Spanish C1 — Idioms & Figurative Language Official
250 advanced Spanish idioms and figurative expressions (CEFR C1). Proverbs, colloquial expressions, metaphors, wordplay, and culturally-rooted phrases with example sentences.
CEFR C1 — Advanced
At this level you can use language flexibly, understand implicit meaning, work in target language. Vocabulary: ~6,000 words (cumulative).
Spanish → English250 words~25 days at 10 words/day0 downloadsC1
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Con tu comentario sobre el problema, diste en el clavo.
With your comment about the problem, you hit the nail on the head.
Preterite 'diste' (2nd sg of dar, irregular). 'En el clavo' = fixed prepositional phrase. 'Con + noun' for instrument/means.
andar con pies de plomo
to tread carefully / to proceed with caution
En las negociaciones hay que andar con pies de plomo.
In negotiations, you have to tread carefully.
'Hay que + infinitive' for impersonal obligation. 'Con pies de plomo' = fixed adverbial phrase modifying the verb. 'En las negociaciones' = locative 'en + article + noun'.
no tener pelos en la lengua
to not mince words / to speak bluntly
Mi abuela no tiene pelos en la lengua y siempre dice lo que piensa.
My grandmother doesn't mince words and always says what she thinks.
Present 'tiene' (3rd sg of tener). Negation 'no' before verb. 'Pelos en la lengua' = fixed idiom functioning as direct object. Coordinated clause with 'y siempre dice'.
estar en las nubes
to have one's head in the clouds
No me escuchaste nada; estabas en las nubes.
You didn't hear anything I said; you had your head in the clouds.
Imperfect 'estabas' (2nd sg of estar) for ongoing past state. Preterite 'escuchaste' for completed action with negation. 'En las nubes' = fixed locative phrase.
meter la pata
to put one's foot in it / to blunder
Metiste la pata al mencionar su ex en la cena.
You put your foot in it by mentioning her ex at dinner.
Preterite 'metiste' (2nd sg of meter). 'La pata' = fixed direct object. 'Al + infinitive' (al mencionar) = temporal construction meaning 'upon doing'.
quedarse de piedra
to be stunned / to be left speechless
Me quedé de piedra cuando anunciaron su dimisión.
I was stunned when they announced his resignation.
Después de cinco intentos fallidos, decidió tirar la toalla.
After five failed attempts, he decided to throw in the towel.
Preterite 'decidió' (3rd sg of decidir) + infinitive 'tirar'. 'La toalla' = fixed direct object. 'Después de + noun' for temporal sequencing.
ir al grano
to get to the point
Deja de dar rodeos y ve al grano.
Stop beating around the bush and get to the point.
Imperative 've' (2nd sg of ir, irregular). 'Al grano' = fixed prepositional phrase (a + el contracted). 'Deja de + infinitive' for cessation.
ponerse las pilas
to get one's act together / to buckle down
Si no te pones las pilas, vas a suspender el examen.
If you don't get your act together, you're going to fail the exam.
Reflexive present 'te pones' (2nd sg of ponerse) in 'si' conditional clause. 'Las pilas' = fixed direct object. 'Vas a + infinitive' for near future.
dar la vuelta a la tortilla
to turn the tables
Perdían por tres goles, pero dieron la vuelta a la tortilla en el segundo tiempo.
They were losing by three goals, but they turned the tables in the second half.
Preterite 'dieron' (3rd pl of dar, irregular). 'La vuelta a la tortilla' = fixed verbal phrase with prepositional complement. 'En el segundo tiempo' = temporal locative.
no dar abasto
to be unable to cope / to be overwhelmed
Con tantos pedidos, la fábrica no da abasto.
With so many orders, the factory can't cope.
Present 'da' (3rd sg of dar) with negation. 'Abasto' = fixed noun complement (no article). 'Con tantos pedidos' = causal 'con + adjective + noun'.
costar un ojo de la cara
to cost an arm and a leg
El alquiler en el centro cuesta un ojo de la cara.
Rent in the city center costs an arm and a leg.
Present 'cuesta' (3rd sg of costar, o→ue stem-change). 'Un ojo de la cara' = fixed direct object phrase. 'En el centro' = locative prepositional phrase.
tomar el pelo
to pull someone's leg / to kid someone
No me lo creo, me estás tomando el pelo.
I don't believe it, you're pulling my leg.
Periphrastic present 'estás tomando' (progressive). Reflexive 'me' = indirect object (person being teased). 'El pelo' = fixed direct object in idiom.
echar leña al fuego
to add fuel to the fire
Sus comentarios solo echaron leña al fuego de la discusión.
His comments only added fuel to the fire of the argument.
Preterite 'echaron' (3rd pl of echar). 'Leña al fuego' = fixed phrase with contracted 'al'. Adverb 'solo' modifies the verb. 'De la discusión' = partitive genitive.
estar entre la espada y la pared
to be between a rock and a hard place
Estoy entre la espada y la pared: si acepto, pierdo tiempo; si rechazo, pierdo dinero.
I'm between a rock and a hard place: if I accept, I lose time; if I refuse, I lose money.
Present 'estoy' (1st sg of estar). 'Entre la espada y la pared' = fixed prepositional phrase. Conditional 'si + present' with parallel structure 'si acepto... si rechazo'.
no tener vuelta de hoja
to be indisputable / to be clear-cut
Los datos son claros; esto no tiene vuelta de hoja.
The data is clear; this is indisputable.
Present 'tiene' (3rd sg of tener) with negation. 'Vuelta de hoja' = fixed noun phrase as direct object. 'Los datos son claros' = copulative 'ser + adjective'.
hacer de tripas corazón
to pluck up courage / to put on a brave face
Hizo de tripas corazón y subió al escenario a pesar del pánico.
She plucked up courage and went onstage despite the panic.
Preterite 'hizo' (3rd sg of hacer, irregular). 'De tripas corazón' = fixed complement. 'A pesar del pánico' = concessive prepositional phrase with contracted 'del'.
dar gato por liebre
to swindle / to pull a fast one
Ten cuidado en ese mercado; a veces dan gato por liebre.
Be careful at that market; sometimes they pull a fast one on you.
Imperative 'ten cuidado' (2nd sg of tener, irregular). Present 'dan' (3rd pl of dar). 'Gato por liebre' = fixed object phrase. 'A veces' = frequency adverbial.
llover sobre mojado
when it rains, it pours / to pile on
Perdí el trabajo y ahora se me averió el coche; llueve sobre mojado.
I lost my job and now my car broke down; when it rains, it pours.
Present 'llueve' (3rd sg of llover, impersonal, o→ue). 'Sobre mojado' = fixed adverbial phrase. Preterite 'perdí' and reflexive 'se me averió' for completed past events.
empezar la casa por el tejado
to put the cart before the horse
Quieres vender sin tener producto; estás empezando la casa por el tejado.
You want to sell without having a product; you're putting the cart before the horse.
Gerund 'empezando' (present progressive with estás). 'La casa por el tejado' = fixed verbal phrase. 'Sin tener' = 'sin + infinitive' for privative clause.
ahogarse en un vaso de agua
to make a mountain out of a molehill
No te ahogues en un vaso de agua, el error se corrige fácilmente.
Don't make a mountain out of a molehill, the error is easily fixed.
Negative imperative 'no te ahogues' (2nd sg subjunctive of ahogarse, reflexive). 'En un vaso de agua' = fixed prepositional phrase. 'Se corrige' = passive 'se' construction.
ser pan comido
to be a piece of cake
Para ella, resolver esas ecuaciones es pan comido.
For her, solving those equations is a piece of cake.
Present 'es' (3rd sg of ser). 'Pan comido' = predicate noun phrase (no article). 'Para ella' = benefactive prepositional phrase. Infinitive 'resolver' as subject.
dar carta blanca
to give carte blanche / free rein
El director me dio carta blanca para rediseñar el departamento.
The director gave me carte blanche to redesign the department.
Preterite 'dio' (3rd sg of dar, irregular). 'Carta blanca' = fixed direct object (no article). 'Para + infinitive' expressing purpose.
hilar fino
to split hairs / to be very precise
En este informe hay que hilar fino para no cometer errores legales.
In this report, you have to be very precise to avoid legal mistakes.
'Hay que + infinitive' for impersonal obligation. 'Fino' = adverb modifying 'hilar'. 'Para no + infinitive' = purpose clause with negation. 'En este informe' = locative.
tener manga ancha
to be lenient / to be easy-going
El profesor tiene manga ancha con los plazos de entrega.
The professor is lenient with submission deadlines.
Present 'tiene' (3rd sg of tener). 'Manga ancha' = fixed noun phrase as direct object. 'Con los plazos de entrega' = 'con + noun' for area of leniency.
nadar a contracorriente
to swim against the tide / to go against the grain
Siempre ha nadado a contracorriente, defendiendo ideas impopulares.
He has always gone against the grain, defending unpopular ideas.
Present perfect 'ha nadado' (3rd sg of nadar). Adverb 'siempre' for habitual action. 'A contracorriente' = fixed adverbial phrase. Gerund 'defendiendo' for simultaneous action.
dormir a pierna suelta
to sleep like a log
Después de la caminata, dormí a pierna suelta toda la noche.
After the hike, I slept like a log all night.
Preterite 'dormí' (1st sg of dormir, o→u stem-change in preterite). 'A pierna suelta' = fixed adverbial phrase. 'Después de + noun' = temporal sequencing.
dar la campanada
to cause a sensation / to spring a surprise
El equipo modesto dio la campanada al eliminar al campeón.
The modest team caused a sensation by eliminating the champion.
Preterite 'dio' (3rd sg of dar, irregular). 'La campanada' = fixed direct object. 'Al + infinitive' (al eliminar) = temporal construction meaning 'by eliminating'.
irse por las ramas
to beat around the bush / to go off on a tangent
Deja de irte por las ramas y responde a la pregunta.
Stop beating around the bush and answer the question.
Reflexive imperative 'deja de irte' (infinitive with enclitic pronoun). 'Por las ramas' = fixed prepositional phrase. 'Deja de + infinitive' for cessation command.
poner el dedo en la llaga
to put one's finger on the sore spot / to touch a nerve
El periodista puso el dedo en la llaga al preguntar por la corrupción.
The journalist touched a nerve when he asked about corruption.
Preterite 'puso' (3rd sg of poner, irregular). 'El dedo en la llaga' = fixed verbal phrase. 'Al + infinitive' (al preguntar) = temporal clause.
echar raíces
to put down roots / to settle
Después de tanto viajar, quiero echar raíces en algún sitio.
After so much traveling, I want to put down roots somewhere.
Infinitive 'echar' after 'quiero' (desiderative). 'Raíces' = fixed direct object (no article). 'Después de + infinitive' = temporal. 'En algún sitio' = indefinite locative.
no pegar ojo
to not sleep a wink
Con el ruido del vecino no pegué ojo en toda la noche.
With the neighbor's noise, I didn't sleep a wink all night.
Preterite 'pegué' (1st sg of pegar) with negation. 'Ojo' = fixed direct object (no article). 'Con el ruido' = causal 'con + noun'. 'En toda la noche' = temporal extent.
tener la sartén por el mango
to have the upper hand / to call the shots
En esta negociación, nosotros tenemos la sartén por el mango.
In this negotiation, we have the upper hand.
Present 'tenemos' (1st pl of tener). 'La sartén por el mango' = fixed verbal phrase. 'En esta negociación' = locative. Pronoun 'nosotros' for emphasis.
andar con rodeos
to beat around the bush
No andes con rodeos y dime qué ha pasado.
Don't beat around the bush and tell me what happened.
Tu análisis dio en el blanco; era exactamente el problema.
Your analysis was spot on; that was exactly the problem.
Preterite 'dio' (3rd sg of dar, irregular). 'En el blanco' = fixed prepositional phrase. Imperfect 'era' for explanation/background.
estar en el ajo
to be in the know / to be in on it
No te hagas el inocente, sé que estás en el ajo.
Don't play innocent, I know you're in on it.
Present 'estás' (2nd sg of estar). 'En el ajo' = fixed prepositional phrase. Reflexive imperative 'no te hagas' (negative + subjunctive of hacerse) = 'don't pretend'.
pillar con las manos en la masa
to catch red-handed
Le pillaron con las manos en la masa falsificando documentos.
They caught him red-handed forging documents.
Preterite 'pillaron' (3rd pl of pillar). 'Con las manos en la masa' = fixed adverbial phrase. Gerund 'falsificando' for simultaneous action.
dar calabazas
to reject someone / to turn someone down (romantically)
Le pidió salir y ella le dio calabazas.
He asked her out and she turned him down.
Preterite 'dio' (3rd sg of dar, irregular). 'Calabazas' = fixed direct object (no article). Indirect object 'le' for the rejected person. 'Le pidió salir' = asking out construction.
ir viento en popa
to go swimmingly / to sail smoothly
El negocio va viento en popa desde que cambiamos de estrategia.
The business has been going swimmingly since we changed strategy.
Present 'va' (3rd sg of ir, irregular). 'Viento en popa' = fixed adverbial phrase. 'Desde que + preterite' (cambiamos) = temporal clause marking starting point.
poner las cartas sobre la mesa
to lay one's cards on the table
Es hora de poner las cartas sobre la mesa y ser sinceros.
It's time to lay our cards on the table and be honest.
Infinitive 'poner' after 'es hora de' (impersonal time expression). 'Las cartas sobre la mesa' = fixed phrase. 'Y ser sinceros' = coordinated infinitive with adjective.
echar balones fuera
to dodge the issue / to pass the buck
El ministro siguió echando balones fuera durante la entrevista.
The minister kept dodging the issue during the interview.
Gerund 'echando' in progressive 'siguió echando' (continuative aspect). 'Balones fuera' = fixed phrase. 'Durante la entrevista' = temporal prepositional phrase.
estar al pie del cañón
to be at one's post / to be ready for action
A pesar de la enfermedad, estuvo al pie del cañón todos los días.
Despite the illness, he was at his post every day.
Preterite 'estuvo' (3rd sg of estar, irregular). 'Al pie del cañón' = fixed locative phrase with contracted 'del'. 'A pesar de + noun' = concessive construction.
tirar de la manta
to blow the whistle / to spill the beans
Si siguen negando los hechos, alguien tirará de la manta.
If they keep denying the facts, someone will blow the whistle.
Future 'tirará' (3rd sg of tirar). 'De la manta' = fixed prepositional complement. 'Si + present' (siguen negando) = conditional clause with 'seguir + gerund' for continuity.
ver las orejas al lobo
to see the writing on the wall / to sense danger
Cuando vio las orejas al lobo, empezó a ahorrar de verdad.
When he saw the writing on the wall, he started saving seriously.
Preterite 'vio' (3rd sg of ver, irregular). 'Las orejas al lobo' = fixed verbal phrase with contracted 'al'. 'Empezó a + infinitive' = inchoative periphrasis.
hacer la vista gorda
to turn a blind eye
El guardia hizo la vista gorda y nos dejó pasar.
The guard turned a blind eye and let us through.
Preterite 'hizo' (3rd sg of hacer, irregular). 'La vista gorda' = fixed direct object (adjective postposed). Coordinated preterite 'dejó pasar' = causative + infinitive.
ser harina de otro costal
to be a different kettle of fish / a whole other matter
Programar es fácil, pero mantener código ajeno es harina de otro costal.
Programming is easy, but maintaining someone else's code is a whole other matter.
Present 'es' (3rd sg of ser). 'Harina de otro costal' = predicate noun phrase. Infinitive subjects 'programar' and 'mantener' = contrastive structure with 'pero'.
estar con el agua al cuello
to be in deep water / to be up to one's neck
Con tantas deudas, están con el agua al cuello.
With so many debts, they are in deep water.
Present 'están' (3rd pl of estar). 'Con el agua al cuello' = fixed prepositional phrase with contracted 'al'. 'Con tantas deudas' = causal 'con + adjective + noun'.
matar dos pájaros de un tiro
to kill two birds with one stone
Si paso por la oficina de camino, mato dos pájaros de un tiro.
If I stop by the office on the way, I'll kill two birds with one stone.
Present 'mato' (1st sg of matar). 'Dos pájaros de un tiro' = fixed verbal phrase. 'Si + present' conditional. 'De camino' = adverbial prepositional phrase.
no tener ni pies ni cabeza
to make no sense / to have neither head nor tail
Su propuesta no tiene ni pies ni cabeza; es inviable.
His proposal makes no sense; it's unfeasible.
Present 'tiene' (3rd sg of tener) with negation. 'Ni... ni' = correlative negative conjunction. 'Pies ni cabeza' = fixed phrase as direct object. 'Es inviable' = copulative.
borrón y cuenta nueva
to wipe the slate clean / a fresh start
Después de la pelea, decidieron hacer borrón y cuenta nueva.
After the fight, they decided to wipe the slate clean.
Infinitive 'hacer' after 'decidieron' (preterite 3rd pl). 'Borrón y cuenta nueva' = fixed noun phrase used as direct object. 'Después de + noun' = temporal.
tocar madera
to knock on wood
Todo va bien por ahora, toquemos madera.
Everything is going well so far, let's knock on wood.
Exhortative subjunctive 'toquemos' (1st pl of tocar). 'Madera' = fixed direct object (no article). 'Por ahora' = temporal adverbial phrase.
estar en las últimas
to be on one's last legs
El ordenador está en las últimas; necesito uno nuevo.
The computer is on its last legs; I need a new one.
Present 'está' (3rd sg of estar). 'En las últimas' = fixed prepositional phrase (substantivized adjective). 'Necesito' (1st sg present) for expressing need.
poner el grito en el cielo
to raise the roof / to scream bloody murder
Cuando vio la factura, puso el grito en el cielo.
When he saw the bill, he raised the roof.
Preterite 'puso' (3rd sg of poner, irregular). 'El grito en el cielo' = fixed verbal phrase. 'Cuando + preterite' (vio) = temporal clause.
llevar la voz cantante
to call the shots / to be the leading voice
En el equipo, siempre es ella quien lleva la voz cantante.
On the team, she's always the one who calls the shots.
Present 'lleva' (3rd sg of llevar). 'La voz cantante' = fixed direct object. Relative clause 'quien lleva' with 'ser + relative' emphatic construction (es ella quien).
echar una mano
to lend a hand
¿Me echas una mano con estas cajas?
Can you lend me a hand with these boxes?
Present 'echas' (2nd sg of echar) in interrogative. 'Una mano' = fixed direct object. 'Con estas cajas' = 'con + noun' for accompaniment/instrument. Indirect object 'me'.
dar palos de ciego
to grope in the dark / to take stabs in the dark
Sin datos fiables, estamos dando palos de ciego.
Without reliable data, we're groping in the dark.
Gerund 'dando' in periphrastic present 'estamos dando' (progressive). 'Palos de ciego' = fixed direct object. 'Sin + noun' (sin datos fiables) = privative prepositional phrase.
morder el polvo
to bite the dust
El favorito mordió el polvo en la primera ronda.
The favorite bit the dust in the first round.
Preterite 'mordió' (3rd sg of morder, o→ue but regular in preterite). 'El polvo' = fixed direct object. 'En la primera ronda' = temporal locative.
cortarse las alas
to clip someone's wings
No quiero cortarte las alas, pero ese plan es muy arriesgado.
I don't want to clip your wings, but that plan is very risky.
Infinitive 'cortarte' with enclitic indirect object. 'Las alas' = fixed direct object. 'No quiero + infinitive' for expressing unwillingness. 'Pero' = adversative conjunction.
romper el hielo
to break the ice
Contó un chiste para romper el hielo en la reunión.
He told a joke to break the ice at the meeting.
Infinitive 'romper' after 'para' (purpose clause). 'El hielo' = fixed direct object. Preterite 'contó' (3rd sg of contar, o→ue but regular in preterite). 'En la reunión' = locative.
dorar la píldora
to sugarcoat the pill
No me dores la píldora; dime la verdad directamente.
Don't sugarcoat it; tell me the truth directly.
Negative imperative 'no me dores' (2nd sg subjunctive of dorar). 'La píldora' = fixed direct object. Imperative 'dime' (di + me, irregular of decir). 'Directamente' = manner adverb.
a pedir de boca
perfectly / just as one wished
La cena salió a pedir de boca; todos quedaron encantados.
The dinner turned out perfectly; everyone was delighted.
Preterite 'salió' (3rd sg of salir, irregular). 'A pedir de boca' = fixed adverbial phrase modifying the verb. Preterite 'quedaron' + adjective 'encantados' = resultative.
tener tablas
to have experience / to be seasoned (in public situations)
Se nota que tiene tablas; habla con total soltura ante el público.
You can tell she's seasoned; she speaks with complete ease in front of an audience.
Present 'tiene' (3rd sg of tener). 'Tablas' = fixed direct object (no article). 'Se nota que' = impersonal 'se' + 'que' clause. 'Con total soltura' = manner phrase.
estar en el candelero
to be in the spotlight
Desde su último libro, el autor está en el candelero.
Since his last book, the author has been in the spotlight.
Present 'está' (3rd sg of estar). 'En el candelero' = fixed prepositional phrase. 'Desde + possessive + noun' (desde su último libro) = temporal starting point.
caer en saco roto
to fall on deaf ears
Mis advertencias cayeron en saco roto; nadie me hizo caso.
My warnings fell on deaf ears; nobody paid attention to me.
Preterite 'cayeron' (3rd pl of caer, irregular). 'En saco roto' = fixed prepositional phrase (no article). 'Nadie me hizo caso' = indefinite negative pronoun as subject.
no dar puntada sin hilo
to not do anything without a hidden motive
Conozco a Juan; nunca da puntada sin hilo.
I know Juan; he never does anything without a hidden motive.
Present 'da' (3rd sg of dar) with 'nunca' (negative adverb). 'Puntada sin hilo' = fixed direct object phrase. Double negative 'nunca da' (no explicit 'no' needed with 'nunca').
coger el toro por los cuernos
to take the bull by the horns
Es hora de coger el toro por los cuernos y resolver esta crisis.
It's time to take the bull by the horns and resolve this crisis.
Infinitive 'coger' after 'es hora de' (impersonal time expression). 'El toro por los cuernos' = fixed verbal phrase. 'Y + infinitive' (resolver) coordinated purpose.
pasar por alto
to overlook / to miss
Ese detalle lo pasamos por alto y resultó ser clave.
We overlooked that detail and it turned out to be key.
Preterite 'pasamos' (1st pl of pasar). 'Por alto' = fixed adverbial complement. 'Resultó ser' = preterite of resultar + infinitive for outcome. Pronoun 'lo' = direct object.
a toro pasado
with hindsight / after the fact
A toro pasado es fácil decir lo que debimos hacer.
With hindsight, it's easy to say what we should have done.
'A toro pasado' = fixed adverbial phrase (fronted). 'Es fácil + infinitive' = impersonal 'ser + adjective + infinitive'. 'Lo que debimos hacer' = relative clause with past obligation (deber).
tirar la casa por la ventana
to spare no expense / to push the boat out
Para su boda, tiraron la casa por la ventana.
For their wedding, they spared no expense.
Preterite 'tiraron' (3rd pl of tirar). 'La casa por la ventana' = fixed verbal phrase. 'Para + possessive + noun' (para su boda) = purpose/occasion.
no tener desperdicio
to be excellent through and through
Su discurso no tuvo desperdicio; cada palabra contaba.
His speech was excellent through and through; every word counted.
Preterite 'tuvo' (3rd sg of tener, irregular) with negation. 'Desperdicio' = fixed direct object (no article). 'Cada palabra contaba' = imperfect for descriptive background.
buscarle tres pies al gato
to overcomplicate things / to look for trouble
No le busques tres pies al gato; la solución es sencilla.
Don't overcomplicate things; the solution is simple.
Negative imperative 'no le busques' (2nd sg subjunctive of buscar). Indirect object 'le' + 'al gato' (contracted) = dative construction. 'Tres pies' = fixed direct object.
tener mala espina
to have a bad feeling about something
Ese negocio me da mala espina; no invertiría ni un euro.
That deal gives me a bad feeling; I wouldn't invest a single euro.
Present 'da' (3rd sg of dar) in 'me da mala espina'. Indirect object 'me' for experiencer. 'No invertiría' = conditional of invertir for hypothetical. 'Ni un euro' = emphatic negation.
perder los estribos
to lose one's temper
Cuando le insultaron por tercera vez, perdió los estribos.
When they insulted him for the third time, he lost his temper.
Preterite 'perdió' (3rd sg of perder, e→ie but regular in preterite). 'Los estribos' = fixed direct object. 'Cuando + preterite' (insultaron) = temporal clause. 'Por tercera vez' = ordinal adverbial.
ser uña y carne
to be inseparable / to be thick as thieves
Desde pequeños, esos dos han sido uña y carne.
Since they were little, those two have been inseparable.
Present perfect 'han sido' (3rd pl of ser). 'Uña y carne' = predicate noun phrase (no articles). 'Desde pequeños' = temporal 'desde + adjective' (ellipsis of 'desde que eran pequeños').
echar en cara
to throw in someone's face / to reproach
Siempre me echa en cara los favores que me hizo.
She always throws in my face the favors she did for me.
Present 'echa' (3rd sg of echar) with 'siempre' for habitual action. 'En cara' = fixed adverbial phrase. Indirect object 'me' = person reproached. 'Los favores que me hizo' = relative clause.
pagar los platos rotos
to take the blame / to be the scapegoat
Fue culpa de todos, pero yo pagué los platos rotos.
It was everyone's fault, but I took the blame.
Preterite 'pagué' (1st sg of pagar). 'Los platos rotos' = fixed direct object. 'Fue culpa de todos' = preterite of ser. Adversative 'pero' contrasts group vs. individual.
tener mucha miga
to have a lot of substance / to be more complex than it seems
El tema tiene mucha miga; no lo resolveremos en una hora.
The topic has a lot of substance; we won't resolve it in an hour.
Present 'tiene' (3rd sg of tener). 'Mucha miga' = fixed direct object with quantifier. Future negative 'no lo resolveremos' = 1st pl future. 'En una hora' = temporal limit.
quedarse con la copla
to get the message / to catch on
Espero que se haya quedado con la copla y no vuelva a llegar tarde.
I hope he got the message and won't be late again.
Reflexive present perfect subjunctive 'se haya quedado' (after 'espero que' = subjunctive trigger). 'Con la copla' = fixed prepositional complement. 'Y no vuelva a' = subjunctive continuation.
ponerse morado
to stuff oneself / to eat until you're purple
Nos pusimos morados de marisco en la boda.
We stuffed ourselves with seafood at the wedding.
Reflexive preterite 'nos pusimos' (1st pl of ponerse, irregular). 'Morados' = predicate adjective agreeing with subject. 'De marisco' = partitive 'de + noun'. 'En la boda' = locative.
salir el tiro por la culata
to backfire
Su intento de humillarla le salió el tiro por la culata.
His attempt to humiliate her backfired on him.
Preterite 'salió' (3rd sg of salir, irregular). 'El tiro por la culata' = fixed subject-verb phrase. Indirect object 'le' for person affected. 'Su intento de + infinitive' = nominal phrase.
estar como una cabra
to be crazy / to be nuts
¿Vas a nadar en enero? Estás como una cabra.
You're going swimming in January? You're nuts.
Present 'estás' (2nd sg of estar). 'Como una cabra' = fixed comparative phrase. Interrogative '¿Vas a + infinitive?' for near future. 'En enero' = temporal.
cortar por lo sano
to make a clean break / to take drastic measures
Después de meses de discusiones, cortó por lo sano y dejó la empresa.
After months of arguments, he made a clean break and left the company.
Preterite 'cortó' (3rd sg of cortar). 'Por lo sano' = fixed adverbial phrase with neuter article 'lo'. 'Después de + noun' = temporal. Coordinated preterite 'dejó' for sequential action.
dar la nota
to make a scene / to stand out (negatively)
Siempre tiene que dar la nota con su comportamiento.
He always has to make a scene with his behavior.
Infinitive 'dar' after 'tiene que' (obligation periphrasis). 'La nota' = fixed direct object. 'Siempre' = habitual adverb. 'Con su comportamiento' = manner/instrument 'con + noun'.
tener enchufe
to have connections / to have pull
Consiguió el puesto porque tiene enchufe, no por méritos.
He got the position because he has connections, not on merit.
Preterite 'consiguió' (3rd sg of conseguir, e→i). 'Tiene enchufe' = present for general truth. 'No por méritos' = negated causal phrase contrasting with 'porque'.
más vale prevenir que curar
better safe than sorry / prevention is better than cure
Llévate un paraguas; más vale prevenir que curar.
Take an umbrella; better safe than sorry.
'Más vale + infinitive + que + infinitive' = comparative impersonal construction for proverbs. Imperative 'llévate' (reflexive, 2nd sg of llevarse). Fixed proverbial form.
no hay mal que por bien no venga
every cloud has a silver lining
Perdí el vuelo, pero conocí a mi pareja en el aeropuerto. No hay mal que por bien no venga.
I missed the flight, but I met my partner at the airport. Every cloud has a silver lining.
'No hay + noun + que + subjunctive' = concessive construction. Subjunctive 'venga' (3rd sg of venir, irregular) triggered by indefinite antecedent. Preterite 'perdí' and 'conocí' in narrative.
en boca cerrada no entran moscas
silence is golden / loose lips sink ships
No digas nada sobre el asunto; en boca cerrada no entran moscas.
Don't say anything about the matter; silence is golden.
Present 'entran' (3rd pl of entrar) with negation. 'En boca cerrada' = fixed prepositional phrase with past participle as adjective. Negative imperative 'no digas' (2nd sg subjunctive of decir).
a buen entendedor, pocas palabras bastan
a word to the wise is sufficient
No voy a explicar más. A buen entendedor, pocas palabras bastan.
I'm not going to explain further. A word to the wise is sufficient.
'A buen entendedor' = dative construction (a + substantivized adjective). Present 'bastan' (3rd pl of bastar). Fixed proverbial structure. 'No voy a + infinitive' = near future with negation.
quien siembra vientos recoge tempestades
you reap what you sow
Maltrató a sus empleados y ahora todos le abandonan. Quien siembra vientos recoge tempestades.
He mistreated his employees and now they're all leaving. You reap what you sow.
'Quien + present' = generic relative clause (whoever). Present 'siembra' (e→ie) and 'recoge' = habitual/gnomig present. Preterite 'maltrató' for past narrative.
cada maestrillo tiene su librillo
everyone has their own way of doing things
No critiques su método; cada maestrillo tiene su librillo.
Don't criticize his method; everyone has their own way of doing things.
Negative imperative 'no critiques' (2nd sg subjunctive of criticar). 'Cada + noun' = distributive determiner. Present 'tiene' in proverbial generic statement. Diminutive '-illo' suffix on both nouns.
de tal palo, tal astilla
like father, like son / the apple doesn't fall far from the tree
El hijo es tan testarudo como el padre; de tal palo, tal astilla.
The son is as stubborn as the father; the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
'De tal palo, tal astilla' = elliptical proverb (verb omitted). 'Es tan... como' = equality comparison with 'tan + adjective + como'. Present 'es' (3rd sg of ser).
del dicho al hecho hay un trecho
easier said than done
Dice que va a cambiar, pero del dicho al hecho hay un trecho.
He says he's going to change, but that's easier said than done.
'Del dicho al hecho' = fixed prepositional phrase with contracted articles. 'Hay' = impersonal existential. Present 'dice' + 'que va a + infinitive' = near future in indirect statement.
agua pasada no mueve molino
that's water under the bridge
Sé que tuvimos problemas, pero agua pasada no mueve molino.
I know we had problems, but that's water under the bridge.
Present 'mueve' (3rd sg of mover, o→ue) with negation. 'Agua pasada' = subject with past participle as adjective. 'Sé que + preterite' (tuvimos) = noun clause after verb of knowing.
dar la lata
to be a nuisance / to pester
Deja de dar la lata y ponte a trabajar.
Stop being a nuisance and get to work.
Imperative construction 'deja de + infinitive' (dar). 'La lata' = fixed direct object. Reflexive imperative 'ponte a + infinitive' (trabajar) = inchoative periphrasis.
tener mano izquierda
to be tactful / to have a way with people
Para resolver conflictos, hay que tener mucha mano izquierda.
To resolve conflicts, you need to be very tactful.
'Hay que + infinitive' (tener) for impersonal obligation. 'Mucha mano izquierda' = fixed direct object with quantifier. 'Para + infinitive' (resolver) = purpose clause.
dar pie a
to give rise to / to give grounds for
Su ambigüedad dio pie a todo tipo de rumores.
His ambiguity gave rise to all kinds of rumors.
Preterite 'dio' (3rd sg of dar, irregular). 'Pie a' = fixed prepositional phrase. 'Todo tipo de + noun' = quantifying expression. Possessive 'su ambigüedad' as subject.
comerse el coco
to overthink / to rack one's brains
No te comas el coco; ya encontraremos una solución.
Don't overthink it; we'll find a solution.
Negative imperative reflexive 'no te comas' (2nd sg subjunctive of comerse). 'El coco' = fixed direct object. 'Ya encontraremos' = future with 'ya' for reassurance.
tener madera de
to have the makings of / to be cut out for
Esa chica tiene madera de líder; inspira a todo el equipo.
That girl has the makings of a leader; she inspires the whole team.
Present 'tiene' (3rd sg of tener). 'Madera de + noun' = fixed phrase with 'de' linking quality. 'Inspira a' = present with personal 'a' before animate direct object.
no caber un alfiler
to be packed to the rafters
En el concierto no cabía un alfiler; estaba abarrotado.
The concert was packed to the rafters; it was jam-packed.
Imperfect 'cabía' (3rd sg of caber, irregular) with negation. 'Un alfiler' = fixed subject. 'En el concierto' = locative. 'Estaba abarrotado' = imperfect of estar + past participle.
hacer oídos sordos
to turn a deaf ear
El gobierno hizo oídos sordos a las protestas.
The government turned a deaf ear to the protests.
Preterite 'hizo' (3rd sg of hacer, irregular). 'Oídos sordos' = fixed direct object (adjective postposed). 'A las protestas' = prepositional complement with personal 'a'.
al pie de la letra
to the letter / literally
Siguió las instrucciones al pie de la letra.
She followed the instructions to the letter.
Preterite 'siguió' (3rd sg of seguir, e→i). 'Al pie de la letra' = fixed adverbial phrase with contracted 'al'. 'Las instrucciones' = direct object preceding the adverbial.
a regañadientes
reluctantly / grudgingly
Aceptó la propuesta a regañadientes.
He accepted the proposal reluctantly.
Preterite 'aceptó' (3rd sg of aceptar). 'A regañadientes' = fixed adverbial phrase modifying the verb. 'La propuesta' = direct object.
sin pelos en la lengua
outspokenly / without mincing words
Lo dijo sin pelos en la lengua delante de todos.
She said it without mincing words in front of everyone.
Preterite 'dijo' (3rd sg of decir, irregular). 'Sin pelos en la lengua' = fixed adverbial phrase (variant of the verbal idiom). 'Delante de todos' = locative adverbial.
a capa y espada
tooth and nail / fiercely
Defendió su posición a capa y espada.
She defended her position tooth and nail.
Preterite 'defendió' (3rd sg of defender). 'A capa y espada' = fixed adverbial phrase modifying the verb. 'Su posición' = direct object with possessive.
con cuentagotas
sparingly / in dribs and drabs
La información llega con cuentagotas; no sabemos casi nada.
Information is coming in dribs and drabs; we hardly know anything.
Present 'llega' (3rd sg of llegar). 'Con cuentagotas' = fixed adverbial phrase. 'No sabemos casi nada' = negation with 'casi nada' (hardly anything).
a trancas y barrancas
with great difficulty / stumbling along
A trancas y barrancas, logramos terminar el proyecto a tiempo.
With great difficulty, we managed to finish the project on time.
'A trancas y barrancas' = fixed adverbial phrase (fronted). Preterite 'logramos' (1st pl of lograr) + infinitive 'terminar'. 'A tiempo' = adverbial phrase for deadline.
en un abrir y cerrar de ojos
in the blink of an eye
Todo cambió en un abrir y cerrar de ojos.
Everything changed in the blink of an eye.
Preterite 'cambió' (3rd sg of cambiar). 'En un abrir y cerrar de ojos' = fixed adverbial phrase with substantivized infinitives. 'Todo' = indefinite pronoun as subject.
a bombo y platillo
with great fanfare
Anunciaron la reforma a bombo y platillo, pero no hicieron nada.
They announced the reform with great fanfare, but did nothing.
Preterite 'anunciaron' (3rd pl of anunciar). 'A bombo y platillo' = fixed adverbial phrase. Adversative 'pero no hicieron nada' = contrasting preterite with indefinite negative.
tener la mosca detrás de la oreja
to smell a rat / to be suspicious
No me fío de ese contrato; tengo la mosca detrás de la oreja.
I don't trust that contract; I smell a rat.
Present 'tengo' (1st sg of tener). 'La mosca detrás de la oreja' = fixed verbal phrase. Reflexive 'no me fío de' = present with prepositional complement.
quedarse en agua de borrajas
to come to nothing / to fizzle out
Las promesas del alcalde se quedaron en agua de borrajas.
The mayor's promises came to nothing.
Reflexive preterite 'se quedaron' (3rd pl of quedarse). 'En agua de borrajas' = fixed prepositional phrase. 'Las promesas del alcalde' = subject with contracted 'del'.
rizar el rizo
to go one step further / to overdo complexity
Ya era difícil, pero el profesor rizó el rizo con las preguntas extra.
It was already difficult, but the professor went one step further with the extra questions.
Preterite 'rizó' (3rd sg of rizar). 'El rizo' = fixed direct object. 'Ya era difícil' = imperfect for background. 'Con las preguntas extra' = instrumental 'con + noun'.
ser el pan nuestro de cada día
to be an everyday occurrence
Los retrasos en el metro son el pan nuestro de cada día.
Delays on the metro are an everyday occurrence.
Present 'son' (3rd pl of ser). 'El pan nuestro de cada día' = predicate noun phrase. 'Los retrasos en el metro' = subject with locative prepositional phrase.
con la iglesia hemos topado
we've hit a brick wall / we're up against a powerful obstacle
Intentamos cambiar la normativa, pero con la iglesia hemos topado.
We tried to change the regulation, but we've hit a brick wall.
Present perfect 'hemos topado' (1st pl of topar). 'Con la iglesia' = fixed prepositional complement (literary/Cervantine allusion). Preterite 'intentamos' for attempted action.
poner patas arriba
to turn upside down
La policía puso la casa patas arriba buscando pruebas.
The police turned the house upside down looking for evidence.
Después de la crisis, la empresa decidió hacer borrón y cuenta nueva.
After the crisis, the company decided to start with a clean slate.
Preterite 'decidió' (3rd sg of decidir) + infinitive 'hacer'. 'Borrón y cuenta nueva' = fixed direct object phrase. 'Después de + noun' = temporal.
dar en hueso
to hit a snag / to run into difficulty
Cuando intentó sobornar al juez, dio en hueso.
When he tried to bribe the judge, he hit a snag.
Preterite 'dio' (3rd sg of dar, irregular). 'En hueso' = fixed prepositional phrase (no article). 'Cuando + preterite' (intentó) = temporal clause. 'Sobornar al juez' = infinitive with personal 'a'.
marear la perdiz
to stall / to waste time going in circles
Deja de marear la perdiz y toma una decisión de una vez.
Stop stalling and make a decision once and for all.
Imperative 'deja de + infinitive' (marear) for cessation. 'La perdiz' = fixed direct object. 'De una vez' = emphatic adverbial phrase meaning 'once and for all'.
no comerse una rosca
to not score at all / to have no luck (with romance)
Salió de fiesta pero no se comió una rosca.
He went out partying but had no luck at all.
Reflexive preterite 'se comió' (3rd sg of comerse) with negation. 'Una rosca' = fixed direct object. 'Salió de fiesta' = preterite + adverbial 'de fiesta'. Adversative 'pero'.
poner toda la carne en el asador
to go all in / to give it everything
Hay que poner toda la carne en el asador si queremos ganar el contrato.
We have to go all in if we want to win the contract.
'Hay que + infinitive' (poner) for impersonal obligation. 'Toda la carne en el asador' = fixed verbal phrase. 'Si + present' (queremos) = conditional clause.
creerse el ombligo del mundo
to think one is the center of the universe
Se cree el ombligo del mundo y no escucha a nadie.
He thinks he's the center of the universe and doesn't listen to anyone.
Reflexive present 'se cree' (3rd sg of creerse). 'El ombligo del mundo' = fixed direct object with contracted 'del'. Coordinated 'y no escucha a nadie' with personal 'a'.
atar cabos
to put two and two together
Cuando até cabos, me di cuenta de que me habían mentido.
When I put two and two together, I realized they had lied to me.
Preterite 'até' (1st sg of atar). 'Cabos' = fixed direct object (no article). 'Cuando + preterite' = temporal. Reflexive 'me di cuenta de que' = realization construction.
meter cizaña
to sow discord / to stir up trouble
Siempre anda metiendo cizaña entre los compañeros.
He's always sowing discord among colleagues.
Gerund 'metiendo' in periphrastic 'anda metiendo' (habitual action). 'Cizaña' = fixed direct object (no article). 'Entre los compañeros' = locative 'entre + noun'.
no tener dos dedos de frente
to have no common sense
¿Invertiste todo en eso? No tienes dos dedos de frente.
You invested everything in that? You have no common sense.
Present 'tienes' (2nd sg of tener) with negation. 'Dos dedos de frente' = fixed direct object. Interrogative '¿Invertiste todo en eso?' = preterite in rhetorical question.
darle la vuelta al calcetín
to completely turn something around
El nuevo entrenador le dio la vuelta al calcetín y el equipo empezó a ganar.
The new coach completely turned things around and the team started winning.
Preterite 'dio' (3rd sg of dar, irregular) with indirect object 'le'. 'La vuelta al calcetín' = fixed verbal phrase with contracted 'al'. Coordinated preterite 'empezó a + infinitive'.
vivir del cuento
to live off others / to be a freeloader
No trabaja ni estudia; vive del cuento.
He neither works nor studies; he's a freeloader.
Present 'vive' (3rd sg of vivir). 'Del cuento' = fixed prepositional complement with contracted 'del'. 'Ni... ni' = correlative negation (ni trabaja ni estudia).
a quemarropa
point-blank / bluntly
Le preguntó a quemarropa si había sido él.
She asked him point-blank if it had been him.
Preterite 'preguntó' (3rd sg of preguntar). 'A quemarropa' = fixed adverbial phrase modifying the verb. 'Si + pluperfect subjunctive' (había sido) in indirect question.
echar por tierra
to ruin / to dash (hopes, plans)
La lluvia echó por tierra nuestros planes de boda al aire libre.
The rain ruined our outdoor wedding plans.
Preterite 'echó' (3rd sg of echar). 'Por tierra' = fixed adverbial complement. 'Nuestros planes de boda' = direct object. 'Al aire libre' = adjectival prepositional phrase.
morderse la lengua
to bite one's tongue / to hold back from speaking
Quería responderle, pero me mordí la lengua.
I wanted to answer back, but I bit my tongue.
Reflexive preterite 'me mordí' (1st sg of morderse). 'La lengua' = fixed direct object. Imperfect 'quería' for background desire. Adversative 'pero' contrasts intention and action.
estar en boca de todos
to be the talk of the town
Desde el escándalo, el político está en boca de todos.
Since the scandal, the politician is the talk of the town.
Present 'está' (3rd sg of estar). 'En boca de todos' = fixed prepositional phrase. 'Desde + noun' (desde el escándalo) = temporal starting point.
pasar la patata caliente
to pass the hot potato / to pass a problem to someone else
Nadie quiere tomar la decisión; se pasan la patata caliente unos a otros.
No one wants to make the decision; they pass the hot potato to each other.
Reflexive present 'se pasan' (3rd pl of pasarse). 'La patata caliente' = fixed direct object. 'Unos a otros' = reciprocal construction. 'Nadie quiere + infinitive' = negative pronoun + desiderative.
no dar pie con bola
to not get anything right / to be all at sea
Hoy no doy pie con bola; todo me sale mal.
I can't get anything right today; everything is going wrong.
Present 'doy' (1st sg of dar) with negation. 'Pie con bola' = fixed phrase (no articles). 'Hoy' = temporal adverb. 'Todo me sale mal' = indefinite pronoun + reflexive construction.
ser carne de cañón
to be cannon fodder
Los becarios son carne de cañón en esa empresa.
The interns are cannon fodder at that company.
Present 'son' (3rd pl of ser). 'Carne de cañón' = predicate noun phrase (no article). 'Los becarios' = subject. 'En esa empresa' = locative.
pillar el tranquillo
to get the hang of something
Al principio era difícil, pero ya le he pillado el tranquillo.
At first it was hard, but I've gotten the hang of it now.
Present perfect 'he pillado' (1st sg of pillar). Indirect object 'le' referring to the thing understood. 'Al principio' = temporal. Adversative 'pero' with 'ya' = change of state.
dar un golpe de efecto
to make a dramatic gesture / a masterstroke
La dimisión fue un golpe de efecto para presionar al partido.
The resignation was a dramatic gesture to pressure the party.
Preterite 'fue' (3rd sg of ser, irregular) in equative clause. 'Un golpe de efecto' = predicate noun. 'Para + infinitive' (presionar) = purpose. 'Al partido' = contracted 'a + el'.
no tener sangre en las venas
to be cold-blooded / to have no passion
¿No te emocionó el gol? Parece que no tienes sangre en las venas.
The goal didn't excite you? It seems like you have no passion.
Present 'tienes' (2nd sg of tener) with negation. 'Sangre en las venas' = fixed direct object phrase. 'Parece que' = evidential construction. Interrogative with '¿No te emocionó?'.
tener mucho cuento
to be full of it / to exaggerate for attention
No le hagas caso; tiene mucho cuento.
Don't pay attention to him; he's full of it.
Present 'tiene' (3rd sg of tener). 'Mucho cuento' = fixed direct object with quantifier. Negative imperative 'no le hagas caso' = 'no + subjunctive' with indirect object.
coger al vuelo
to catch on quickly / to pick up on the fly
Es muy lista; coge las cosas al vuelo.
She's very smart; she catches on quickly.
Present 'coge' (3rd sg of coger). 'Al vuelo' = fixed adverbial phrase with contracted 'al'. 'Las cosas' = direct object. 'Es muy lista' = copulative with intensifier 'muy'.
estar de capa caída
to be down in the dumps / to be in decline
Desde que perdió el trabajo, anda de capa caída.
Since he lost his job, he's been down in the dumps.
Present 'anda' (3rd sg of andar) in 'andar de capa caída' (variant with andar). 'De capa caída' = fixed adverbial phrase. 'Desde que + preterite' (perdió) = temporal clause.
a la chita callando
on the sly / quietly and without fuss
A la chita callando, se convirtió en el más rico del pueblo.
On the sly, he became the richest person in town.
'A la chita callando' = fixed adverbial phrase (fronted). Preterite 'se convirtió en' (3rd sg of convertirse, reflexive, e→i). 'El más rico del pueblo' = superlative with contracted 'del'.
más vale maña que fuerza
brains over brawn / cunning beats strength
No necesitas ser el más fuerte; más vale maña que fuerza.
You don't need to be the strongest; brains beat brawn.
'Más vale + noun + que + noun' = comparative impersonal construction. 'Necesitas ser' = present + infinitive of ser. Fixed proverbial form with no conjugated main verb.
no hay que darle más vueltas
there's no use dwelling on it
Ya está decidido; no hay que darle más vueltas.
It's already decided; there's no use dwelling on it.
'No hay que + infinitive' = impersonal negative obligation. Indirect object 'le' (referring to the matter). 'Ya está decidido' = 'ya + estar + past participle' for completed state.
caérsele a alguien la cara de vergüenza
to be mortified / to die of shame
Se me cayó la cara de vergüenza cuando me equivoqué de nombre.
I was mortified when I got the name wrong.
Reflexive preterite 'se me cayó' (3rd sg of caerse with experiencer 'me'). 'La cara de vergüenza' = fixed subject phrase. 'Cuando + preterite' (me equivoqué) = temporal clause.
tener mucho morro
to have a lot of nerve / to be cheeky
Tiene mucho morro presentándose sin invitación.
He has a lot of nerve showing up without an invitation.
Present 'tiene' (3rd sg of tener). 'Mucho morro' = fixed direct object with quantifier. Gerund 'presentándose' = simultaneous action (reflexive). 'Sin + noun' (sin invitación) = privative.
írsele a alguien la olla
to lose it / to go off the deep end
¿Quieres dejarlo todo y mudarte a una isla? Se te ha ido la olla.
You want to leave everything and move to an island? You've lost it.
Reflexive present perfect 'se te ha ido' (with experiencer 'te'). 'La olla' = fixed subject. Interrogative '¿Quieres + infinitive?' = desiderative. 'Dejarlo todo' = infinitive with neuter pronoun.
quedarse a cuadros
to be gobsmacked / to be flabbergasted
Cuando vi el precio, me quedé a cuadros.
When I saw the price, I was gobsmacked.
Reflexive preterite 'me quedé' (1st sg of quedarse). 'A cuadros' = fixed prepositional complement. 'Cuando + preterite' (vi) = temporal clause. 'El precio' = direct object of 'vi'.
dar la talla
to measure up / to make the grade
Demostró que da la talla para el puesto de director.
He proved he measures up for the director position.
Preterite 'demostró' (3rd sg of demostrar, o→ue but regular in preterite). Present 'da' (3rd sg of dar) in 'que' clause. 'La talla' = fixed direct object. 'Para + noun' = purpose.
hacer la pelota
to brown-nose / to suck up
Siempre le hace la pelota al jefe para conseguir favores.
He always sucks up to the boss to get favors.
Present 'hace' (3rd sg of hacer) with 'siempre' for habitual. 'La pelota' = fixed direct object. 'Al jefe' = contracted 'a + el', indirect object. 'Para + infinitive' = purpose.
pasar de largo
to pass by without stopping / to overlook
Pasó de largo sin saludarme, como si no existiera.
She walked right past me without saying hello, as if I didn't exist.
Preterite 'pasó' (3rd sg of pasar). 'De largo' = fixed adverbial phrase. 'Sin + infinitive' (sin saludarme) = privative clause. 'Como si + imperfect subjunctive' (no existiera) = unreal comparison.
pintar bastos
things are looking bleak / it looks like trouble
Con la nueva ley, pintan bastos para las pequeñas empresas.
With the new law, things are looking bleak for small businesses.
Present 'pintan' (3rd pl of pintar, impersonal usage). 'Bastos' = fixed direct object (card suit). 'Con la nueva ley' = causal/temporal 'con + noun'. 'Para + noun' = beneficiary affected.
tener vista de lince
to have eagle eyes / to be very sharp-sighted
Tiene vista de lince para detectar errores en el código.
She has eagle eyes for detecting errors in the code.
Present 'tiene' (3rd sg of tener). 'Vista de lince' = fixed direct object phrase. 'Para + infinitive' (detectar) = purpose clause. 'En el código' = locative.
a cal y canto
tightly shut / locked down
Cerraron el edificio a cal y canto durante la emergencia.
They locked down the building tight during the emergency.
Preterite 'cerraron' (3rd pl of cerrar, e→ie but regular in preterite). 'A cal y canto' = fixed adverbial phrase modifying the verb. 'Durante la emergencia' = temporal.
escurrir el bulto
to shirk responsibility / to dodge the issue
Cada vez que hay un problema, escurre el bulto.
Every time there's a problem, he shirks responsibility.
Present 'escurre' (3rd sg of escurrir). 'El bulto' = fixed direct object. 'Cada vez que + present' (hay) = iterative temporal clause. Habitual present tense throughout.
tener un as en la manga
to have an ace up one's sleeve
No te preocupes, tengo un as en la manga para la reunión.
Don't worry, I have an ace up my sleeve for the meeting.
Present 'tengo' (1st sg of tener). 'Un as en la manga' = fixed direct object phrase. Negative imperative 'no te preocupes' (2nd sg subjunctive of preocuparse, reflexive). 'Para + noun' = purpose.
colgar los guantes
to hang up one's gloves / to retire
Después de treinta años en la docencia, decidió colgar los guantes.
After thirty years in teaching, she decided to hang up her gloves.
Preterite 'decidió' (3rd sg of decidir) + infinitive 'colgar'. 'Los guantes' = fixed direct object. 'Después de + number + noun' (treinta años) = temporal. 'En la docencia' = locative.
chuparse los dedos
to be finger-licking good
La paella estaba para chuparse los dedos.
The paella was finger-licking good.
Imperfect 'estaba' with 'para + infinitive' = 'ready for' construction. Reflexive infinitive 'chuparse'. 'Los dedos' = fixed direct object. 'La paella' = subject of the equative sentence.
sacar de quicio
to drive someone up the wall / to exasperate
Su actitud me saca de quicio; no lo soporto más.
His attitude drives me up the wall; I can't stand it anymore.
Present 'saca' (3rd sg of sacar). 'De quicio' = fixed prepositional complement. Indirect object 'me' = affected person. 'No lo soporto más' = present with negation and 'más' (anymore).
de higos a brevas
once in a blue moon
Solo viene a vernos de higos a brevas.
He only comes to see us once in a blue moon.
Present 'viene' (3rd sg of venir, e→ie). 'De higos a brevas' = fixed adverbial phrase. 'Solo' = restrictive adverb. 'A vernos' = 'a + infinitive' expressing purpose with enclitic 'nos'.
estar hecho polvo
to be shattered / to be exhausted
Después de la mudanza, estoy hecho polvo.
After the move, I'm shattered.
Present 'estoy' (1st sg of estar). 'Hecho polvo' = fixed participial predicate (past participle of hacer + noun). 'Después de + noun' (la mudanza) = temporal.
abrir la caja de Pandora
to open Pandora's box
Con esa investigación abrieron la caja de Pandora.
With that investigation, they opened Pandora's box.
Preterite 'abrieron' (3rd pl of abrir). 'La caja de Pandora' = fixed direct object. 'Con esa investigación' = instrumental 'con + noun'. Proper noun 'Pandora' in genitive 'de'.
nadar en la abundancia
to be rolling in it / to be swimming in wealth
Desde que vendió la empresa, nada en la abundancia.
Since he sold the company, he's been rolling in it.
Present 'nada' (3rd sg of nadar). 'En la abundancia' = fixed prepositional phrase. 'Desde que + preterite' (vendió) = temporal clause marking starting point.
llevar a alguien por la calle de la amargura
to make someone's life a misery
Ese inquilino me lleva por la calle de la amargura con sus quejas.
That tenant makes my life a misery with his complaints.
Present 'lleva' (3rd sg of llevar). 'Por la calle de la amargura' = fixed prepositional phrase. Indirect object 'me' = affected person. 'Con sus quejas' = causal 'con + noun'.
tocar fondo
to hit rock bottom
Después de perderlo todo, tocó fondo y empezó a reconstruir su vida.
After losing everything, he hit rock bottom and started rebuilding his life.
Preterite 'tocó' (3rd sg of tocar). 'Fondo' = fixed direct object (no article). 'Después de + infinitive' (perderlo todo) = temporal. Coordinated preterite 'empezó a + infinitive'.
soltar la lengua
to loosen one's tongue / to spill the beans
Un par de copas y soltó la lengua sobre el plan secreto.
A couple of drinks and he spilled the beans about the secret plan.
Preterite 'soltó' (3rd sg of soltar, o→ue but regular in preterite). 'La lengua' = fixed direct object. 'Un par de copas y...' = elliptical conditional. 'Sobre + noun' = topic preposition.
subirse por las paredes
to climb the walls / to be furious or desperate
Cuando supo que le cancelaron el vuelo, se subió por las paredes.
When he found out his flight was canceled, he was climbing the walls.
El director se lavó las manos y dejó el problema a sus subordinados.
The director washed his hands of it and left the problem to his subordinates.
Reflexive preterite 'se lavó' (3rd sg of lavarse). 'Las manos' = fixed direct object. Coordinated preterite 'dejó' + direct object. 'A sus subordinados' = indirect object with personal 'a'.
jugar con fuego
to play with fire
Si mientes a Hacienda, estás jugando con fuego.
If you lie to the tax office, you're playing with fire.
Gerund 'jugando' in periphrastic 'estás jugando' (progressive). 'Con fuego' = fixed prepositional phrase. 'Si + present' (mientes) = conditional clause. 'A Hacienda' = personal 'a' + proper noun.
ir a por todas
to go for broke / to go all out
En la final, el equipo fue a por todas desde el primer minuto.
In the final, the team went all out from the first minute.
Preterite 'fue' (3rd sg of ir, irregular). 'A por todas' = fixed adverbial phrase. 'Desde + noun' (el primer minuto) = temporal starting point. 'En la final' = locative.
comulgar con ruedas de molino
to swallow anything / to be extremely gullible
No me hagas comulgar con ruedas de molino; eso no es creíble.
Don't expect me to swallow that; it's not believable.
Negative imperative 'no me hagas + infinitive' (causative). 'Con ruedas de molino' = fixed prepositional phrase. 'Eso no es creíble' = demonstrative + copulative + adjective.
dar la espada
to turn one's back on
Cuando más la necesitaba, sus amigos le dieron la espalda.
When she needed them most, her friends turned their backs on her.
Preterite 'dieron' (3rd pl of dar, irregular). 'La espalda' = fixed direct object. Indirect object 'le' = affected person. 'Cuando más la necesitaba' = temporal clause with imperfect.
ser el vivo retrato de
to be the spitting image of
La niña es el vivo retrato de su madre.
The girl is the spitting image of her mother.
Present 'es' (3rd sg of ser). 'El vivo retrato de' = predicate noun phrase with 'de + noun' complement. 'Su madre' = genitive complement. 'La niña' = subject.
tener la negra
to have bad luck / to be cursed with misfortune
Vaya, otra multa. Tengo la negra esta semana.
Great, another fine. I'm having terrible luck this week.
Present 'tengo' (1st sg of tener). 'La negra' = fixed direct object (substantivized adjective). Interjection 'vaya' for frustration. 'Esta semana' = temporal demonstrative.
no dar un palo al agua
to not lift a finger / to be bone idle
Mi compañero de piso no da un palo al agua; nunca limpia.
My flatmate doesn't lift a finger; he never cleans.
Present 'da' (3rd sg of dar) with negation. 'Un palo al agua' = fixed verbal phrase with contracted 'al'. 'Nunca limpia' = negative adverb with present habitual.
poner los puntos sobre las íes
to dot the i's and cross the t's / to set things straight
Vamos a poner los puntos sobre las íes antes de firmar el contrato.
Let's set things straight before signing the contract.
Infinitive 'poner' after 'vamos a' (1st pl near future). 'Los puntos sobre las íes' = fixed verbal phrase. 'Antes de + infinitive' (firmar) = temporal.
La empresa intentó echar tierra sobre el escándalo medioambiental.
The company tried to hush up the environmental scandal.
Preterite 'intentó' (3rd sg of intentar) + infinitive 'echar'. 'Tierra sobre + noun' = fixed verbal phrase. 'El escándalo medioambiental' = direct object with adjective.
no tener remedio
to be hopeless / to be beyond help
Siempre llegas tarde; no tienes remedio.
You're always late; you're hopeless.
Present 'tienes' (2nd sg of tener) with negation. 'Remedio' = fixed direct object (no article). 'Siempre llegas tarde' = habitual present with adverb. Semicolon links cause and judgment.
tener el riñón bien cubierto
to be well-off / to have deep pockets
No le preocupa la crisis; tiene el riñón bien cubierto.
The crisis doesn't worry him; he's well-off.
Present 'tiene' (3rd sg of tener). 'El riñón bien cubierto' = fixed verbal phrase (past participle as adjective). 'No le preocupa' = indirect object 'le' with negation.
sacar los trapos sucios
to air one's dirty laundry
En el divorcio, sacaron todos los trapos sucios.
During the divorce, they aired all their dirty laundry.
Preterite 'sacaron' (3rd pl of sacar). 'Los trapos sucios' = fixed direct object (adjective postposed). 'En el divorcio' = temporal/locative. 'Todos' = quantifier for emphasis.
tener pájaros en la cabeza
to have one's head full of nonsense
Piensa que se hará millonario en un mes; tiene pájaros en la cabeza.
He thinks he'll become a millionaire in a month; his head is full of nonsense.
Present 'tiene' (3rd sg of tener). 'Pájaros en la cabeza' = fixed direct object phrase. 'Piensa que + future' (se hará) = belief clause with reflexive future of hacerse.
oler a chamusquina
to smell fishy / something seems off
Este negocio me huele a chamusquina; mejor investiguemos.
Después de la fiesta, la casa estaba manga por hombro.
After the party, the house was in a mess.
Imperfect 'estaba' (3rd sg of estar). 'Manga por hombro' = fixed predicate phrase (no articles). 'Después de + noun' (la fiesta) = temporal. 'La casa' = subject.
dar con la horma de su zapato
to meet one's match
Era muy arrogante hasta que dio con la horma de su zapato.
He was very arrogant until he met his match.
Preterite 'dio' (3rd sg of dar, irregular). 'Con la horma de su zapato' = fixed prepositional phrase. 'Era muy arrogante' = imperfect for background. 'Hasta que' = temporal limit.
Preterite 'lograron' (3rd pl of lograr) + infinitive 'salir'. 'A flote' = fixed adverbial phrase. 'A pesar de + noun' (la crisis) = concessive construction.
tener mucha solera
to have a lot of tradition / to be well-established
Es un restaurante con mucha solera; lleva abierto desde 1920.
It's a well-established restaurant; it's been open since 1920.
Present 'es' with 'con mucha solera' = 'con + noun' for attributive description. 'Lleva abierto desde' = durational construction with llevar + past participle. 'Desde 1920' = temporal.
donde las dan las toman
what goes around comes around / turnabout is fair play
Se burló de mí, pero luego le pasó lo mismo. Donde las dan las toman.
He made fun of me, but then the same thing happened to him. What goes around comes around.
'Donde + present' = locative relative clause. Present 'dan' and 'toman' (3rd pl) = gnomig present for proverbs. Reflexive 'se burló de mí' = preterite. 'Le pasó lo mismo' = preterite with neuter pronoun.
estar en el punto de mira
to be in the crosshairs / to be under scrutiny
Tras la polémica, el ministro está en el punto de mira.
After the controversy, the minister is under scrutiny.
Present 'está' (3rd sg of estar). 'En el punto de mira' = fixed prepositional phrase. 'Tras + noun' (la polémica) = temporal preposition meaning 'after'.
no ser santo de la devoción de alguien
to not be someone's cup of tea
Su nuevo novio no es santo de mi devoción, pero la respeto.
Her new boyfriend isn't my cup of tea, but I respect her choice.
Present 'es' (3rd sg of ser) with negation. 'Santo de mi devoción' = fixed predicate with possessive. Adversative 'pero la respeto' = concessive contrast.
to pull someone's chestnuts out of the fire / to bail someone out
Siempre me toca sacar las castañas del fuego por sus errores.
I always end up bailing him out for his mistakes.
Present 'toca' in 'me toca + infinitive' (obligation/turn). 'Las castañas del fuego' = fixed verbal phrase with contracted 'del'. 'Por sus errores' = causal 'por + noun'.
pagar el pato
to be the fall guy / to take the rap
El error fue del equipo, pero yo pagué el pato.
It was the team's mistake, but I took the rap.
Preterite 'pagué' (1st sg of pagar). 'El pato' = fixed direct object. 'Fue del equipo' = preterite of ser with contracted 'del'. Adversative 'pero' contrasts group vs. individual blame.
estar al loro
to be on the ball / to be in the loop
Estate al loro por si cambian la hora de la reunión.
Stay on the ball in case they change the meeting time.
Imperative 'estate' (2nd sg of estar, reflexive). 'Al loro' = fixed adverbial phrase with contracted 'al'. 'Por si + present' (cambian) = precautionary clause. 'La hora de la reunión' = direct object.
pedir peras al olmo
to expect the impossible / to ask a leopard to change its spots
Esperar puntualidad de él es pedir peras al olmo.
Expecting punctuality from him is expecting the impossible.
Infinitive 'pedir' in nominal function (subject of 'es'). 'Peras al olmo' = fixed verbal phrase with contracted 'al'. 'Esperar + noun + de + pronoun' = parallel expectation construction.
saber de qué pie cojea alguien
to know someone's weakness
Le conozco bien; sé de qué pie cojea.
I know him well; I know his weakness.
Present 'sé' (1st sg of saber, irregular). 'De qué pie cojea' = embedded interrogative clause with 'de qué + noun'. 'Le conozco bien' = present with adverb and personal 'a' (implicit).
tener la cabeza sobre los hombros
to have a good head on one's shoulders
A pesar de su juventud, tiene la cabeza bien puesta sobre los hombros.
Despite her youth, she has a good head on her shoulders.
Present 'tiene' (3rd sg of tener). 'La cabeza bien puesta sobre los hombros' = extended fixed phrase with adverb 'bien' + past participle. 'A pesar de + noun' = concessive.
dar la cara
to face the music / to show one's face
Si cometes un error, hay que dar la cara y asumir las consecuencias.
If you make a mistake, you have to face the music and accept the consequences.
'Hay que + infinitive' (dar) for impersonal obligation. 'La cara' = fixed direct object. 'Si + present' (cometes) = conditional clause. 'Y + infinitive' (asumir) = coordinated obligation.
comerse el marrón
to get stuck with the blame / to take the fall
Como siempre, me comí el marrón del error del equipo.
As always, I got stuck with the blame for the team's error.
Reflexive preterite 'me comí' (1st sg of comerse). 'El marrón' = fixed direct object (colloquial noun). 'Como siempre' = habitual adverbial. 'Del error del equipo' = double contracted genitive.
ser agua pasada
to be water under the bridge
Nuestra pelea ya es agua pasada; no la menciones.
Our argument is water under the bridge; don't mention it.
Present 'es' (3rd sg of ser). 'Agua pasada' = predicate noun phrase. 'Ya' = adverb indicating accomplished state. Negative imperative 'no la menciones' (2nd sg subjunctive of mencionar).
tener huevos
to have guts (vulgar) / to have nerve
Hay que tener huevos para presentar eso al director.
You have to have guts to present that to the director.
'Hay que + infinitive' (tener) for impersonal obligation. 'Huevos' = fixed direct object (no article, vulgar register). 'Para + infinitive' (presentar) = purpose. 'Eso' = demonstrative direct object.
ir sobre ruedas
to go smoothly / to run like clockwork
El proyecto va sobre ruedas; cumpliremos el plazo sin problema.
The project is going smoothly; we'll meet the deadline without any problem.
to be fixated on something / to have it in for someone
Tiene entre ceja y ceja aprobar ese examen como sea.
She's fixated on passing that exam no matter what.
Present 'tiene' (3rd sg of tener). 'Entre ceja y ceja' = fixed prepositional phrase (no articles). Infinitive 'aprobar' as direct object. 'Como sea' = concessive subjunctive expression.
ir de culo
to be up the creek / to be in serious trouble (colloquial)
Con estos resultados, la empresa va de culo.
With these results, the company is in serious trouble.
Present 'va' (3rd sg of ir, irregular). 'De culo' = fixed adverbial phrase (colloquial). 'Con estos resultados' = causal 'con + demonstrative + noun'. 'La empresa' = subject.
estar en capilla
to be on tenterhooks / to be anxiously waiting
Estuve en capilla toda la mañana esperando los resultados.
I was on tenterhooks all morning waiting for the results.
Preterite 'estuve' (1st sg of estar, irregular). 'En capilla' = fixed prepositional phrase (no article). Gerund 'esperando' for simultaneous action. 'Toda la mañana' = temporal extent.
dar la tabarra
to pester / to nag
Deja de darme la tabarra con el tema; ya te he dicho que no.
Stop pestering me about it; I've already told you no.
Imperative 'deja de + infinitive' (darme, with enclitic indirect object 'me'). 'La tabarra' = fixed direct object. 'Con el tema' = 'con + noun' for topic. 'Ya te he dicho que no' = present perfect for reported speech.
tener buena planta
to be good-looking / to cut a fine figure
Tu hermano tiene muy buena planta con ese traje.
Your brother cuts a fine figure in that suit.
Present 'tiene' (3rd sg of tener). 'Muy buena planta' = fixed direct object with intensifier. 'Con ese traje' = 'con + demonstrative + noun' for manner/circumstance.
caer como un jarro de agua fría
to come as a cold shower / to be a rude awakening
La noticia del despido le cayó como un jarro de agua fría.
The news of the layoff came as a cold shower.
Preterite 'cayó' (3rd sg of caer, irregular). 'Como un jarro de agua fría' = fixed simile functioning as adverbial. Indirect object 'le' = affected person. 'La noticia del despido' = subject.
sacar pecho
to stand tall / to own it proudly
Después de ganar el premio, sacó pecho delante de sus críticos.
After winning the prize, he stood tall in front of his critics.
Preterite 'sacó' (3rd sg of sacar). 'Pecho' = fixed direct object (no article). 'Después de + infinitive' (ganar) = temporal. 'Delante de + possessive + noun' = locative.
echar el freno
to put the brakes on / to slow down
Estamos gastando demasiado; hay que echar el freno.
We're spending too much; we need to put the brakes on.
'Hay que + infinitive' (echar) for impersonal obligation. 'El freno' = fixed direct object. 'Estamos gastando demasiado' = present progressive with quantitative adverb.
darle vueltas a algo
to mull something over / to dwell on something
Llevo días dándole vueltas a la oferta de trabajo.
I've been mulling over the job offer for days.
Gerund 'dándole' in progressive 'llevo días dándole' (durational with llevar + gerund). Indirect object 'le' + 'a la oferta' = dative construction. 'Vueltas' = fixed direct object.
no tener nombre
to be beyond words / to be outrageous
Lo que le hicieron a esa familia no tiene nombre.
What they did to that family is beyond words.
Present 'tiene' (3rd sg of tener) with negation. 'Nombre' = fixed direct object (no article). 'Lo que + preterite' (hicieron) = free relative clause as subject. 'A esa familia' = indirect object.
tragarse el orgullo
to swallow one's pride
Tuvo que tragarse el orgullo y pedir disculpas.
He had to swallow his pride and apologize.
Reflexive preterite 'tragarse' in 'tuvo que tragarse' (obligation with tener que + infinitive). 'El orgullo' = fixed direct object. 'Y + infinitive' (pedir) = coordinated action.
ponerle cascabel al gato
to bell the cat / to take on a daunting task
Todos sabemos que hay que hablar con el jefe, pero ¿quién le pone el cascabel al gato?
We all know we need to talk to the boss, but who's going to bell the cat?
Present 'pone' (3rd sg of poner) with indirect object 'le'. 'El cascabel al gato' = fixed verbal phrase with contracted 'al'. Interrogative '¿quién?' = interrogative pronoun as subject.
no tener ni pizca de
to not have an ounce of
No tiene ni pizca de vergüenza; miente descaradamente.
He doesn't have an ounce of shame; he lies blatantly.
Present 'tiene' (3rd sg of tener) with 'ni' (emphatic negation). 'Ni pizca de + noun' = fixed quantifying expression. 'Miente descaradamente' = present with manner adverb.
meter el dedo en el ojo
to provoke someone deliberately
Con ese comentario le metió el dedo en el ojo al rival.
With that comment, he deliberately provoked his rival.
Preterite 'metió' (3rd sg of meter). 'El dedo en el ojo' = fixed verbal phrase. 'Con ese comentario' = instrumental 'con + demonstrative + noun'. 'Al rival' = contracted indirect object.
a ciencia cierta
for certain / with certainty
No se sabe a ciencia cierta cuándo comenzó la tradición.
It's not known for certain when the tradition began.
Impersonal 'se sabe' (passive se) with negation. 'A ciencia cierta' = fixed adverbial phrase. 'Cuándo comenzó' = embedded interrogative with preterite. 'La tradición' = subject.
por si las moscas
just in case
Llévate un abrigo por si las moscas.
Take a coat just in case.
Imperative 'llévate' (2nd sg of llevarse, reflexive). 'Por si las moscas' = fixed adverbial phrase (elliptical conditional). 'Un abrigo' = direct object.
a las tantas
very late / at an ungodly hour
Llegaron a las tantas y nos despertaron a todos.
They arrived at an ungodly hour and woke everyone up.
Preterite 'llegaron' (3rd pl of llegar). 'A las tantas' = fixed adverbial phrase (feminine plural of 'tanto' with article). Coordinated preterite 'despertaron' with 'a todos' = direct object.
de cabo a rabo
from beginning to end / from top to bottom
Me leí el informe de cabo a rabo.
I read the report from beginning to end.
Reflexive preterite 'me leí' (1st sg of leerse, intensifying reflexive). 'De cabo a rabo' = fixed adverbial phrase. 'El informe' = direct object.
en un periquete
in a jiffy / in no time
Espera, que te lo arreglo en un periquete.
Wait, I'll fix it for you in a jiffy.
Imperative 'espera' (2nd sg of esperar). 'En un periquete' = fixed adverbial phrase for speed. 'Te lo arreglo' = present with double object pronouns (indirect 'te' + direct 'lo').
a pie juntillas
unquestioningly / blindly
Se creyó a pie juntillas todo lo que le dijeron.
He believed unquestioningly everything they told him.
Reflexive preterite 'se creyó' (3rd sg of creerse). 'A pie juntillas' = fixed adverbial phrase. 'Todo lo que + preterite' (dijeron) = free relative clause as direct object.
a las duras y a las maduras
through thick and thin
Los verdaderos amigos están a las duras y a las maduras.
True friends are there through thick and thin.
Present 'están' (3rd pl of estar). 'A las duras y a las maduras' = fixed adverbial phrase (substantivized feminine adjectives). 'Los verdaderos amigos' = subject with adjective.
sin comerlo ni beberlo
through no fault of one's own / without having anything to do with it
Sin comerlo ni beberlo, me vi envuelto en un escándalo.
Through no fault of my own, I got caught up in a scandal.
'Sin + infinitive + ni + infinitive' = fixed privative phrase with correlative negation. Reflexive preterite 'me vi envuelto' = passive-like construction (verse + past participle). 'En un escándalo' = locative.
a las primeras de cambio
at the first sign of trouble / right away
No puedes rendirte a las primeras de cambio.
You can't give up at the first sign of trouble.
Present 'puedes' (2nd sg of poder) with negation. 'A las primeras de cambio' = fixed adverbial phrase. Infinitive 'rendirte' = reflexive infinitive as complement of poder.
de pe a pa
from start to finish / inside and out
Se conoce el manual de pe a pa.
She knows the manual from start to finish.
Reflexive present 'se conoce' (3rd sg of conocerse). 'De pe a pa' = fixed adverbial phrase. 'El manual' = direct object. Habitual present tense for general statement.
por los pelos
by the skin of one's teeth / by a hair's breadth
Aprobé el examen por los pelos.
I passed the exam by the skin of my teeth.
Preterite 'aprobé' (1st sg of aprobar, o→ue but regular in preterite). 'Por los pelos' = fixed adverbial phrase modifying the verb. 'El examen' = direct object.
con conocimiento de causa
with full knowledge / knowingly
Hablo con conocimiento de causa; he trabajado allí diez años.
I speak with full knowledge; I've worked there for ten years.
Present 'hablo' (1st sg of hablar). 'Con conocimiento de causa' = fixed adverbial phrase. Present perfect 'he trabajado' for life experience. 'Allí' = locative adverb. 'Diez años' = temporal extent.
como borregos
like sheep / blindly following the crowd
La gente iba como borregos detrás de la moda sin cuestionarla.
People followed the fashion like sheep without questioning it.
Imperfect 'iba' (3rd sg of ir, used impersonally). 'Como borregos' = fixed simile as adverbial. 'Detrás de la moda' = locative prepositional phrase. 'Sin + infinitive' (cuestionarla) = privative.
hasta la coronilla
fed up to here / sick and tired
Estoy hasta la coronilla de sus excusas.
I'm sick and tired of his excuses.
Present 'estoy' (1st sg of estar). 'Hasta la coronilla' = fixed prepositional phrase. 'De sus excusas' = causal 'de + noun' complement. Possessive 'sus' = 3rd person.
el mundo es un pañuelo
it's a small world
¿También conoces a María? El mundo es un pañuelo.
You know María too? It's a small world.
Present 'es' (3rd sg of ser). 'Un pañuelo' = predicate noun (metaphor). Interrogative '¿También conoces a María?' = adverb 'también' + personal 'a' before proper noun.
hacerse cruces
to be astonished / to not believe one's eyes
Cuando vio el resultado, se hizo cruces.
When she saw the result, she couldn't believe her eyes.
Reflexive preterite 'se hizo' (3rd sg of hacerse, irregular). 'Cruces' = fixed direct object (no article). 'Cuando + preterite' (vio) = temporal clause.
ser la gota que colma el vaso
to be the straw that breaks the camel's back
Su falta de respeto fue la gota que colmó el vaso.
His lack of respect was the straw that broke the camel's back.
Preterite 'fue' (3rd sg of ser, irregular). 'La gota que colmó el vaso' = predicate with relative clause. 'Su falta de respeto' = subject with nominal complement.
abrir la veda
to open the floodgates / to kick things off
Su confesión abrió la veda y todos empezaron a hablar.
Her confession opened the floodgates and everyone started talking.
Preterite 'abrió' (3rd sg of abrir). 'La veda' = fixed direct object. Coordinated 'y todos empezaron a + infinitive' = inchoative periphrasis. 'Su confesión' = subject.
coser y cantar
to be a cinch / easy as pie
Para un ingeniero como tú, eso es coser y cantar.
For an engineer like you, that's a cinch.
Present 'es' (3rd sg of ser). 'Coser y cantar' = fixed predicate (two coordinated infinitives). 'Para un ingeniero como tú' = benefactive/reference prepositional phrase with comparative.
dar la vuelta a la situación
to turn things around
Con una buena estrategia, dimos la vuelta a la situación.
With a good strategy, we turned things around.
Preterite 'dimos' (1st pl of dar, irregular). 'La vuelta a la situación' = fixed verbal phrase. 'Con una buena estrategia' = instrumental 'con + adjective + noun'.
ponerse las botas
to make a killing / to feast
Se pusieron las botas con el buffet libre.
They feasted at the all-you-can-eat buffet.
Reflexive preterite 'se pusieron' (3rd pl of ponerse, irregular). 'Las botas' = fixed direct object. 'Con el buffet libre' = 'con + noun' for means/occasion.
estar al caer
to be just around the corner / to be about to happen
El invierno está al caer; ya refresca por las noches.
Winter is just around the corner; it's already getting cool at night.
Present 'está' (3rd sg of estar). 'Al caer' = fixed prepositional phrase with contracted 'al + infinitive'. 'Ya refresca' = impersonal verb with 'ya' for change. 'Por las noches' = habitual temporal.
tener cuajo
to have nerve / to have the audacity
Tuvo el cuajo de pedir un aumento tras llegar tarde todo el mes.
He had the nerve to ask for a raise after being late all month.
La carretera estaba como boca de lobo; no se veía nada.
The road was pitch black; you couldn't see a thing.
Imperfect 'estaba' (3rd sg of estar). 'Como boca de lobo' = fixed simile as predicate. 'La carretera' = subject. Impersonal 'no se veía nada' = passive 'se' with negative indefinite.
pasarlas canutas
to have a rough time of it
Las pasamos canutas durante los primeros meses del negocio.
We had a rough time of it during the first months of the business.
Preterite 'pasamos' (1st pl of pasar) with feminine plural pronoun 'las'. 'Canutas' = fixed predicate adjective. 'Durante los primeros meses' = temporal. 'Del negocio' = genitive with contracted 'del'.
no tener abuela
to be full of oneself / to blow one's own trumpet
Dice que es el mejor del departamento; no tiene abuela.
He says he's the best in the department; he's so full of himself.
Present 'tiene' (3rd sg of tener) with negation. 'Abuela' = fixed direct object (no article). 'Dice que es' = reported speech with present. 'El mejor del departamento' = superlative.
echar la casa por la ventana
to go overboard with spending
Para el cumpleaños de la niña, echaron la casa por la ventana.
For the girl's birthday, they went overboard with spending.
Preterite 'echaron' (3rd pl of echar). 'La casa por la ventana' = fixed verbal phrase. 'Para el cumpleaños de la niña' = purpose/occasion with genitive 'de'.
llevar las de perder
to be fighting a losing battle
Si vas a juicio contra esa multinacional, llevas las de perder.
If you go to court against that multinational, you're fighting a losing battle.
He saw the accident and didn't lift a finger to help.
Preterite 'movió' (3rd sg of mover, o→ue but regular in preterite) with negation. 'Un dedo' = fixed direct object. 'Para + infinitive' (ayudar) = purpose. Preterite 'vio' for witnessing.
tener la lengua muy larga
to have a big mouth / to be a blabbermouth
No le cuentes nada; tiene la lengua muy larga.
Don't tell him anything; he has a big mouth.
Present 'tiene' (3rd sg of tener). 'La lengua muy larga' = fixed direct object with intensifier. Negative imperative 'no le cuentes' (2nd sg subjunctive of contar). 'Nada' = negative pronoun.
poner en tela de juicio
to call into question
Sus resultados pusieron en tela de juicio la teoría anterior.
His results called the previous theory into question.
Preterite 'pusieron' (3rd pl of poner, irregular). 'En tela de juicio' = fixed prepositional phrase. 'La teoría anterior' = direct object with adjective. 'Sus resultados' = subject.
echar a alguien con cajas destempladas
to send someone packing
Cuando pidió más dinero, le echaron con cajas destempladas.
When he asked for more money, they sent him packing.
Su presentación dejó en evidencia la incompetencia del equipo anterior.
Her presentation showed up the incompetence of the previous team.
Preterite 'dejó' (3rd sg of dejar). 'En evidencia' = fixed prepositional complement. 'La incompetencia del equipo anterior' = direct object with contracted 'del' and adjective.
dar largas
to stall / to string someone along
Llevan meses dando largas con la aprobación del permiso.
They've been stalling for months on approving the permit.
Gerund 'dando' in progressive 'llevan meses dando' (durational with llevar + gerund). 'Largas' = fixed direct object (substantivized adjective, no article). 'Con la aprobación del permiso' = 'con + noun'.
quedarse en blanco
to go blank / to draw a blank
En medio de la presentación me quedé en blanco y olvidé todo.
In the middle of the presentation I went blank and forgot everything.
Reflexive preterite 'me quedé' (1st sg of quedarse). 'En blanco' = fixed prepositional phrase. 'En medio de + noun' = locative. Coordinated preterite 'olvidé' with 'todo' = direct object.