This Spanish slang term literally translates to 'When God doesn't want, saints can't'. It is used to express the idea that if something is not meant to be, all the effort in the world cannot make it happen. It asserts a belief in destiny or fate.
Examples
- Spanish: Intenté conseguir ese trabajo con todas mis fuerzas, pero no lo logré. Cuando Dios no quiere, santos no pueden.
- English: I tried my best to get that job, but I didn't succeed. When God doesn't want it, saints can't make it happen.