15 Spanish Expressions That Will Impress Everyone
If you’re learning Spanish, idiomatic expressions are a key to sounding more natural and fluent. These phrases, full of cultural nuances, add color and personality to your conversations. In this article, we’ll cover 15 unique Spanish expressions, their meanings, and examples to help you incorporate them into your language practice.
1. Estar en las nubes
Literal Translation: To be in the clouds.
Meaning: To be distracted or daydreaming.
This phrase is commonly used to describe someone who seems lost in thought or not paying attention.
Example:
¿Por qué no me escuchaste? Siempre estás en las nubes.
("Why didn’t you listen to me? You’re always daydreaming.")
2. Tirar la toalla
Literal Translation: To throw in the towel.
Meaning: To give up.
Similar to the English version, this expression originates from boxing and refers to surrendering in any context.
Example:
No voy a tirar la toalla; seguiré intentándolo.
("I’m not going to give up; I’ll keep trying.")
3. Hablar por los codos
Literal Translation: To talk through the elbows.
Meaning: To talk excessively.
Use this phrase to describe a chatterbox or someone who can’t stop talking.
Example:
Mi abuela habla por los codos cuando recuerda su juventud.
("My grandmother talks non-stop when she reminisces about her youth.")
4. Estar como una cabra
Literal Translation: To be like a goat.
Meaning: To act crazy or eccentric.
This humorous expression is perfect for describing quirky or unusual behavior.
Example:
¡Estás como una cabra si crees que saltar al río en invierno es buena idea!
("You’re crazy if you think jumping into the river in winter is a good idea!")
5. Más vale tarde que nunca
Literal Translation: Better late than never.
Meaning: It’s better to do something late than not at all.
This phrase emphasizes the importance of persistence.
Example:
Llegaste al final de la película, pero más vale tarde que nunca.
("You arrived at the end of the movie, but better late than never.")
6. No tener pelos en la lengua
Literal Translation: To not have hairs on your tongue.
Meaning: To be very direct or blunt.
Use this phrase to describe someone who speaks their mind without hesitation.
Example:
Me gusta que no tengas pelos en la lengua; siempre dices la verdad.
("I like that you’re straightforward; you always speak the truth.")
7. Ser pan comido
Literal Translation: To be eaten bread.
Meaning: To be very easy.
This expression is equivalent to saying something is a piece of cake.
Example:
El examen de matemáticas fue pan comido.
("The math test was a piece of cake.")
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8. Estar con la soga al cuello
Literal Translation: To be with a rope around your neck.
Meaning: To be in a difficult or desperate situation.
It’s often used to describe financial struggles or stressful scenarios.
Example:
Este mes estoy con la soga al cuello por las deudas.
("This month, I’m in a tight spot because of debts.")
9. Matar dos pájaros de un tiro
Literal Translation: To kill two birds with one shot.
Meaning: To accomplish two things at once.
It’s a useful phrase for describing multitasking or efficiency.
Example:
Si termino el trabajo y paso por el supermercado, mato dos pájaros de un tiro.
("If I finish work and stop by the grocery store, I’ll kill two birds with one stone.")
10. Estar en la boca del lobo
Literal Translation: To be in the wolf’s mouth.
Meaning: To be in a dangerous or risky situation.
This phrase vividly describes peril or vulnerability.
Example:
Al aceptar ese trabajo peligroso, estás en la boca del lobo.
("By taking that dangerous job, you’re in a risky situation.")
11. Dormir como un lirón
Literal Translation: To sleep like a dormouse.
Meaning: To sleep deeply or soundly.
It’s a charming way to say you had an excellent night’s sleep.
Example:
Después del viaje, dormí como un lirón.
("After the trip, I slept like a log.")
12. Tirar la casa por la ventana
Literal Translation: To throw the house out the window.
Meaning: To spare no expense.
This expression is often used to describe lavish celebrations or big purchases.
Example:
Tiraron la casa por la ventana en su boda.
("They spared no expense at their wedding.")
13. Quedarse con la miel en los labios
Literal Translation: To be left with honey on your lips.
Meaning: To be left wanting or unfulfilled.
It’s perfect for moments when you don’t get the closure or satisfaction you expected.
Example:
El partido se canceló y me quedé con la miel en los labios.
("The game was canceled, and I was left wanting more.")
14. Hacer de tripas corazón
Literal Translation: To make a heart out of guts.
Meaning: To gather courage in a difficult situation.
This phrase highlights bravery in the face of adversity.
Example:
Hice de tripas corazón y hablé en público.
("I gathered my courage and spoke in public.")
15. Ir al grano
Literal Translation: To go to the grain.
Meaning: To get to the point.
It’s a concise way to encourage directness in communication.
Example:
No tenemos tiempo para explicaciones largas; vamos al grano.
("We don’t have time for long explanations; let’s get to the point.")
Why Learn Idiomatic Expressions?
Idiomatic expressions are the soul of a language. They provide insights into a culture’s humor, values, and creativity. By incorporating these 15 phrases into your conversations, you’ll not only expand your vocabulary but also connect with Spanish speakers on a deeper level.
Do you want to master the most authentic expressions of Spanish?