36 Common Spanish Idioms and Expressions
Learning a language goes beyond vocabulary and grammar; it involves understanding the cultural nuances that give color to everyday communication. Spanish, with its rich cultural heritage, is full of idioms and expressions that can be both intriguing and amusing. Here, we explore 36 common Spanish idioms and expressions that will not only enhance your language skills but also provide insight into the vibrant Spanish-speaking world.
1. Estar en las nubes
This idiom translates to "being in the clouds." It describes someone who is daydreaming or not paying attention. Much like the English expression "head in the clouds," it suggests a lack of focus on the present moment.
2. Ser pan comido
Literally meaning "to be bread eaten," this expression is equivalent to saying something is a piece of cake. It refers to tasks that are easy to accomplish.
3. Meter la pata
This colorful phrase means "to put one's foot in it," akin to making a blunder or mistake. It's used when someone does something embarrassing or inappropriate.
4. Estar como una cabra
Translating to "being like a goat," this idiom is used to describe someone who is acting crazy or eccentric. Goats are often associated with unpredictable behavior, hence the comparison.
5. Tomar el pelo
This expression, meaning "to pull someone's leg," is used when someone is joking or teasing another person. It's a playful way to indicate that someone is not being serious.
6. Costar un ojo de la cara
Literally "to cost an eye from the face," this idiom is used to describe something very expensive, similar to saying it costs an arm and a leg in English.
7. Estar en la luna
Similar to "estar en las nubes," this phrase means "to be on the moon." It describes someone who is absent-minded or not paying attention to their surroundings.
8. Dar en el clavo
This expression means "to hit the nail on the head," used when someone makes an accurate or insightful comment.
9. Estar hecho polvo
Literally "to be made dust," this idiom describes someone who is exhausted or worn out. It's a vivid way to convey extreme tiredness.
10. Más vale tarde que nunca
This well-known expression translates to "better late than never." It emphasizes the idea that completing something late is preferable to not doing it at all.
11. Ir al grano
Meaning "to go to the grain," this idiom is used to urge someone to get to the point or focus on the essential part of a conversation.
12. Estar de mala leche
This phrase means "to be in a bad mood." The literal translation, "to be of bad milk," conveys someone’s sour or unpleasant demeanor.
13. Ponerse las pilas
Translating to "put on the batteries," this idiom is used to encourage someone to get energized or be more proactive.
14. No tener pelos en la lengua
This expression means "not to have hairs on the tongue," describing someone who speaks their mind bluntly and without hesitation.
15. Estar en apuros
Meaning "to be in trouble," this idiom is used when someone finds themselves in a difficult or challenging situation.
16. Hacer la vista gorda
Literally "to make the fat view," this expression means to turn a blind eye or ignore something intentionally.
17. Ser un cero a la izquierda
This idiom translates to "being a zero to the left," used to describe someone who is insignificant or has no influence in a particular situation.
18. Estar como pez en el agua
Meaning "to be like a fish in water," this expression describes someone who is very comfortable or in their element.
19. Hacer castillos en el aire
Translating to "building castles in the air," this idiom is used when someone has unrealistic dreams or plans.
20. Estar entre la espada y la pared
This phrase means "to be between the sword and the wall," similar to being between a rock and a hard place. It describes a situation where one has to make a difficult decision.
21. Irse por las ramas
Literally "to go off on the branches," this idiom is used when someone is digressing or straying from the main topic.
22. Estar con el agua al cuello
This expression means "to be with water up to the neck," describing someone who is overwhelmed or in a very difficult situation.
23. Ser un gallina
Meaning "to be a chicken," this idiom is used to describe someone who is cowardly or easily frightened.
24. Poner los puntos sobre las íes
This phrase means "to put the dots on the i's," used when someone is clarifying or emphasizing the important details.
25. Estar como una foca
Translating to "being like a seal," this idiom humorously describes someone who is overweight.
26. Ser uña y carne
This expression means "to be nail and flesh," used to describe two people who are inseparable or very close friends.
27. Estar en paz
Meaning "to be at peace," this idiom describes being in a state of tranquility or having resolved a conflict.
28. Hacer borrón y cuenta nueva
This phrase means "to make a clean slate," suggesting starting over or forgetting past mistakes.
29. Estar frito
Literally "to be fried," this idiom is used to describe someone who is in big trouble or exhausted.
30. Ser un manitas
This expression means "to be a little hand," used to describe someone who is handy or good at fixing things.
31. Estar en el quinto pino
Meaning "to be in the fifth pine," this idiom describes a place that is very far away or remote.
32. Ser la oveja negra
This phrase means "to be the black sheep," used to describe someone who is considered different or an outsider within a group.
33. Estar en la cuerda floja
Translating to "being on the tightrope," this idiom describes a precarious or risky situation.
34. Ser un pez gordo
This expression means "to be a big fish," used to describe someone who is important or influential.
35. Estar de morros
Meaning "to be sulking," this idiom describes someone who is in a bad mood or pouting.
36. Ser de armas tomar
This phrase means "to be of weapons to take," used to describe someone who is determined, strong-willed, or formidable.
Understanding these idioms and expressions not only enriches your Spanish vocabulary but also provides a deeper connection to the cultural context in which the language thrives. By incorporating these phrases into your conversations, you'll sound more like a native speaker and gain insight into the humor and wisdom embedded in Spanish communication.
