30 Spanish Expressions Inspired by Myths and Legends
Languages often preserve the essence of ancient tales, and Spanish is no exception. Many expressions used today have their roots in myths and legends that span centuries. If you're passionate about folklore and want to enrich your Spanish vocabulary, these 30 expressions will unveil a fascinating blend of language and storytelling, drawing from history, myth, religion, and cultural memory.
Understanding these expressions not only improves fluency, but also opens a window into the worldview of Spanish-speaking communities. This is particularly valuable for language learners seeking authentic and memorable content. If you love language with layers of meaning, the book Spanish Legends and Folklore is an excellent companion, blending vocabulary and legend in a rich cultural tapestry.
Let’s dive into these legendary idioms—and uncover the myths behind them.
1. Ser un quijote
Originating from Don Quijote de la Mancha, this phrase refers to someone who’s overly idealistic, noble, and impractical. “Ser un quijote” is often used to describe a person who fights for causes with little chance of success, much like the knight-errant who fought windmills thinking they were giants.
2. Estar en las nubes
Literally "to be in the clouds," it denotes someone who is distracted or lost in thought. While not directly from myth, some connect this idea to Icarus, the Greek youth who flew too high on wax wings—symbolizing dangerous dreams.
3. Salvarse por los pelos
"To be saved by a hair" refers to a narrow escape from danger. This idea of barely escaping death is common in myths, where heroes dodge fate by the slimmest margin—echoing suspenseful storytelling traditions.
4. Tener el Midas
Derived from King Midas, who turned everything he touched into gold. “Tener el Midas” implies a person has a golden touch—successful in business or life—but also serves as a warning about unchecked ambition.
5. Estar entre Escila y Caribdis
A direct import from Greek mythology, this means being trapped between two dangers, like Odysseus sailing between two monsters. It captures the tension of navigating complex problems with no easy solutions.
6. Ser un adonis
An “adonis” is a man of extraordinary beauty, named after the mortal loved by Aphrodite. In Spanish, calling someone “un adonis” highlights not only physical attractiveness but also a sense of tragic allure.
7. La espada de Damocles
Symbolizing ever-present danger, this expression comes from the tale of Damocles, who sat beneath a sword hanging by a single thread. It’s used today when someone is under constant threat, despite appearing secure.
8. Abrir la caja de Pandora
This famous Greek myth tells of Pandora, who released all the world’s evils by opening a forbidden box. In modern usage, this idiom warns against actions that may unleash uncontrollable consequences.
9. Dormirse en los laureles
In ancient Greece, laurel wreaths were given to victors. To “rest on your laurels” means to become complacent after success—an important lesson in many hero stories.
10. Ver las orejas al lobo
“To see the wolf’s ears” means to sense impending danger. Wolves are common in European folklore, representing hidden threats. The phrase encourages vigilance before disaster strikes.
11. No hay moros en la costa
A historical phrase from the Reconquista era, meaning "the coast is clear." It originated when coastal towns were on alert for attacks from Moors. Today, it's used more innocently to mean there’s no danger.
12. Salir como alma que lleva el diablo
“To flee like a soul possessed by the devil” reflects old religious beliefs about demonic possession. It’s used to describe someone fleeing in panic or great urgency.
13. Tener un talón de Aquiles
A person's "Achilles heel" is their weakness, no matter how strong they seem. This mythological reference underscores that even the mighty are vulnerable.
14. Hacer la vista gorda
“To turn a blind eye” is said to come from a Spanish admiral who pretended not to see a signal during battle. Folktales also feature characters who selectively ignore wrongdoing—a theme still relevant today.
15. Ser el cuento de nunca acabar
Refers to a situation that drags on endlessly. Inspired by oral storytelling traditions, especially those with cyclical or unresolved plots.
16. Estar hecho un basilisco
A basilisk, or cockatrice, was a creature whose gaze could kill. This phrase describes someone furious, whose expression alone is intimidating.
Discover More Spanish Legends with Spanish Legends and Folklore
If you’re fascinated by the connection between language and storytelling, Spanish Legends and Folklore is the perfect book for you! Dive into centuries-old myths, improve your Spanish, and explore the cultural depth of the language.
17. Viento en popa
“Full sail ahead” implies everything is going smoothly. With roots in nautical folklore, it conjures images of mythical sea voyages and divine winds guiding sailors.
18. Como pez en el agua
To be “like a fish in water” means to feel completely at ease. Some legends describe humans who adapt to magical underwater worlds, such as mermaids or selkies.
19. Hacerse el sueco
Literally “to play the Swede,” it means to pretend not to understand. While theories vary, some connect it to stereotypes from medieval northern European tales where foreigners feigned ignorance to avoid duties.
20. Estar en el séptimo cielo
“To be in the seventh heaven” is to feel immense joy. The phrase originates from ancient cosmologies that placed divine or perfect states in the seventh layer of the heavens.
21. Más feo que Picio
Refers to a historical figure or legend from Granada known for being exceptionally ugly. Today, it’s a humorous way to describe someone’s appearance, often exaggerated and affectionate.
22. Ser un lobo con piel de cordero
"A wolf in sheep’s clothing" is a Biblical metaphor also present in medieval Spanish literature. It warns of deception—those who seem kind but are actually dangerous.
23. Irse por los cerros de Úbeda
Means to go off on a tangent. Legend says a soldier tried to avoid battle by disappearing into the hills around Úbeda. When he returned, he gave confusing explanations—hence the expression.
24. Ser un demonio
Calling someone “un demonio” refers to mischievous behavior. Demons in folklore were not always evil—sometimes they were just tricksters or chaos agents, similar to elves or goblins in other traditions.
25. Poner el grito en el cielo
“To cry out to the heavens” means to protest loudly. It evokes imagery of invoking divine justice, often used when someone is shocked or outraged.
26. Salir de Guatemala y meterse en Guatepeor
A play on words—“from bad to worse.” Though not mythical, it reflects the folkloric use of humor and pun to teach life lessons.
27. Tener la soga al cuello
“To have the rope around your neck” references execution methods from the Middle Ages. It symbolizes being under intense pressure or in a desperate situation.
28. Ser un ogro
Ogres are mythological creatures from European fairy tales. In Spanish, calling someone “un ogro” means they’re aggressive, moody, or intimidating—especially toward children.
29. Hacer castillos en el aire
“To build castles in the air” means to fantasize about things unlikely to happen. This poetic image likely comes from medieval romances, where lovers or knights dreamed of impossible feats.
30. Estar encantado
Beyond meaning “delighted,” this expression has a double life in folklore. To be “enchanted” suggests being under a magical spell, as in tales of bewitched places or people awaiting liberation.
Why Learning Folklore-Enriched Spanish Matters
Understanding these expressions goes far beyond knowing their literal meanings. They tap into centuries of oral tradition, literature, and cultural values. Each phrase is a story in itself, often layered with symbolism and historical memory. For Spanish learners, knowing expressions like tener la soga al cuello or hacer castillos en el aire adds nuance to conversations and creates stronger emotional resonance.
Want to dive deeper into these legends and their cultural context? Spanish Legends and Folklore is a great resource to explore not just the phrases, but also the myths behind them—making language learning a rich and enjoyable journey.
Final Thoughts
Learning Spanish expressions inspired by myths and legends allows you to appreciate the storytelling tradition embedded in the language. Ready to explore more? Get your copy of Spanish Legends and Folklore today!