes others broke; used when an innocent person takes the blame.
Example
Los jefes se equivocaron, pero los trabajadores pagaron los platos rotos.
The bosses made the mistakes, but the workers carried the can.
Conflict
Pillar con las manos en la masa
Word for word„To catch with the hands in the dough”
MeaningTo catch someone in the act
How we say itTo catch someone red-handed
Origin & usage: The image is of someone caught kneading dough, that is, right in the middle of the act.
Example
La pillaron con las manos en la masa cuando cogía galletas del armario.
They caught her red-handed taking biscuits from the cupboard.
Conflict
Poner el grito en el cielo
Word for word„To put the shout in the sky”
MeaningTo protest loudly and indignantly
How we say itTo hit the roof
Origin & usage: The image is a cry so loud it reaches the sky; used for noisy, indignant protests.
Example
Cuando vio la factura de la luz, puso el grito en el cielo.
When he saw the electricity bill, he hit the roof.
Communication
Poner los puntos sobre las íes
Word for word„To put the dots on the i's”
MeaningTo make something absolutely clear
How we say itTo spell it out
Origin & usage: From medieval handwriting: the dot was added to the 'i' so it wouldn't be confused with other strokes.
Example
Antes de empezar, quiero poner los puntos sobre las íes: aquí nadie trabaja gratis.
Before we start, let me spell it out: nobody here works for free.
Emotions
Quedarse de piedra
Word for word„To be left of stone”
MeaningTo be completely stunned
How we say itTo be gobsmacked
Origin & usage: The image is of someone so surprised they become as still as a statue.
Example
Me quedé de piedra cuando me dijo que se iba a vivir a Australia.
I was gobsmacked when she told me she was moving to Australia.
Everyday life
Quemarse las cejas
Word for word„To burn one's eyebrows”
MeaningTo study extremely hard
How we say itTo burn the midnight oil
Origin & usage: It evokes students reading by candlelight at night, so close they risked burning their eyebrows.
Example
Se quemó las cejas estudiando para las oposiciones.
He burned the midnight oil studying for the civil service exams.
Communication
Saber de buena tinta
Word for word„To know from good ink”
MeaningTo know from a reliable source
How we say itTo have it on good authority
Origin & usage: Used when information comes from a trustworthy source, often for news that isn't official yet.
Example
Sé de buena tinta que van a subir los precios en enero.
I have it on good authority that prices are going up in January.
Emotions
Sacar de quicio
Word for word„To take off the hinge”
MeaningTo irritate someone intensely
How we say itTo drive someone up the wall
Origin & usage: The 'quicio' is the part of the frame on which a door pivots; off it, the door no longer works.
Example
Su manera de masticar me saca de quicio.
The way he chews drives me up the wall.
Everyday life
Ser pan comido
Word for word„To be eaten bread”
MeaningTo be very easy
How we say itTo be a piece of cake
Origin & usage: Bread already eaten requires no more effort; said of very easy tasks.
Example
Para ella, resolver este crucigrama es pan comido.
For her, solving this crossword is a piece of cake.
Work & money
Tener la sartén por el mango
Word for word„To have the frying pan by the handle”
MeaningTo be in control of a situation
How we say itTo call the shots
Origin & usage: Whoever holds the pan by the handle decides what gets cooked and how; said of whoever holds the power.
Example
En esta negociación, ellos tienen la sartén por el mango.
In this negotiation, they're the ones calling the shots.
Everyday life
Ver las estrellas
Word for word„To see the stars”
MeaningTo feel intense pain
How we say itTo see stars
Origin & usage: It refers to the flashes you seem to see after a blow or a sharp pain.
Example
Me di un golpe en la rodilla con la mesa y vi las estrellas.
I banged my knee on the table and saw stars.
Luck & chance
Tener buena estrella
Word for word„To have a good star”
MeaningTo be lucky again and again
How we say itTo be born under a lucky star
Origin & usage: It comes from the old belief that the stars influence each person's destiny.
Example
Tiene buena estrella: siempre encuentra aparcamiento a la primera.
He was born under a lucky star: he always finds a parking space straight away.
Luck & chance
Tocar madera
Word for word„To touch wood”
MeaningA formula to ward off bad luck
How we say itTouch wood
Origin & usage: A widespread superstition: you touch wood after praising a situation so as not to tempt fate.
Example
Hasta ahora el negocio va bien, toquemos madera.
So far the business is going well, touch wood.
Luck & chance
Cruzar los dedos
Word for word„To cross the fingers”
MeaningTo hope something turns out well
How we say itTo keep one's fingers crossed
Origin & usage: A superstitious gesture to attract good luck; it is also used just as a phrase, without the gesture.
Example
Mañana tengo la entrevista; cruza los dedos por mí.
I've got the interview tomorrow; keep your fingers crossed for me.
Luck & chance
Salir el tiro por la culata
Word for word„For the shot to come out through the butt”
MeaningTo have the opposite effect to the one intended
How we say itTo backfire
Origin & usage: The image of a gun firing backwards at the shooter; said when a plan harms the person who made it.
Example
Quiso darle celos, pero le salió el tiro por la culata y ella lo dejó.
He tried to make her jealous, but it backfired and she left him.
Luck & chance
Salvarse por los pelos
Word for word„To be saved by the hairs”
MeaningTo escape danger at the last moment
How we say itTo escape by the skin of one's teeth
Origin & usage: A hair stands for a tiny distance; used when something bad was avoided at the very last moment.
Example
El coche frenó justo a tiempo: me salvé por los pelos.
The car braked just in time: I escaped by the skin of my teeth.
Luck & chance
A la tercera va la vencida
Word for word„At the third goes the defeated one”
MeaningThe third attempt will succeed
How we say itThird time lucky
Origin & usage: It expresses confidence that, after two failures, the third attempt will succeed.
Example
Suspendí el carné dos veces, pero a la tercera va la vencida.
I failed my driving test twice, but third time lucky.
Luck & chance
Llegar y besar el santo
Word for word„To arrive and kiss the saint”
MeaningTo succeed at the very first attempt
How we say itTo strike lucky first time
Origin & usage: It evokes the pilgrim who arrives and kisses the saint's image straight away, without queuing.
Example
Era su primera partida de póker y ganó: fue llegar y besar el santo.
It was his first poker game and he won: he struck lucky first time.
Luck & chance
Tener la negra
Word for word„To have the black one”
MeaningTo have one piece of bad luck after another
How we say itTo have a run of bad luck
Origin & usage: Colloquial; black is traditionally linked with bad luck, and the phrase is used for a series of mishaps.
Example
Esta semana tengo la negra: se me ha roto el móvil y he perdido las llaves.
I'm having a run of bad luck this week: my phone broke and I lost my keys.
Luck & chance
Caer de pie
Word for word„To fall standing”
MeaningTo come out of a difficult situation well
How we say itTo land on one's feet
Origin & usage: The image of a cat that always lands on its feet; said of someone who comes out of trouble well.
Example
Lo despidieron, pero cayó de pie: a la semana ya tenía un trabajo mejor.
He got fired, but he landed on his feet: within a week he had a better job.
Work & money
Tener enchufe
Word for word„To have a plug”
MeaningTo have connections that give you an advantage
How we say itTo have friends in high places
Origin & usage: 'Enchufe' (plug) suggests a direct connection to power; used mainly for favouritism in hiring.
Example
Consiguió el puesto porque tiene enchufe en la empresa.
He got the job because he has friends in high places at the company.
Work & money
Hacer el agosto
Word for word„To make the August”
MeaningTo earn a lot of money by seizing an opportunity
How we say itTo make a killing
Origin & usage: It comes from the August harvest, when farmers gathered their crops and earned the most.
Example
Con este calor, los vendedores de helados están haciendo el agosto.
With this heat, ice-cream sellers are making a killing.
Work & money
Apretarse el cinturón
Word for word„To tighten one's belt”
MeaningTo cut back on spending
How we say itTo tighten one's belt
Origin & usage: When you eat less, you have to tighten your belt; said of forced savings.
Example
Este mes nos toca apretarnos el cinturón porque han subido el alquiler.
This month we have to tighten our belts because the rent has gone up.
Work & money
Estar forrado
Word for word„To be lined”
MeaningTo be very rich
How we say itTo be loaded
Origin & usage: Colloquial: the person seems 'lined' with money, like a coat with its lining.
Example
Su tío está forrado: tiene tres casas y un yate.
His uncle is loaded: he has three houses and a yacht.
Work & money
Cortar el bacalao
Word for word„To cut the cod”
MeaningTo be the one in charge
How we say itTo rule the roost
Origin & usage: The origin is uncertain; said of the person who really holds the power in a group or organisation.
Example
En esta oficina, quien corta el bacalao es la directora financiera.
In this office, the finance director rules the roost.
Work & money
Ser el chocolate del loro
Word for word„To be the parrot's chocolate”
MeaningA trivial saving compared to the real expense
How we say itA drop in the ocean
Origin & usage: The story goes that a ruined family saved money by cutting the parrot's chocolate; it means a ridiculous saving.
Example
Ahorrar en bolígrafos es el chocolate del loro: el gran gasto es el alquiler.
Saving on pens is a drop in the ocean: the big expense is the rent.
Work & money
Estar en números rojos
Word for word„To be in red numbers”
MeaningTo be losing money or in debt
How we say itTo be in the red
Origin & usage: It comes from accounting, where negative balances were traditionally written in red ink.
Example
Después de tres meses sin clientes, la tienda está en números rojos.
After three months without customers, the shop is in the red.
Emotions
Estar hecho polvo
Word for word„To be made dust”
MeaningTo be exhausted or very low
How we say itTo be dead on one's feet
Origin & usage: The image of someone 'turned to dust'; used for extreme physical tiredness, but also for sadness.
Example
Después de la mudanza estoy hecho polvo.
After the move, I'm dead on my feet.
Emotions
Tener el corazón en un puño
Word for word„To have the heart in a fist”
MeaningTo be extremely anxious
How we say itTo have one's heart in one's mouth
Origin & usage: It evokes the feeling of a heart squeezed tight by fear or anxiety.
Example
Tuvimos el corazón en un puño hasta que el médico salió del quirófano.
Our hearts were in our mouths until the doctor came out of the operating theatre.
Emotions
Subirse por las paredes
Word for word„To climb up the walls”
MeaningTo be absolutely furious
How we say itTo be hopping mad
Origin & usage: The image of someone so angry they can't keep still and seem to climb the walls.
Example
Cuando se enteró de que le habían mentido, se subía por las paredes.
When he found out they'd lied to him, he was hopping mad.
Emotions
Llorar a moco tendido
Word for word„To cry with outstretched snot”
MeaningTo cry inconsolably
How we say itTo cry one's eyes out
Origin & usage: A colloquial, slightly crude image: you cry so hard that your nose runs.
Example
Con el final de la película, lloré a moco tendido.
At the end of the film, I cried my eyes out.
Communication
Correr la voz
Word for word„To run the voice”
MeaningFor news to spread by word of mouth
How we say itWord is going around
Origin & usage: The image of a voice passing quickly from one person to the next; used for rumours and news.
Example
Corre la voz de que van a cerrar la fábrica.
Word is going around that they're going to close the factory.
Communication
No decir ni pío
Word for word„Not to say even 'cheep'”
MeaningNot to say a single word
How we say itNot to utter a peep
Origin & usage: 'Pío' imitates a chick's cheep; not even making that sound means total silence.
Example
Estuvo toda la reunión sin decir ni pío.
He didn't utter a peep during the whole meeting.
Communication
Dejar con la palabra en la boca
Word for word„To leave with the word in the mouth”
MeaningTo interrupt someone or walk off while they're talking
How we say itTo cut someone short
Origin & usage: Used when someone abruptly interrupts or leaves without letting the other person finish, which is seen as rude.
Example
Estaba explicándole el problema y me dejó con la palabra en la boca.
I was explaining the problem to him and he cut me short.
Communication
Dar la lata
Word for word„To give the tin can”
MeaningTo pester someone
How we say itTo pester the life out of someone
Origin & usage: 'Lata' means tin can; said of someone who keeps bothering or insisting without a break.
Example
Mi hijo lleva toda la tarde dándome la lata para que le compre un móvil.
My son has been pestering the life out of me all afternoon to buy him a phone.
Communication
Ir al grano
Word for word„To go to the grain”
MeaningTo talk directly about what matters
How we say itTo cut to the chase
Origin & usage: The grain is the useful part, unlike the chaff; used to avoid digressions.
Example
Tenemos poco tiempo, así que vayamos al grano.
We don't have much time, so let's cut to the chase.
Relationships
Dar calabazas
Word for word„To give pumpkins”
MeaningTo turn down someone's romantic advances
How we say itTo give someone the brush-off
Origin & usage: It is often linked to an old belief that pumpkin dampened desire; today it's used mainly for romantic rejections.
Example
Le pidió salir a Laura, pero ella le dio calabazas.
He asked Laura out, but she gave him the brush-off.
Relationships
Estar colado por alguien
Word for word„To be strained for someone”
MeaningTo be head over heels for someone
How we say itTo have a crush on someone
Origin & usage: A colloquial expression, especially common among young people; its origin is uncertain.
Example
Está colado por su compañera de clase y no se atreve a decírselo.
He has a crush on his classmate and doesn't dare tell her.
Relationships
Ser la media naranja de alguien
Word for word„To be someone's half orange”
MeaningTo be someone's ideal partner
How we say itTo be someone's other half
Origin & usage: It evokes the idea, already found in Plato, that everyone seeks the half that completes them.
Example
Mi mujer es mi media naranja: nos entendemos sin hablar.
My wife is my other half: we understand each other without words.
Relationships
Poner los cuernos
Word for word„To put the horns”
MeaningTo be unfaithful to one's partner
How we say itTo cheat on someone
Origin & usage: Horns are an old symbol of the betrayed partner, found in many European cultures.
Example
Ella lo dejó cuando descubrió que le ponía los cuernos.
She left him when she found out he was cheating on her.
Relationships
Dar plantón
Word for word„To give a long standing wait”
MeaningNot to turn up for a date or meeting
How we say itTo stand someone up
Origin & usage: A 'plantón' is a long wait standing still, like a plant or a sentry, for someone who doesn't come.
Example
Quedamos a las ocho, pero me dio plantón y cené solo.
We arranged to meet at eight, but he stood me up and I had dinner alone.
Relationships
Ser el ojito derecho de alguien
Word for word„To be someone's little right eye”
MeaningTo be someone's favourite
How we say itTo be the apple of someone's eye
Origin & usage: The eye, especially the right one, symbolises something very precious; said of someone's favourite person.
Example
La nieta pequeña es el ojito derecho de su abuelo.
The youngest granddaughter is the apple of her grandfather's eye.
Relationships
Echar una mano
Word for word„To throw a hand”
MeaningTo help someone
How we say itTo give someone a hand
Origin & usage: The image of a hand held out to someone in need; a very common, friendly phrase.
Example
¿Me echas una mano con la mudanza el sábado?
Can you give me a hand with the move on Saturday?
Relationships
Caer gordo
Word for word„To fall fat”
MeaningTo find someone unpleasant
How we say itTo rub someone up the wrong way
Origin & usage: Colloquial; 'gordo' (fat) suggests something hard to digest, like overly heavy food.
Example
El nuevo jefe me cae gordo: es un creído.
The new boss rubs me up the wrong way: he's so full of himself.
Relationships
Arrimar el hombro
Word for word„To bring the shoulder close”
MeaningTo contribute to a shared effort
How we say itTo pitch in
Origin & usage: The image of people pushing a load together with their shoulders; used for teamwork.
Example
Si todos arrimamos el hombro, terminaremos la obra antes del verano.
If we all pitch in, we'll finish the work before summer.
Conflict
Ser la gota que colma el vaso
Word for word„To be the drop that fills the glass to the brim”
MeaningThe final thing that makes a situation unbearable
How we say itThe last straw
Origin & usage: The full glass stands for patience at its limit; one more drop makes it overflow.
Example
Llegó tarde otra vez, y eso fue la gota que colmó el vaso.
He was late again, and that was the last straw.
Conflict
Estar entre la espada y la pared
Word for word„To be between the sword and the wall”
MeaningTo face two equally bad options
How we say itTo be between a rock and a hard place
Origin & usage: It evokes someone cornered: the sword in front, the wall behind, and no way out.
Example
Si acepto, pierdo a mi socio; si no, pierdo el contrato: estoy entre la espada y la pared.
If I accept, I lose my partner; if I don't, I lose the contract: I'm between a rock and a hard place.
Conflict
Buscarle las cosquillas a alguien
Word for word„To look for someone's tickles”
MeaningTo provoke someone on purpose
How we say itTo wind someone up
Origin & usage: The image of someone tickling another person until they get annoyed; said of deliberate provocation.
Example
Deja de buscarle las cosquillas a tu hermano, que al final se va a enfadar.
Stop winding your brother up, or he'll end up getting angry.
Conflict
Hacer las paces
Word for word„To make the peaces”
MeaningTo make up after a quarrel
How we say itTo bury the hatchet
Origin & usage: Used for reconciliations between friends, couples or relatives; the plural 'paces' is fixed in this phrase.
Example
Después de la discusión, los dos amigos hicieron las paces con un abrazo.
After the argument, the two friends buried the hatchet with a hug.
Word for word„To throw in the face”
MeaningTo reproach someone for a mistake or a past favour
How we say itTo throw something back in someone's face
Origin & usage: Used when someone reproachfully brings up an old mistake or a favour they once did.
Example
Siempre me echa en cara que olvidé su cumpleaños hace tres años.
She's always throwing it back in my face that I forgot her birthday three years ago.
Conflict
Lavarse las manos
Word for word„To wash one's hands”
MeaningTo refuse any responsibility
How we say itTo wash one's hands of something
Origin & usage: From the Gospels: Pontius Pilate washed his hands to show he was not responsible for Jesus's death.
Example
El director se lavó las manos y dejó que el equipo cargara con el error.
The director washed his hands of it and let the team take the blame for the mistake.
Wisdom
Más vale tarde que nunca
Word for word„More is worth late than never”
MeaningIt's better to do something late than not at all
How we say itBetter late than never
Origin & usage: A very old proverb with equivalents in many languages; said when something good comes late.
Example
Por fin has terminado la carrera; más vale tarde que nunca.
You've finally finished your degree; better late than never.
Wisdom
No hay mal que por bien no venga
Word for word„There is no bad that doesn't come for good”
MeaningEvery misfortune can bring something good
How we say itEvery cloud has a silver lining
Origin & usage: A proverb of consolation: said when a setback ends up having good consequences.
Example
Perdí el tren, pero conocí a mi mujer en la estación: no hay mal que por bien no venga.
I missed the train, but I met my wife at the station: every cloud has a silver lining.
Wisdom
Dime con quién andas y te diré quién eres
Word for word„Tell me who you walk with and I'll tell you who you are”
MeaningPeople are judged by the company they keep
How we say itA man is known by the company he keeps
Origin & usage: A very old saying: our friends and companions reflect our character and values.
Example
Desde que sale con esa pandilla ha cambiado mucho: dime con quién andas y te diré quién eres.
Since he started hanging around with that gang, he's changed a lot: a man is known by the company he keeps.
Wisdom
En casa del herrero, cuchillo de palo
Word for word„In the blacksmith's house, a wooden knife”
MeaningSomething is missing exactly where it should be most plentiful
How we say itThe shoemaker's children go barefoot
Origin & usage: A saying about the paradox of lacking something exactly where the household trade should provide it.
Example
Mi padre es dentista y yo tengo caries: en casa del herrero, cuchillo de palo.
My father is a dentist and I have cavities: the shoemaker's children go barefoot.
Wisdom
Perro ladrador, poco mordedor
Word for word„Barking dog, little biter”
MeaningThose who threaten a lot rarely act
How we say itBarking dogs seldom bite
Origin & usage: A saying based on the observation that the dogs that bark most often bite least.
Example
No te preocupes por sus amenazas: perro ladrador, poco mordedor.
Don't worry about his threats: barking dogs seldom bite.
Wisdom
A caballo regalado no se le mira el diente
Word for word„To a gifted horse, one doesn't look at the tooth”
MeaningDon't criticise what you get for free
How we say itDon't look a gift horse in the mouth
Origin & usage: A horse's age is judged by its teeth; doing that with a horse you were given would be rude.
Example
El móvil que me dio mi primo es viejo, pero a caballo regalado no se le mira el diente.
The phone my cousin gave me is old, but don't look a gift horse in the mouth.
Wisdom
Meterse en camisa de once varas
Word for word„To get into an eleven-yard shirt”
MeaningTo get involved in something complicated or none of your business
How we say itTo stick one's nose into something
Origin & usage: The 'vara' was an old unit of length (about 84 cm); a shirt that long would be impossible to wear.
Example
No te metas en camisa de once varas: ese asunto no es cosa tuya.
Don't stick your nose into it: that matter is none of your business.
Wisdom
A buenas horas, mangas verdes
Word for word„At good hours, green sleeves”
MeaningHelp arrives too late to be of any use
How we say itToo little, too late
Origin & usage: It is attributed to the Santa Hermandad patrols, who wore green sleeves and were said to arrive too late.
Example
¿Ahora me ofreces ayuda, cuando ya he terminado? ¡A buenas horas, mangas verdes!
You're offering to help now, when I've already finished? Too little, too late!
Wisdom
Más vale pájaro en mano que ciento volando
Word for word„A bird in hand is worth more than a hundred flying”
MeaningSomething certain is better than many uncertain things
How we say itA bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
Origin & usage: A saying that urges caution: don't give up what you're sure of for uncertain promises.
Example
Me ofrecen un contrato fijo aquí y no voy a esperar otras ofertas: más vale pájaro en mano que ciento volando.
I've been offered a permanent contract here and I won't wait for other offers: a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
Everyday life
Estar como una cabra
Word for word„To be like a goat”
MeaningTo be crazy or very eccentric
How we say itTo be as mad as a hatter
Origin & usage: Inspired by the unpredictable behaviour of goats, which leap about everywhere; said humorously.
Example
Mi tío está como una cabra: se baña en el mar en pleno enero.
My uncle is as mad as a hatter: he swims in the sea in the middle of January.
Everyday life
Quedarse en blanco
Word for word„To be left in white”
MeaningTo suddenly forget everything
How we say itOne's mind goes blank
Origin & usage: The image of a blank page: the mind holds nothing; said especially of exams and speeches.
Example
Estudié mucho, pero en el examen me quedé en blanco.
I studied a lot, but in the exam my mind went blank.
No idioms found.