Spanish Idioms

In this lesson, we’re going to examine the meanings behind fifteen Spanish idioms. Knowing basic idiomatic expressions can increase your understanding of any language, not to mention your degree of acceptance by native speakers. With that in mind, we’ve included the literal meaning, the figurative meaning, and an equivalent English expression for each Spanish idiom.

 

If you need more help with idioms, or any other aspect of the Spanish language, contact the Language Island in Atlanta. Our caring, passionate Spanish teachers can create a lesson plan that is tailored to your individual needs.

 

A corto plazo

Translation: At (a) short place.

Figurative meaning: In the short-term.

English equivalent: In the short run.

 

A largo plazo

Translation: At (a) short place.

Figurative meaning: In the long-term.

English equivalent: In the long run.

 

Cada muerte de Obispo

Translation: Each time a bishop dies.

Figurative meaning: Something that rarely happens.

English equivalent: Once in a blue moon.

 

De sol a sol

Translation: From sun to sun.

Figurative meaning: All day long.

English equivalent: From dawn to dusk.

 

Descornar la flor

Translation: Dehorn the flower.

Figurative meaning: Reveal a secret.

English equivalent: Let the cat out of the bag.

 

Echar un mano

Translation: To throw less.

Figurative meaning: To help or assist.

English equivalent: To lend a hand

 

Fuera de duda

Translation: Outside of doubt.

Figurative meaning: Absolutely certain.

English equivalent: Beyond a shadow of a doubt.

 

 

Hacer un papelón

Translation: To make a large role.

Figurative meaning: To embarrass oneself.

English equivalent: Act like a fool.

 

Irse a la cabeza del toro

Translation: Go to the bull’s head.

Figurative meaning: Approach something head-on.

English equivalent: Grab the bull by the horns.

 

Ladrar a la luna

Translation: To bark at the moon.

Figurative meaning: To waste one’s breath.

English equivalent: Talk to a brick wall.

 

Media naranja

Translation: Half of an orange.

Figurative meaning: One’s spouse.

English equivalent: Better half.

 

No andar(se) por rodeos

Translation: To not go on detours.

Figurative meaning: Take the direct approach.

English equivalent: Don’t beat around the bush.

 

Quedarse de piedra

Translation: Stay like a stone.

Figurative meaning: Completely stunned by something.

English equivalent: Awestruck, dumbfounded.

 

Ser pan comido

Translation: To be bread eaten.

Figurative meaning: Something that is easy to do.

English equivalent: A piece of cake.

 

Tomar el pelo

Translation: To take the hair.

Figurative meaning: Trick a person in a lighthearted manner.

English equivalent: Pull someone’s leg.