This Spanish slang phrase is usually used to express that there can only be one person in charge or making decisions. It is equivalent to the English saying 'Too many cooks spoil the broth.' Examples Spanish: 'Donde manda capitán no manda marinero', dijo mi padre cuando intenté tomar una decisión sobre nuestras vacaciones familiares. English: […]

This is a Spanish idiomatic expression often used to correct oneself or rectify a previous statement. The literal translation is 'Where I say I say, I don't say I say, I say Diego.' The phrase plays on the words 'digo' (I say) and 'Diego' (a proper name) to highlight the act of correcting a mistake […]

This phrase literally translates to 'where two can eat, three can eat.' It's a colloquial expression used to indicate that there is always room for one more, especially in relation to sharing food, hospitality or resources. Examples Spanish: No te preocupes por traer a tu amigo a la cena, ya sabes que donde comen dos, […]

A phrase that literally translates to 'God knows what he's doing'. It's commonly used to express the idea that everything happens for a reason, even if we don't understand it at the time. Examples Spanish: Perdí mi trabajo, pero no estoy preocupado. Dios sabe lo que hace. English: I lost my job, but I'm not […]

This phrase doesn't exactly constitute slang, but rather a colloquial and idiomatic expression. It's a metaphorical well-wishing phrase from Cuba, very similar to 'May your cup always be full' in English. It essentially means 'May your life always be joyful and prosperous'. 'Guarapo' refers to a sweet drink made from sugar cane, and 'hielo' means […]

A phrase expressing the belief that God doesn't hold grudges or debts, implying that everything comes back around or that everyone gets what they deserve in the end. Examples Spanish: Aunque parece que se salió con la suya, ya verás cómo Dios no se queda con nada de nadie. English: Even though it seems like […]

A proverbial phrase which means 'God doesn't give wings to venomous animals'. It is used to express the idea that those who have bad intentions or are harmful will not be given the means or opportunity to cause harm. Examples Spanish: No te preocupes tanto por él, 'Dios no le da alas al animal ponzoñoso'. […]

This is a Spanish idiom that translates to 'God breeds them, and the Devil brings them together.' It is used to express the idea that people with similar negative characteristics or behaviors tend to gravitate towards each other. Examples Spanish: Siempre están causando problemas en el vecindario. Dios los cría y el Diablo los junta. […]

A phrase not merely limited to slang but widely used in Spanish-speaking cultures, based on a popular saying or proverb. It translates to 'God says help yourself and I will help you'. It is often used to suggest that one needs to make an effort or take the first step in order for things to […]

A phrase used to express that good things can be given and taken away by God. This saying is often used to reflect on the transient nature of life's blessings and setbacks. Examples Spanish: Perdí mi trabajo, pero encontré uno mejor. Como dice el dicho, Dios da y quita. English: I lost my job, but […]

This phrase literally translates to 'God punishes without a stick or a whip'. It's used to imply that one's bad actions will have consequences, even if it seems like they're getting away with it for now. Examples Spanish: Robó a sus amigos y pensó que se saldría con la suya, pero como dice el dicho, […]

A Spanish idiom that translates to 'God squeezes but doesn't choke', used to express that no matter how difficult a situation may seem, it will not completely overwhelm or destroy you. Examples Spanish: Aunque estoy pasando por un momento muy difícil, recuerdo que 'Dios aprieta pero no ahoga' y sigo adelante. English: Even though I […]

This phrase is not slang, but a traditional Spanish saying. It translates to 'tell me what you show off, and I'll tell you what you lack.' It means that people often boast about the qualities they actually lack. Examples Spanish: Siempre habla de su honestidad, pero nunca devuelve el cambio incorrecto. Como dice el dicho, […]

This is a popular saying in Spanish that translates to 'Tell me who you hang out with and I'll tell you who you are.' It means that the people you choose to spend time with often reflect your own character. Examples Spanish: Carlos siempre anda con personas groseras y arrogantes, así que no me sorprende […]

A phrase used to share a rumor or something that people are saying, but not necessarily true. The speaker acknowledges that they are also spreading the rumor, suggesting a sense of humor or irony. The literal translation is 'Bad tongues say, and mine which is not very good repeats it.' Examples Spanish: 'Dicen las malas […]

This phrase is used to describe a situation where solving one problem creates another problem. It is equivalent to the English idiomatic expression 'robbing Peter to pay Paul'. Examples Spanish: No podemos desvestir un santo para vestir a otro, tenemos que encontrar otra solución. English: We can't rob Peter to pay Paul, we have to […]

This phrase is not actually slang, but a proverb meaning that after difficult times, good times always follow. It is similar to the English 'after a storm comes a calm'. Examples Spanish: Después de perder su trabajo, Juan encontró uno mejor. Como dice el dicho, después de la tormenta, siempre llega la calma. English: After […]

A phrase commonly used in Spanish language that means someone who is unlucky at games or gambling is often lucky in love. It is similar to the English saying 'unlucky at cards, lucky in love'. Examples Spanish: Aunque perdió en el casino, Pedro siempre decía 'Desgraciado en el juego, afortunado en el amor' y al […]

This phrase literally translates to 'Since excuses were invented, nobody wants to be guilty.' It is used to express the idea that people often avoid taking responsibility for their actions by making excuses. Examples Spanish: Mi hermano siempre llega tarde y siempre tiene una razón diferente para ello. Ya sabes, desde que se inventaron las […]

This phrase is used to express that there's a big difference between saying something and actually doing it. It highlights the gap between words and actions. Examples Spanish: He prometido limpiar mi habitación varias veces, pero como dice mi madre, 'del dicho al hecho hay un gran trecho'. English: I've promised to clean my room […]

This phrase is used to express the idea that people often take advantage of someone's misfortune or weakness. It literally translates to 'everyone makes firewood from a fallen tree' Examples Spanish: Después de que la empresa de Juan se declaró en bancarrota, sus competidores comenzaron a robarle sus clientes. Del árbol caído todos hacen leña. […]

A Spanish saying that translates to 'God save me from calm waters, I'll save myself from rough ones.' It means that sometimes, quiet or calm situations or people can be the most dangerous, and you'd rather deal with clearly difficult or dangerous situations because you know what to expect and how to handle them. Examples […]

This phrase is used to describe someone who intentionally acts helpless or in need so that others will take care of him or her. It's usually used in a negative context to imply manipulation or laziness. Examples Spanish: Juan siempre se deja caer para que lo carguen, nunca quiere hacer nada por sí mismo. English: […]

This phrase is used to describe someone who fights or defends themselves with all their might, similar to the English idiom 'fight like a cornered cat'. The literal translation is 'to defend oneself more than a cat on its back'. Examples Spanish: Juan no se deja intimidar por nadie, él se defiende más que gato […]

This phrase literally translates to 'of such stick, such splinter', but it's used to mean 'like father, like son' or to indicate that someone is similar to their parents in certain characteristics or behaviors. Examples Spanish: Juan es muy terco, igual que su padre. De tal palo, tal astilla. English: Juan is very stubborn, just […]

This phrase literally translates to 'Like father, like son'. It is used to indicate that a son's character or behavior is similar to that of his father. Examples Spanish: Juan es muy trabajador, como su padre. De tal padre, tal hijo. English: Juan is very hardworking, just like his father. Like father, like son.

This is a popular saying in Spanish that translates to 'Of poets, fools, and madmen, we all have a bit.' It is used to express that everyone has their moments of creativity, silliness, and madness. Examples Spanish: Hoy me puse a cantar en la ducha, de poetas, tontos y locos, todos tenemos un poco. English: […]

A Spanish saying meaning that in the dark, physical appearances are not important and differences are unnoticeable. Used to convey that under certain circumstances or conditions, differences between things or people become irrelevant. Examples Spanish: No importa quién sea tu pareja en la fiesta, de noche todos los gatos son prietos. English: It doesn't matter […]

This phrase is often used to express the idea that hope is what keeps a person going, even in difficult circumstances. It can be literally translated as 'The captive (poor) lives off hope'. It is mostly used to express optimism in face of adversity or uncertainty. Examples Spanish: No tengo empleo ahora, pero de la […]

This phrase literally translates to 'Sparks do not come out of that hell', and it is used to imply that 'nothing good can come out of that situation or person'. Examples Spanish: No debes seguir saliendo con él, de ese infierno no salen chispas. English: You should not continue dating him, nothing good can come […]