This phrase is used to convey the idea that everything returns to its original state or place. It's often used in the context of relationships, implying that people will eventually find their way back to those who are similar to them in character or status. Examples Spanish: 'Las aguas siempre vuelven a su nivel', dijo […]
Ladrón que roba a ladrón, merece el perdón
This phrase is not exactly slang, but a popular saying in Spanish. It literally translates to 'A thief who steals from another thief deserves forgiveness'. It is used to express the idea that if a person does wrong to someone who also does wrong, the action can be justified or is less severe. Examples Spanish: […]
La yerba mala nunca se muere
This phrase literally translates to 'the bad weed never dies'. It is a popular saying used to express the belief that people with bad habits or ill intentions often seem to get away with their actions or live a long time. Examples Spanish: A pesar de todos sus vicios y malas acciones, ahí sigue Juan. […]
La venganza nunca es buena, mata el alma y la envenena
This is a proverb that translates to 'Revenge is never good, it kills the soul and poisons it.' It is used to express the idea that seeking revenge only leads to more harm than good, fostering negativity and bitterness. Examples Spanish: Después de lo que hizo, entiendo que estés enfadado, pero recuerda que 'La venganza […]
La última la paga el diablo
A Spanish slang phrase that is used to express that the last person or thing to arrive is responsible for a certain task or consequence. It is often used in social settings, such as when a group of friends is ordering drinks, the person who orders last might have to pay for all of them. […]
La tercera es la vencida
This phrase literally translates to 'the third one is the charmed.' It is used to express the belief that the third attempt at doing something will be successful, after two unsuccessful attempts. Similar to the English saying 'third time's the charm.' Examples Spanish: He fallado dos veces al intentar hacer una tarta, pero la tercera […]
La suerte de la fea la bonita la desea
A popular Spanish phrase that translates to 'The luck of the ugly woman is something the beautiful woman desires.' It implies that physical beauty doesn't guarantee happiness or good fortune, and those considered less attractive may have qualities or luck that those considered beautiful may envy. Examples Spanish: Ana siempre consigue los mejores trabajos y […]
La soga rompe por lo más delgado
This phrase is equivalent to the English saying 'the straw that broke the camel's back.' It is used to express that the weakest part is the first to break or give way under pressure, often used in situations where a small or seemingly insignificant issue is the final test of patience or endurance. Examples Spanish: […]
Los trapos sucios se lavan en casa
This phrase literally translates to 'dirty clothes are washed at home'. It is used to imply that family issues or personal problems should be dealt with privately and not discussed or aired in public. Examples Spanish: No deberías haber comentado nada sobre nuestra pelea en la fiesta. Recuerda que los trapos sucios se lavan en […]
La práctica hace milagros
The literal translation of 'La práctica hace milagros' is 'Practice makes miracles'. It is used to express that consistent practice can lead to amazing results or improvement over time. Examples Spanish: No te rindas con la guitarra, recuerda que la práctica hace milagros. English: Don't give up on the guitar, remember that practice makes miracles.
La práctica hace el maestro
The phrase 'La práctica hace al maestro' is a Spanish slang that translates to 'Practice makes the master.' This phrase means that by repeatedly doing something, one can become an expert or master in that area. Examples Spanish: Si quieres ser un buen músico, debes recordar que 'la práctica hace al maestro'. English: If you […]
La necesidad es la madre de la invención
This phrase is not really a slang, but a proverb. It translates to 'Necessity is the mother of invention.' It means that difficult situations inspire ingenious solutions. Examples Spanish: No tenía un abrelatas, así que tuve que usar un cuchillo para abrir la lata. Como dicen, 'la necesidad es la madre de la invención'. English: […]
La mujer es como el espejo, si se toca mucho se empaña
This phrase is not exactly a slang but a colloquial metaphor. It literally translates to 'a woman is like a mirror, if it is touched too much it fogs up'. It's often used to imply that if a woman is given too much attention or is overly pursued, she might lose interest or her appeal […]
La muerte es lo único seguro que tenemos en la vida
This is not a slang term, but a popular saying in Spanish which means 'Death is the only certainty we have in life'. It is used to express the inevitability of death in our lives. Examples Spanish: Siempre recuerdo que la muerte es lo único seguro que tenemos en la vida, así que trato de […]
La mona, aunque se vista de seda, mona se queda
This phrase literally translates to 'A monkey, even if it dresses in silk, remains a monkey.' It is used to express the idea that you can't change someone's nature, no matter how they appear or try to change their image. Examples Spanish: Puede que Juan se haya comprado un coche de lujo, pero la mona, […]
La mejor palabra es la que no se dice
A phrase meaning 'The best word is the one that is not said'. It implies that sometimes it's better to remain silent and not say anything at all. Examples Spanish: A veces, en medio de una discusión acalorada, recuerdo que 'la mejor palabra es la que no se dice'. English: Sometimes, in the middle of […]
La luna no es de queso ni se come con melao
A Spanish idiomatic expression that means 'things are not as easy or ideal as they seem.' It's often used to express skepticism towards too good to be true situations or unrealistic expectations. Examples Spanish: No te dejes engañar por su oferta de empleo, la luna no es de queso ni se come con melao. English: […]
La ley entra por la casa
This is a Spanish proverb which translates to 'The law enters the house'. It is used to express that rules or laws must be respected and followed, starting from one's own home. Examples Spanish: Los niños deben aprender desde pequeños que 'la ley entra por la casa', es decir, deben aprender a respetar las normas […]
La ley de Dios no tiene trampa
A phrase that literally translates to 'God's law has no trap.' It is used to express that there's no way to cheat or outsmart God's will or the natural laws of life. Examples Spanish: Por más que intentes evitar tus responsabilidades, la ley de Dios no tiene trampa. English: No matter how much you try […]
La lengua es arma de doble filo
A phrase used to express that words can be both beneficial and detrimental, similar to the English idiom 'A double-edged sword'. Examples Spanish: Ten cuidado con lo que dices, la lengua es arma de doble filo. English: Be careful with what you say, words are a double-edged sword.
La lengua es arma de dos filos
This phrase translates to 'the tongue is a double-edged sword'. It is used to express that words can have a dual effect. They can be used to express love, kindness, and truth, but they can also be used to lie, deceive, and hurt. Examples Spanish: Ten cuidado con lo que dices, recuerda que la lengua […]
La ignorancia es atrevida
This phrase literally translates to 'ignorance is daring' and is used to highlight when someone speaks or acts confidently about something they know little or nothing about. Examples Spanish: Juan siempre habla de política como si fuera un experto, pero nunca ha leído un libro sobre el tema. La ignorancia es atrevida. English: Juan always […]
La gota que colmó la copa
The phrase literally translates to 'the drop that overflowed the cup', and is equivalent to the English phrase 'the straw that broke the camel's back'. It is used to express the final event in a series of actions or occurrences that causes one's patience, tolerance, or good will to be exhausted. Examples Spanish: Después de […]
La gallina vieja da buen caldo
This Spanish slang literally translates to 'The old hen gives a good broth'. It is used to express that experience and wisdom often come with age, and that older people can provide good advice or have valuable skills because of their life experiences. Examples Spanish: No subestimes a tu abuela, recuerda que 'la gallina vieja […]
La fiebre no está en la sábana, está en el enfermo
This idiomatic phrase literally translates to 'The fever is not in the sheet, it's in the patient'. It is commonly used to express that a problem or issue lies with the person involved, not the situation or things around them. Examples Spanish: 'La fiebre no está en la sábana, está en el enfermo', dijo el […]
La fe mueve montañas
A popular saying that translates to 'faith can move mountains'. It is used to express that belief and determination can help you to overcome difficult situations. Examples Spanish: No te preocupes, recuerda que la fe mueve montañas. Seguro que lo conseguirás. English: Don't worry, remember that faith can move mountains. You will surely achieve it.
La envidia es una mala consejera
This is a popular saying in Spanish that translates to 'Envy is a bad advisor'. It means that making decisions or judgments based on envy often leads to bad outcomes. Examples Spanish: No deberías odiar a tu hermano por su éxito. Recuerda, la envidia es una mala consejera. English: You shouldn't hate your brother for […]
La curiosidad mató al gato
This phrase is used to warn someone who is being overly curious or nosy. It translates directly to 'Curiosity killed the cat' in English. Examples Spanish: No preguntes más sobre eso, recuerda que 'la curiosidad mató al gato'. English: Don't ask more about that, remember that 'curiosity killed the cat'.
La culpa es tan fea que nadie quiere cargar con ella
This phrase is not actually slang, but a proverb. It translates to 'the blame is so ugly that nobody wants to carry it.' It is used to express the situation where nobody wants to take responsibility for a mistake or problem due to its negative consequences. Examples Spanish: El proyecto falló y todos se echan […]
La cuestión no es llegar, sino quedarse
The phrase 'La cuestión no es llegar, sino quedarse' literally translates to 'The question is not to arrive, but to stay'. It is a colloquial expression used to emphasize that the important thing is not to achieve something, but to maintain it. Examples Spanish: Ganó la lotería pero gastó todo el dinero en un año. […]