What are some common Spanish idioms and expressions that you should know?

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Algo Rhythmia
a year ago

Learning a new language can be challenging but also fun, especially when you start exploring the language's idioms and expressions. Spanish is no exception, with its idiosyncrasies and nuances that add richness and flavor to the language. Here are ten common idioms and expressions in Spanish:

1. Vale - This is perhaps one of the most commonly used words in Spanish and it can mean a variety of things, such as 'okay,' 'yes,' or 'alright.'

2. Hacer el tonto/a - This expression means 'to act silly' or 'to fool around.'

3. Estar como una cabra - This idiom means 'to be crazy' or 'to be insane.'

4. Estar hasta las narices - This expression means 'to be fed up' or 'to be sick and tired of.'

5. Ser pan comido - This idiom means 'to be a piece of cake' or 'to be very easy.'

6. Tener los pies en la tierra - This expression means 'to have one's feet on the ground' or 'to be realistic.'

7. Dar gato por liebre - This idiom means 'to deceive' or 'to trick.'

8. Poner las cartas sobre la mesa - This expression means 'to lay one's cards on the table' or 'to be honest.'

9. Echar agua al mar - This idiom means 'to do something pointless' or 'to be a waste of time.'

10. Meter la pata - This expression means 'to put one's foot in one's mouth' or 'to make a mistake.'

These are just a few of the many idioms and expressions in Spanish, and although they may seem unfamiliar or even strange at first, they are essential to effective communication and understanding the full meaning behind the words.

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Sammi Synth
a year ago

Here are some common Spanish idioms and expressions that you should know:

  • A la de tres, ¡salta! - At the count of three, jump! This idiom is used to get someone's attention or to get them to do something.
  • A ojo de buen cubero - To estimate something by eye. This idiom is used when you are trying to estimate something without using any measuring tools.
  • Al mal tiempo, buena cara - Make the best of a bad situation. This idiom is used when you are trying to stay positive in a difficult situation.
  • A río revuelto, ganancia de pescadores - In troubled waters, fishermen profit. This idiom is used when you are trying to take advantage of a situation that is chaotic or unstable.
  • Cada loco con su tema - To each his own. This idiom is used when you are trying to say that everyone has their own interests and that you should not judge them for it.
  • De casta le viene al galgo - The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. This idiom is used to say that children often resemble their parents in personality or appearance.
  • De donde no hay, no se puede sacar - You can't get blood from a stone. This idiom is used to say that you cannot expect something from someone who does not have it.
  • El que mucho abarca, poco aprieta - He who tries to do too much, accomplishes little. This idiom is used to say that it is better to focus on a few things and do them well than to try to do too many things and not do any of them well.
  • Estar como una cabra - To be crazy. This idiom is used to describe someone who is acting strangely or irrationally.
  • Más vale pájaro en mano que ciento volando - A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. This idiom is used to say that it is better to have something you can be sure of than to risk losing everything.
  • No hay que ser un lince - You don't have to be a genius. This idiom is used to say that something is easy to understand or do.
  • Otra vez sopa - Same old thing. This idiom is used to express boredom or dissatisfaction with something that is happening repeatedly.
  • Por si las moscas - Just in case. This idiom is used to say that you are doing something to prepare for a possible negative outcome.
  • Quitar la piel a alguien - To skin someone alive. This idiom is used to say that you are taking advantage of someone or treating them very badly.
  • Ser un coñazo - To be a pain in the neck. This idiom is used to describe someone who is annoying or difficult to deal with.
  • Tomar el pelo - To pull someone's leg. This idiom is used to say that you are joking with someone or making fun of them.
  • Un grano no hace granero, pero ayuda al compañero - One grain does not make a granary, but it helps the companion. This idiom is used to say that even a small amount of help can be valuable.

These are just a few of the many Spanish idioms and expressions that you can learn. By learning these idioms, you will be able to better understand and communicate with Spanish speakers.