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Home » Puerto Rican Spanish Slang Expressions » Page 11

Como quiera que te pongas siempre tienes que llorar

No matter what you do, you always end up crying. It's used to refer to someone who always finds a reason to be upset or someone who is frequently emotional. Examples Spanish: Ana, como quiera que te pongas siempre tienes que llorar. No importa si es una película feliz o triste. English: Ana, no matter […]

Coger el toro por los cuernos

To take the bull by the horns, meaning to face a problem or a difficult situation directly and bravely. Examples Spanish: No puedes evitar este problema para siempre, tienes que coger el toro por los cuernos y enfrentarlo. English: You can't avoid this problem forever, you have to take the bull by the horns and […]

Coger el sartén por el mango

To take the initiative or take control of a situation. Similar to the English idiom 'take the bull by the horns'. Examples Spanish: No podemos dejar que la situación se nos vaya de las manos, tenemos que coger el sartén por el mango. English: We can't let the situation get out of hand, we have […]

Chúpate esa en lo que te mondo la otra

A challenging phrase to translate directly, it is a colloquial way to express 'deal with that while I prepare something else for you'. It's often used in a competitive or argumentative context to indicate that the speaker is one step ahead, or has more arguments or actions to come. Examples Spanish: Te gané el primer […]

Caridad contra caridad no es caridad

This phrase is not exactly slang, but a popular saying in Spanish. It translates to 'Charity against charity is not charity.' It means that if you do something good for someone expecting something in return, it's not real charity or kindness. Examples Spanish: Juan siempre ayuda a los demás esperando recibir algo a cambio. Pero […]

Camino malo se anda ligero

This phrase is not exactly slang, but a proverb. It translates to 'A bad path is walked quickly', meaning people often rush into bad decisions or harmful situations. Examples Spanish: Siempre te apuras en tomar decisiones sin pensar en las consecuencias, recuerda que 'camino malo se anda ligero'. English: You always rush into making decisions […]

Camarón que se duerme, se lo lleva la corriente

A phrase used to indicate that those who do not act or seize opportunities will be left behind or face negative consequences. It is similar to the English saying 'you snooze, you lose'. Examples Spanish: No te quedes esperando que las cosas sucedan, recuerda que camarón que se duerme, se lo lleva la corriente. English: […]

Calma piojo que el peine llega

A phrase used to tell someone to be patient because their turn or time will come. Literally translates to 'Calm down, louse, the comb is coming'. Examples Spanish: 'Calma piojo que el peine llega', me dijo mi madre cuando le pregunté cuándo podría aprender a conducir. English: 'Calm down, louse, the comb is coming', my […]

Caerse como una guanábana

A Spanish slang phrase commonly used in some Latin American countries to describe someone who is extremely tired or exhausted. Examples Spanish: Después de trabajar todo el día, me caí como una guanábana. English: After working all day, I fell like a guanabana (I was extremely tired).

Cada oveja con su pareja

This Spanish slang term literally translates to 'each sheep with its pair'. It is used to express the idea that everyone has a match or someone who is suitable for them, usually in the context of relationships. Examples Spanish: No te preocupes por no tener novio ahora, recuerda que 'cada oveja con su pareja'. English: […]

Cada loco con su tema

A phrase used to indicate that everyone has their own obsession, hobby or topic that they are passionate about or constantly talk about. It literally translates to 'Every madman with his theme'. Examples Spanish: A Juan le encanta hablar sobre sus plantas. Bueno, cada loco con su tema. English: Juan loves to talk about his […]

Cada gallina a su gallinero

The phrase 'Cada gallina a su gallinero' is a Spanish slang term that translates to 'Every hen to its henhouse' in English. It is used to express that everyone should stick to their own business or place, or return to their usual environment. Examples Spanish: Los niños estaban causando problemas en la casa de la […]

Cada cuál tiene lo que busca

The phrase 'Cada cuál tiene lo que busca' translates directly to 'Each one has what they are looking for'. It is a Spanish slang expression used to convey the idea that everyone gets what they deserve or what they have worked for. Examples Spanish: Juan trabajó duro para obtener esa promoción. Como dice el dicho, […]

Cada cual se reparte con la cuchara grande

A Spanish idiom that literally translates to 'Everyone serves themselves with a big spoon'. It means that everyone is looking out for their own interests, often excessively or selfishly. Examples Spanish: En esta empresa, cada cual se reparte con la cuchara grande, sin pensar en el bienestar del equipo. English: In this company, everyone serves […]

Cada cual sabe donde le aprieta el zapato

This phrase is a metaphor that means 'everyone knows where their own problems lie' or 'everyone knows what troubles them the most'. It's often used to express that people are the best judge of their own situations or issues. Examples Spanish: No deberías juzgar su decisión, cada cual sabe donde le aprieta el zapato. English: […]

Cada cual sabe de la pata que cojea

This phrase literally translates to 'Everyone knows the leg they limp on.' It is used to express the idea that everyone knows their own faults, weaknesses or secrets, even if they don't publicly admit them. Examples Spanish: No intentes engañarme, cada cual sabe de la pata que cojea. English: Don't try to deceive me, everyone […]

Cada cual cuenta de la feria como le va en ella

This phrase literally translates to 'Everyone tells the fair as it goes for them.' It is used to express that people's perceptions and recounts of events are often influenced by their personal experiences and emotions. Examples Spanish: No puedes confiar en todas las críticas de la película. Recuerda, cada cual cuenta de la feria como […]

Cada cual a lo suyo

This Spanish slang phrase literally translates to 'each one to their own'. It is commonly used to express the idea that everyone should mind their own business or do their own thing. Examples Spanish: No me gusta interferir en los asuntos de los demás, siempre pienso que cada cual a lo suyo. English: I don't […]

Buscar las cinco patas al gato

This Spanish slang phrase literally translates to 'look for the five legs of the cat'. It is used to describe someone who is making things more complicated than they need to be or who is looking for problems where there are none. Examples Spanish: No busques las cinco patas al gato, la situación no es […]

Bien predica, quien bien vive

This is a Spanish idiomatic expression that means 'One preaches well, who lives well.' It's used to express the idea that one's actions speak louder than words or that one should practice what they preach. Examples Spanish: No puedes aconsejar a alguien sobre cómo ahorrar dinero si tú mismo eres derrochador. Bien predica, quien bien […]

Barriga llena, corazón contento

This phrase literally translates to 'full belly, happy heart.' It is a popular Spanish saying implying that good food leads to a happy, content mood. Examples Spanish: Después de una deliciosa cena, barriga llena, corazón contento. English: After a delicious dinner, full belly, happy heart.

Barco que no anda no llega a puerto

This phrase literally translates to 'A boat that doesn't move doesn't reach port'. It is used to express the idea that if you don't make an effort or take action, you will not achieve your goals or objectives. Examples Spanish: Si no estudias, no aprobarás el examen. Como dice el refrán, 'barco que no anda […]

Barco grande, ande o no ande

A saying that implies it's better to have something big or important, even if it's not entirely functional or useful. The literal translation is 'Big ship, whether it sails or not'. Examples Spanish: Mejor tener una casa grande aunque sea antigua, como dice el dicho, 'barco grande, ande o no ande'. English: Better to have […]

Ayúdate que Dios te ayudará

This is a Spanish proverb that translates to 'help yourself and God will help you.' It means that one must make efforts and take initiative, then only will they receive divine help. Examples Spanish: No puedes simplemente quedarte sentado y esperar un milagro, recuerda, 'Ayúdate que Dios te ayudará'. English: You can't just sit around […]

Aterriza que no hay tocón

A phrase used to tell someone to calm down, relax, or be realistic. It insinuates that the person might be overreacting, exaggerating, or not thinking rationally. Examples Spanish: No te vas a ganar la lotería, ¡aterriza que no hay tocón! English: You're not going to win the lottery, calm down and be realistic!

Arroz, que carne hay

A slang expression used to change the subject in a conversation or avoid answering a question. Literally translates to 'Rice, what meat is there', which makes no sense in English, but in Spanish it's used to divert attention. Examples Spanish: ¿Y tu ex novia? ¿Aún tienes sentimientos por ella? -Arroz, que carne hay, ¿vamos a […]

Aquí paz y en el cielo gloria

A phrase used to indicate that everything is fine and under control, despite any apparent problems or difficulties. It can also be used to convey a sense of peace and tranquility, as if there were no worries or troubles. Examples Spanish: A pesar de los problemas en el trabajo, en mi casa todo está bien. […]

Aprende a nadar y guardar la ropa

This phrase is used to advise someone to be careful, to think ahead, and to not leave themselves vulnerable while pursuing something. It's similar to the English saying 'Don't put all your eggs in one basket.' Examples Spanish: No inviertas todo tu dinero en ese negocio, aprende a nadar y guardar la ropa. English: Don't […]

Aparecer hasta en la sopa

This phrase is used to describe someone or something that appears everywhere or often. In English, it can be translated as 'to be everywhere'. It's often used when someone or something is annoyingly omnipresent. Examples Spanish: Desde que se hizo famoso, ese actor aparece hasta en la sopa. English: Since he became famous, that actor […]

Antes de que te cases mira lo que haces

A traditional saying advising one to carefully consider their actions before making significant life decisions, especially marriage. It translates literally to 'Before you get married, look at what you are doing'. Examples Spanish: No te apresures a casarte con él, recuerda, 'antes de que te cases mira lo que haces'. English: Don't rush to marry […]

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