This phrase literally translates to 'he who made the law, made the trap'. It is used to express the idea that laws or rules are often made by those who also know how to exploit them or find loopholes. Examples Spanish: Juan siempre encuentra la forma de evitar hacer su trabajo. Como dice el dicho, […]
palabra de domingo
A promise that is not likely to be kept, or a statement that is not reliable. The phrase is often used to express skepticism about someone's word. Examples Spanish: No confíes en él, siempre da palabras de domingo. English: Don't trust him, he always gives Sunday words.
bandeja de plata
A term often used to describe a situation that is handed to someone on a silver platter, meaning something very easy or without effort. Examples Spanish: El examen fue como una bandeja de plata, no tuve que estudiar mucho. English: The exam was like a silver platter, I didn't have to study much.
no entender ni papa
To not understand anything at all. Examples Spanish: He estado estudiando para el examen toda la noche y todavía no entiendo ni papa. English: I have been studying for the exam all night and I still don't understand a thing.
sin son ni ton
A Spanish colloquial phrase that refers to something done without sense or reason, or in a disorganized or chaotic manner Examples Spanish: Hizo todo sin son ni ton, no siguió ninguna instrucción English: He did everything without rhyme or reason, he didn't follow any instructions
chancletas mete dedo
A type of sandals, usually open-toed, that have a strap between the big toe and the second toe. Commonly known as flip-flops in English. Examples Spanish: Voy a llevar mis chancletas mete dedo a la playa. English: I'm going to take my flip-flops to the beach.
echar tierra en los ojos
To deceive or mislead someone by hiding the truth Examples Spanish: No dejes que te echen tierra en los ojos, investiga por tu cuenta. English: Don't let them pull the wool over your eyes, investigate on your own.
echar la patita
A colloquial phrase in Spanish, which literally translates to 'throw the little leg'. It is used to refer to going out to dance or to a party. Examples Spanish: Hoy es viernes, vamos a echar la patita en el club. English: Today is Friday, let's go out dancing at the club.
poca porquería / mucha porquería
siempre habla el que menos puede
beber ron sin bañarse
This phrase is not widely recognized as a standard Spanish slang term, but when translated literally, it means 'to drink rum without taking a bath.' It could be used to describe someone who is indulging in alcohol without taking care of their personal hygiene or responsibilities, or it could be used figuratively to describe someone […]
tanto nadar para morir en la orilla
This phrase is used to express the frustration or disappointment that comes from working hard towards a goal, but failing just when success seemed within reach. The literal translation is 'so much swimming only to die at the shore'. Examples Spanish: Después de tanto estudiar para el examen, lo reprobé por un punto. Tanto nadar […]
tripear en ketchup
darle tres patadas
This phrase is used to express doing something badly or in an incorrect way. It literally translates to 'give it three kicks', but is used metaphorically. Examples Spanish: Juan no sabe cocinar, le da tres patadas a la paella. English: Juan cannot cook, he makes a mess of the paella.
le comieron la lengua los ratones
This phrase is used when someone is silent or doesn't speak when expected to. It literally translates to 'the mice ate his/her tongue'. Examples Spanish: ¿Por qué no has dicho nada en toda la reunión? ¿Te comieron la lengua los ratones? English: Why haven't you said anything during the entire meeting? Cat got your tongue?
nido de perro
A messy, disorganized place. Literally translates to 'dog's nest'. Examples Spanish: No puedo encontrar mis llaves, esta habitación es un nido de perro. English: I can't find my keys, this room is a dog's nest.
de una [sola] sentá
It's a colloquial phrase used in some Latin American countries that means 'all at once' or 'in one go'. It's often used to describe a task or action that's completed quickly and efficiently. Examples Spanish: Terminé todo el trabajo de una sola sentá. English: I finished all the work in one go.
con todos los powers
This phrase is used to mean 'with all the strength' or 'with all the power'. It is typically used to encourage someone to give their all, or to describe someone or something as being very strong or powerful. Examples Spanish: Vamos a jugar al fútbol con todos los powers. English: We're going to play football […]
se lo chupó la bruja
A colloquial phrase used when someone has lost their energy, inspiration, or motivation, or when someone looks noticeably thinner. Literally translates as 'the witch sucked it from him/her'. Examples Spanish: Juan ha estado muy callado y cansado últimamente, parece que se lo chupó la bruja. English: Juan has been very quiet and tired lately, it […]
más o menos
Literally translates to 'more or less', used to mean 'so-so', 'kind of' or 'approximately'. Examples Spanish: ¿Cómo estás? Más o menos, he tenido un día largo. English: How are you? So-so, I've had a long day.
feliz como una lombríz
This phrase literally translates to 'happy as an earthworm'. It is used to express extreme happiness or contentment. It is similar to the English idiom 'happy as a clam'. Examples Spanish: Después de ganar la lotería, estaba feliz como una lombríz. English: After winning the lottery, I was as happy as an earthworm (extremely happy).
mengano
A term used to refer to an unspecified or anonymous person, similar to 'so-and-so' or 'what's-his-name' in English. Examples Spanish: Siempre llega tarde, como mengano. English: He's always late, like what's-his-name.
arrancado
In Spanish slang, 'arrancado' usually refers to someone who is broke or has no money. Examples Spanish: No puedo ir al cine, estoy arrancado. English: I can't go to the movies, I'm broke.
a billetazo limpio
A phrase used in Spain to refer to the act of spending a lot of money extravagantly or lavishly, without thinking about the consequences. Examples Spanish: Juan se compró un coche nuevo a billetazo limpio. English: Juan bought a new car by spending a lot of money extravagantly.
a como dé lugar
By any means necessary or at all costs. It suggests the determination to achieve something no matter what obstacles may arise. Examples Spanish: Voy a conseguir ese trabajo a como dé lugar. English: I'm going to get that job by any means necessary.
a curcur
The term 'a curcur' is not recognized as a Spanish slang term. It may be a misspelling or a regional term that is not widely used. Please provide the correct term or more context. Examples Spanish: N/A English: N/A
a dos por chavo
A phrase used to indicate that something is very cheap or inexpensive. Examples Spanish: Los tomates están a dos por chavo en el mercado. English: The tomatoes are very cheap at the market.
a la cañona
A Mexican slang phrase that means 'seriously', 'for real', or 'in a direct or straightforward way'. It is used to emphasize that something is done without hesitation or doubt. Examples Spanish: Voy a trabajar a la cañona para ganar el dinero que necesito. English: I'm going to work seriously to earn the money I need.
a la intemperie
Directly translates to 'in the open air' or 'out in the open'. It's often used to describe being exposed to the elements or being in a vulnerable position. Examples Spanish: Durante el terremoto, muchas personas quedaron a la intemperie. English: During the earthquake, many people were left out in the open.
a la orden
A polite phrase used to express willingness to help or serve someone. It's commonly used in business settings like shops or restaurants, and it can be translated as 'at your service' or 'ready to serve'. Examples Spanish: Si necesitas algo más, estoy a la orden. English: If you need anything else, I'm at your service.