The Top 20 Spanish Idioms246

Spanish idioms, or coloquial phrases, are a great way to add flavor and authenticity to your Spanish speaking. They can also help you to better understand the culture and mindset of Spanish speakers. Here are 20 of the most common Spanish idioms, along with their meanings and examples of how to use them.

1. Echarle un ojo

Meaning: To take a look at something

Example: Échale un ojo a este libro. (Take a look at this book.)

2. Estar como una cabra

Meaning: To be crazy or foolish

Example: ¡Estás como una cabra! (You're crazy!)

3. Hablar por los codos

Meaning: To talk a lot

Example: Mi abuela habla por los codos. (My grandmother talks a lot.)

4. Irse por las ramas

Meaning: To get sidetracked or off topic

Example: No te vayas por las ramas, céntrate en el tema. (Don't get sidetracked, focus on the topic.)

5. Llorar a lágrima viva

Meaning: To cry uncontrollably

Example: Lloró a lágrima viva cuando se enteró de la noticia. (She cried uncontrollably when she heard the news.)

6. Meter la pata

Meaning: To make a mistake

Example: ¡Metí la pata! (I made a mistake!)

7. Ponerse las pilas

Meaning: To get motivated or start working

Example: Ponte las pilas y termina el proyecto. (Get motivated and finish the project.)

8. Salir por peteneras

Meaning: To leave without saying goodbye

Example: Se salió por peteneras y no supe más de él. (He left without saying goodbye and I didn't hear from him again.)

9. Ser un aguafiestas

Meaning: To be a party pooper

Example: No seas aguafiestas, ¡diviértete! (Don't be a party pooper, have fun!)

10. Ser un pan comido

Meaning: To be easy

Example: Este examen es un pan comido. (This exam is easy.)

11. Ser un pesado

Meaning: To be annoying or bothersome

Example: ¡Eres un pesado! (You're annoying!)

12. Tener cara de póker

Meaning: To have a poker face

Example: Tiene cara de póker, no se le nota nada. (He has a poker face, you can't tell what he's thinking.)

13. Tener un as en la manga

Meaning: To have a secret weapon or advantage

Example: Tengo un as en la manga para este proyecto. (I have a secret weapon for this project.)

14. Tirar la toalla

Meaning: To give up

Example: No voy a tirar la toalla, seguiré luchando. (I'm not going to give up, I'll keep fighting.)

15. Vivir al día

Meaning: To live from day to day

Example: Vivo al día, no sé qué me deparará el futuro. (I live from day to day, I don't know what the future holds.)

16. A buenas horas, mangas verdes

Meaning: Said to someone who shows up late or does something that is no longer relevant or useful.

Example: A buenas horas, mangas verdes. Ya hemos terminado la tarea. (Well, that's very helpful. We've already finished the task.)

17. A mal tiempo, buena cara

Meaning: To maintain a positive attitude even in difficult times.

Example: A mal tiempo, buena cara. Ya vendrán tiempos mejores. (Even though times are tough, I'll stay positive. Better times will come.)

18. Agua pasada no mueve molino

Meaning: To let go of past experiences and focus on the present and future.

Example: Agua pasada no mueve molino. No vale la pena seguir pensando en lo que ya pasó. (Don't dwell on the past. It's not worth it.)

19. Al César lo que es del César

Meaning: To give credit where credit is due.

Example: Al César lo que es del César. María se merece el reconocimiento por su trabajo. (Let's give credit where it's due. Maria deserves the recognition for her work.)

20. Cada loco con su tema

Meaning: Everyone has their own interests and quirks.

Example: Cada loco con su tema. A mí me gusta leer, a ti te gusta ver películas. (Everyone has their own interests. I like reading, you like watching movies.)

2025-02-12

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