108 Top Spanish Idioms Explained (+ Pronunciation, Literal Translation and Origin)

Welcome to our guide on “108 Top Spanish Idioms Explained”! Here, we’ll dive into the fascinating world of Spanish expressions, exploring their pronunciation, literal meanings, and origins.

108 Top Spanish Idioms

Emotions and Feelings

1. Estar hasta las narices

Pronunciation: es-TAHR AH-stah lahs nah-REE-says
Literal Translation: To be up to the nostrils
Meaning: To be fed up or sick of something
Origin: This idiom originates from the notion of something being so full or so close that it reaches up to one’s nostrils, indicating an extreme level.

2. No tener pelos en la lengua

Pronunciation: noh teh-NER PEH-los en lah LENG-wah
Literal Translation: To not have hairs on the tongue
Meaning: To speak one’s mind freely and frankly, not holding back in expression
Origin: Suggests that having “hairs on the tongue” would impede speech, so lacking them implies speaking without obstruction.

3. Estar más feliz que una perdiz

Pronunciation: es-TAHR mahs fay-LEES keh OOH-nah pair-DEEZ
Literal Translation: To be happier than a partridge
Meaning: To be extremely happy or content
Origin: Likely refers to the content and untroubled life perceived in partridges.

4. Llevarse un chasco

Pronunciation: yeh-BAHR-se oon CHAHS-koh
Literal Translation: To take a disappointment
Meaning: To be disappointed or to experience an unexpected letdown
Origin: “Chasco” might have come from a game where an unexpected outcome was a common occurrence.

5. No dar pie con bola

Pronunciation: noh dar pee-ay kohn BOH-lah
Literal Translation: Not to hit foot with ball
Meaning: To be completely off, unable to get things right
Origin: Derived from sports or games, where missing the ball with one’s foot would indicate poor skill or luck.

6. Echar leña al fuego

Pronunciation: EH-char LEN-yah ahl FWEH-go
Literal Translation: To throw firewood into the fire
Meaning: To aggravate a situation or make a conflict worse
Origin: Visually describes the act of making a fire bigger by adding more wood.

7. Estar como un flan

Pronunciation: es-TAHR KOH-mo oon flahn
Literal Translation: To be like a flan
Meaning: To be very nervous or shaky
Origin: Relates to the wobbly and unstable consistency of a flan dessert.

8. Tirarse de los pelos

Pronunciation: tee-RAHR-seh deh lohs PEH-los
Literal Translation: To pull one’s hair out
Meaning: To be extremely frustrated or desperate
Origin: Comes from the gesture of pulling one’s hair in moments of extreme stress or frustration.

9. Ponerse rojo como un tomate

Pronunciation: poh-NEHR-seh ROH-ho KOH-mo oon toh-MAH-teh
Literal Translation: To become red like a tomato
Meaning: To blush or turn very red in the face, usually from embarrassment
Origin: Refers to the bright red color of a ripe tomato, symbolizing a deep red blush in humans.

Weather and Nature

1. Hacer un tiempo de perros

Pronunciation: AH-sair oon TYEM-poh deh PEHR-rohs
Literal Translation: To make a weather of dogs
Meaning: To have very bad weather
Origin: Possibly originates from the discomfort and misery that dogs (and people) feel during bad weather conditions.

2. Llover a cántaros

Pronunciation: yoh-VEHR ah KAHN-tah-rohs
Literal Translation: To rain by the jugs
Meaning: To rain very heavily
Origin: Imagery of rain falling as though it were being poured from large jugs.

3. Estar en la edad del pavo

Pronunciation: ehs-TAHR en lah ehd-AHD del PAH-voh
Literal Translation: To be in the age of the turkey
Meaning: To be at an awkward adolescent age
Origin: Refers to the awkward gait and appearance of a turkey, similar to the awkwardness of adolescence.

4. No hay mal que por bien no venga

Pronunciation: noh eye MAHL keh por BYEHN noh VEN-gah
Literal Translation: There is no evil that does not come for a good [reason]
Meaning: Every cloud has a silver lining; no bad event that doesn’t bring something good with it
Origin: An expression reflecting the philosophical view that every negative situation has a positive aspect.

5. Después de la tormenta viene la calma

Pronunciation: dehs-PWEHS deh lah tor-MEN-tah VYEH-neh lah KAHL-mah
Literal Translation: After the storm comes the calm
Meaning: Things settle down after a period of conflict or trouble
Origin: A direct observation from nature, where calm typically follows a storm.

6. Llueve sobre mojado

Pronunciation: YWEH-veh SOH-breh moh-HAH-doh
Literal Translation: It rains on wet
Meaning: When problems pile up, or an issue worsens existing problems
Origin: Likens the idea of rain falling on already wet ground, compounding the saturation.

7. Hace un sol de justicia

Pronunciation: AH-seh oon sohl deh hoos-TEE-thee-ah
Literal Translation: It makes a sun of justice
Meaning: It’s extremely sunny and hot
Origin: Possibly derives from the severe discomfort felt under intense sunlight, akin to the severity of justice.

8. Estar al fresco

Pronunciation: ehs-TAHR ahl FREHS-koh
Literal Translation: To be in the cool
Meaning: To be outdoors enjoying the cool air, or sometimes to be in prison (informal)
Origin: Describes the pleasant sensation of being in a cool, fresh environment.

9. Romper el hielo

Pronunciation: ROM-pehr el YEH-loh
Literal Translation: To break the ice
Meaning: To initiate conversation in a social setting, easing tension
Origin: Refers to breaking actual ice to facilitate movement, used metaphorically for initiating social interactions.

Animals

1. Tener memoria de elefante

Pronunciation: teh-NEHR meh-MOH-ree-ah deh eh-leh-FAHN-teh
Literal Translation: To have the memory of an elephant
Meaning: To have an excellent memory
Origin: Stems from the belief that elephants have exceptional memory retention.

2. Ser un lince

Pronunciation: sehr oon LEEN-seh
Literal Translation: To be a lynx
Meaning: To be very sharp-sighted or perceptive
Origin: Based on the lynx’s reputation for having keen eyesight.

3. Buscarle tres pies al gato

Pronunciation: boos-KAR-leh trehs PEES ahl GAH-toh
Literal Translation: To look for three feet on the cat
Meaning: To complicate matters unnecessarily
Origin: Implies an unnecessary search for problems where there are none, as cats naturally have four feet.

4. Estar más sano que una pera

Pronunciation: ehs-TAHR mahs SAH-noh keh OOH-nah PEH-rah
Literal Translation: To be healthier than a pear
Meaning: To be very healthy
Origin: Pears are traditionally seen as symbols of good health and longevity.

5. Llevarse como el perro y el gato

Pronunciation: yeh-VAHR-seh KOH-mo el PEHR-roh ee el GAH-toh
Literal Translation: To carry oneself like the dog and the cat
Meaning: To have a bad relationship; to often fight or argue (like cats and dogs)
Origin: References the common animosity observed between dogs and cats.

6. Ser la oveja negra

Pronunciation: sehr lah oh-VEH-hah NEH-grah
Literal Translation: To be the black sheep
Meaning: To be the odd or unconventional member of a group or family
Origin: Originates from the rare occurrence of a black sheep in a flock, which usually stands out due to its distinct color.

7. Matar dos pájaros de un tiro

Pronunciation: mah-TAR dohs PAH-hah-rohs deh oon TEE-roh
Literal Translation: To kill two birds with one shot
Meaning: To solve two problems with a single action
Origin: A direct translation of the English idiom with the same meaning, indicating efficiency.

8. Ser un gallina

Pronunciation: sehr oon gah-YEE-nah
Literal Translation: To be a chicken
Meaning: To be cowardly
Origin: Derives from the perceived timidity and fearfulness of chickens.

9. Tener más vidas que un gato

Pronunciation: teh-NEHR mahs VEE-dahs keh oon GAH-toh
Literal Translation: To have more lives than a cat
Meaning: To survive or endure through many difficulties
Origin: Related to the myth that cats have nine lives, thus they can survive numerous situations that would otherwise be fatal.

Food and Eating

1. Estar como un queso

Pronunciation: es-TAHR KOH-mo oon KEH-soh
Literal Translation: To be like a cheese
Meaning: To be very attractive or good-looking
Origin: Likely originated from the idea that a fine cheese is particularly appealing and desirable.

2. Ser pan comido

Pronunciation: sehr pahn koh-MEE-doh
Literal Translation: To be eaten bread
Meaning: To be very easy to do
Origin: Based on the simplicity and ease of eating bread, a staple food that requires little effort to consume.

3. Dar calabazas

Pronunciation: dahr kah-lah-BAH-sahs
Literal Translation: To give pumpkins
Meaning: To reject someone, especially in a romantic context
Origin: Originates from Spain where giving pumpkins was a traditional way to refuse a suitor, as opposed to more desirable gifts.

4. Ser la media naranja

Pronunciation: sehr lah MEH-dee-ah nah-RAHN-hah
Literal Translation: To be the half orange
Meaning: To be someone’s other half or soulmate
Origin: Implies that each person is like half an orange, complete only when joined with the other half.

5. No es moco de pavo

Pronunciation: noh ehs MOH-koh deh PAH-voh
Literal Translation: It’s not turkey snot
Meaning: It’s not a trivial or unimportant thing
Origin: Likely contrasts something of value with something as undesirable as turkey mucus, emphasizing its significance.

6. Estar en el ajo

Pronunciation: es-TAHR en el AH-ho
Literal Translation: To be in the garlic
Meaning: To be involved in a matter or to be privy to secret information
Origin: Possibly related to the idea of being part of the core group in a cooking scenario, where garlic is a key ingredient in many Spanish dishes.

7. Ponerse las botas

Pronunciation: poh-NEHR-seh las BOH-tahs
Literal Translation: To put on the boots
Meaning: To eat a lot or indulge oneself
Origin: May come from the idea of putting on boots to prepare for a significant task, here humorously applied to eating.

8. Cortar el bacalao

Pronunciation: kohr-TAR el bah-kah-LAO
Literal Translation: To cut the cod
Meaning: To be in charge or to call the shots
Origin: Originates from a time when the person who cut the cod at meals was typically the head of the household or in a position of authority.

9. Irse de picos pardos

Pronunciation: EER-seh deh PEE-kos PAR-dos
Literal Translation: To go off to brown peaks
Meaning: To go out partying or to enjoy nightlife, sometimes implying a lack of responsibility
Origin: Refers to the outings in the dusk or evening (symbolized by “brown peaks”), traditionally times for leisure and fun.

Body Parts

1. Romperse la cabeza

Pronunciation: rom-PER-seh lah kah-BAY-sah
Literal Translation: To break one’s head
Meaning: To think very hard or to rack one’s brain
Origin: The image of literally breaking one’s head suggests intense mental effort or strain.

2. No tener dos dedos de frente

Pronunciation: noh teh-NEHR dos DEH-dos deh FREN-teh
Literal Translation: Not to have two fingers of forehead
Meaning: To be unintelligent or short-sighted
Origin: Suggests a small forehead, traditionally associated with less brain capacity and hence less intelligence.

3. Costar un ojo de la cara

Pronunciation: kohs-TAR oon OH-ho deh lah KAH-rah
Literal Translation: To cost an eye of the face
Meaning: To be very expensive
Origin: Implies that the item is as valuable or as difficult to part with as one’s own eye.

4. Meter la pata

Pronunciation: MEH-tehr lah PAH-tah
Literal Translation: To put the paw
Meaning: To make a mistake or blunder
Origin: Evokes the image of an animal awkwardly placing its paw in the wrong spot, leading to a mishap.

5. Echar una mano

Pronunciation: EH-char OO-nah MAH-noh
Literal Translation: To throw a hand
Meaning: To lend a hand, to help out
Origin: Refers to the gesture of extending one’s hand to help someone else.

6. No pegar ojo

Pronunciation: noh peh-GAHR OH-ho
Literal Translation: Not to stick eye
Meaning: To not sleep at all
Origin: Suggests the inability to close one’s eyes, hence not sleeping.

7. Dar la cara

Pronunciation: dar lah KAH-rah
Literal Translation: To give the face
Meaning: To face up to something, to confront or take responsibility
Origin: Implies presenting oneself upfront, directly facing others or a situation.

8. Estar hasta las manos

Pronunciation: ehs-TAR AH-stah lahs MAH-nos
Literal Translation: To be up to the hands
Meaning: To be very busy or overloaded with work
Origin: Envisions being so involved or covered in work that it reaches up to one’s hands.

9. Hablar por los codos

Pronunciation: ah-BLAHR por los KOH-dos
Literal Translation: To talk through the elbows
Meaning: To talk excessively
Origin: Conveys the humorous image of someone who talks so much that it seems they could speak through any part of their body, even their elbows.

Time and Frequency

1. De vez en cuando

Pronunciation: deh vehs en KWAHN-doh
Literal Translation: From time to time
Meaning: Occasionally, now and then
Origin: Indicates the sporadic nature of an occurrence, with “vez” meaning “time” or “instance.”

2. Más vale tarde que nunca

Pronunciation: mahs VAH-leh TAR-deh keh NOON-kah
Literal Translation: Better late than never
Meaning: It’s better to do something late than not do it at all
Origin: A direct translation of a common proverb found in many languages, emphasizing the value of completing a task, even if delayed.

3. A cada dos por tres

Pronunciation: ah KAH-dah dos por tres
Literal Translation: At every two for three
Meaning: Frequently, happening very often
Origin: Suggests a frequency that’s almost disproportionate or unexpected, somewhat akin to saying “every other time.”

4. En un abrir y cerrar de ojos

Pronunciation: en oon ah-BREER ee seh-RAHR deh OH-hos
Literal Translation: In an opening and closing of eyes
Meaning: Very quickly, in the blink of an eye
Origin: Describes the brief amount of time it takes for someone to blink, used to denote very quick actions or changes.

5. De cuando en cuando

Pronunciation: deh KWAHN-doh en KWAHN-doh
Literal Translation: From when to when
Meaning: From time to time, occasionally
Origin: Similar to “de vez en cuando,” it marks intervals of time, indicating something that occurs periodically.

6. Hasta la fecha

Pronunciation: AH-stah lah FEH-chah
Literal Translation: Until the date
Meaning: Up to now, so far
Origin: Refers to everything that has happened up until the current date, a direct reference to a timeline.

7. Tarde o temprano

Pronunciation: TAR-deh oh tem-PRAH-no
Literal Translation: Late or early
Meaning: Sooner or later
Origin: Expresses the inevitability of an event occurring, regardless of timing.

8. A ratos

Pronunciation: ah RAH-tos
Literal Translation: At times
Meaning: Occasionally, intermittently
Origin: Indicates activities or events that occur in sporadic instances, not continuously.

9. A la larga

Pronunciation: ah lah LAR-gah
Literal Translation: In the long (run)
Meaning: Over the long term, eventually
Origin: Refers to outcomes or consequences that manifest after a prolonged period, emphasizing the long-term perspective.

Actions and Behaviors

1. Dar en el clavo

Pronunciation: dar en el KLAH-voh
Literal Translation: To hit on the nail
Meaning: To hit the nail on the head; to be exactly right or accurate
Origin: Derives from the action of hitting a nail directly on its head with a hammer, symbolizing precision or accuracy.

2. Echar en cara

Pronunciation: EH-char en KAH-rah
Literal Translation: To throw in the face
Meaning: To reproach someone, to remind someone of their faults or mistakes
Origin: Imagery of throwing something directly at someone’s face, emphasizing direct confrontation or accusation.

3. Tirar la toalla

Pronunciation: tee-RAHR lah toh-AH-yah
Literal Translation: To throw the towel
Meaning: To give up, to quit
Origin: Comes from boxing, where a trainer throws in the towel to stop the fight, signaling defeat.

4. Dar gato por liebre

Pronunciation: dar GAH-toh por LEE-eh-breh
Literal Translation: To give cat for hare
Meaning: To deceive someone by substituting something of lesser value
Origin: Originates from medieval markets where dishonest sellers might substitute cheaper cat meat for more expensive hare.

5. Lavarse las manos

Pronunciation: lah-VAHR-seh las MAH-nos
Literal Translation: To wash one’s hands
Meaning: To abstain from responsibility, to avoid taking action
Origin: Biblical in origin, referencing Pontius Pilate who washed his hands to signify that he was not responsible for the execution of Jesus Christ.

6. Echar raíces

Pronunciation: EH-char RYE-sees
Literal Translation: To throw roots
Meaning: To settle down or establish oneself in a place
Origin: Related to plants putting down roots in the soil, symbolizing settling or becoming established.

7. Pegarse como una lapa

Pronunciation: peh-GAR-seh koh-mo OOH-nah LAH-pah
Literal Translation: To stick like a limpet
Meaning: To cling to someone or something stubbornly
Origin: Refers to the limpet, a sea creature known for its strong attachment to rocks.

8. Meter baza

Pronunciation: MEH-ter BAH-sah
Literal Translation: To put in a trick (in card games)
Meaning: To intervene or take part in a conversation, often uninvited
Origin: Comes from card games where players put in their trick or play, suggesting insertion into ongoing play or dialogue.

9. Pasar página

Pronunciation: pah-SAR PAH-hee-nah
Literal Translation: To turn the page
Meaning: To move on, especially from something difficult or past events
Origin: Like turning a page in a book to leave the previous content behind and continue forward.

Money and Business

1. Costar un riñón

Pronunciation: kohs-TAR oon ree-NYON
Literal Translation: To cost a kidney
Meaning: To be very expensive
Origin: The idiom implies that something is so expensive it might cost as much as selling an organ, like a kidney, to afford it.

2. Ser un chollo

Pronunciation: sehr oon CHO-yo
Literal Translation: To be a bargain
Meaning: To be a great deal or opportunity
Origin: Possibly derived from older slang terms, indicating something extremely valuable or advantageous, often unexpectedly so.

3. Tirar la casa por la ventana

Pronunciation: tee-RAR lah KAH-sah por lah vehn-TAH-nah
Literal Translation: To throw the house through the window
Meaning: To spare no expense, usually in the context of a celebration
Origin: Suggests spending to the extent of throwing even one’s house out of the window, emphasizing extravagance.

4. Ponerse las pilas

Pronunciation: poh-NEHR-seh las PEE-las
Literal Translation: To put in the batteries
Meaning: To get moving, to energize oneself
Origin: Refers to inserting batteries into an electronic device to make it work, used metaphorically to suggest getting ready or starting to work hard.

5. Estar forrado

Pronunciation: ehs-TAR foh-RAH-doh
Literal Translation: To be lined
Meaning: To be very wealthy
Origin: Implies being covered or lined with money, much like clothing can be lined with a rich fabric.

6. No llegar a fin de mes

Pronunciation: noh yeh-GAR a feen deh MES
Literal Translation: Not to reach the end of the month
Meaning: To struggle to make ends meet, to run out of money before the month is over
Origin: Directly describes the difficulty of stretching financial resources to last until the end of the month.

7. Dar la nota

Pronunciation: dar lah NOH-tah
Literal Translation: To give the note
Meaning: To stand out in a negative way, to attract attention for the wrong reasons
Origin: Possibly related to hitting a musical note that stands out unpleasantly, disrupting the harmony.

8. Quedarse en números rojos

Pronunciation: keh-DAHR-seh en NOO-meh-rohs ROH-hos
Literal Translation: To stay in red numbers
Meaning: To be in debt, to have negative balances in accounts
Origin: Derived from the accounting practice of using red ink to indicate negative amounts or financial loss.

9. Salir a cuenta

Pronunciation: sah-LEER ah KWEHN-tah
Literal Translation: To come out to account
Meaning: To be worthwhile or cost-effective
Origin: Refers to calculating costs and benefits, where the outcomes justify the investment or effort.

People and Relationships

1. Ser uña y carne

Pronunciation: sehr OO-nya ee KAR-neh
Literal Translation: To be nail and flesh
Meaning: To be very close or inseparable
Origin: The idiom uses the intimate connection between a nail and the flesh to symbolize close relationships.

2. No tener abuela

Pronunciation: noh teh-NEHR ah-BWEH-lah
Literal Translation: To not have a grandmother
Meaning: To brag or boast about oneself excessively
Origin: Based on the idea that grandmothers often praise their grandchildren, so without one, you might have to praise yourself.

3. Tener enchufe

Pronunciation: teh-NEHR en-CHOO-feh
Literal Translation: To have a plug
Meaning: To have connections or influence, often used to get a job or favor
Origin: Relates to the idea of being “plugged in” to powerful social or professional networks.

4. Caer en gracia

Pronunciation: kah-EHR en GRAH-thee-ah
Literal Translation: To fall into grace
Meaning: To be liked or to charm others naturally
Origin: Suggests someone being received well or favored, much like receiving divine grace effortlessly.

5. Estar como pez en el agua

Pronunciation: ehs-TAHR koh-mo pehz en el AH-gwah
Literal Translation: To be like a fish in the water
Meaning: To feel completely at ease or in one’s element
Origin: Draws from the natural comfort a fish has in water, suggesting a perfect environment for someone.

6. Ser cuatro gatos

Pronunciation: sehr KWAH-troh GAH-tos
Literal Translation: To be four cats
Meaning: To be very few in number, often used to describe small gatherings
Origin: Implies a small, perhaps insignificant number, like just a few cats gathered together.

7. Tirar de la manta

Pronunciation: tee-RAHR deh lah MAHN-tah
Literal Translation: To pull from the blanket
Meaning: To unveil secrets or expose hidden information
Origin: Conjures the image of pulling a blanket away to reveal what’s underneath, metaphorically uncovering secrets.

8. Echar de menos

Pronunciation: EH-char deh MEH-nos
Literal Translation: To throw from less
Meaning: To miss someone or something
Origin: The expression may relate to feeling “less” without someone or something, hence feeling a sense of loss.

9. Ser un cero a la izquierda

Pronunciation: sehr oon THEH-roh ah lah ees-KYEHR-dah
Literal Translation: To be a zero to the left
Meaning: To be useless or insignificant
Origin: Derived from the concept in numbering where a zero to the left of a number does not add any value.

Colors and Appearance

1. Estar verde

Pronunciation: ehs-TAHR VEHR-deh
Literal Translation: To be green
Meaning: To be inexperienced or unready
Origin: Green is often associated with newness or immaturity in nature, such as unripe fruit.

2. Ver todo de color de rosa

Pronunciation: vehr TOH-doh deh koh-LOHR deh ROH-sah
Literal Translation: To see everything in pink color
Meaning: To see everything in an overly optimistic or unrealistic way
Origin: Pink is traditionally associated with positivity and happiness, suggesting a rosy, idealistic view.

3. Ponerse morado

Pronunciation: poh-NEHR-seh moh-RAH-doh
Literal Translation: To become purple
Meaning: To eat a lot, to overindulge
Origin: Possibly refers to the color one might turn if they ate to excess; historically, purple also symbolizes royalty and excess.

4. Dar en la tecla

Pronunciation: dar en lah TEH-klah
Literal Translation: To hit on the key
Meaning: To get something exactly right, to hit the nail on the head
Origin: Related to hitting the correct key on a keyboard or typewriter, suggesting precision.

5. Estar negro

Pronunciation: ehs-TAHR NEH-groh
Literal Translation: To be black
Meaning: To be furious or very angry
Origin: Black is often associated with negative emotions or darkness, reflecting the depth of anger.

6. Ser del año de la pera

Pronunciation: sehr del AHN-yoh deh lah PEH-rah
Literal Translation: To be from the year of the pear
Meaning: To be very old or outdated
Origin: Refers humorously to something as old as the time when pears were first discovered or popularized.

7. Pasar de castaño oscuro

Pronunciation: pah-SAHR deh kas-TAH-nyo ohs-KOO-roh
Literal Translation: To go from dark chestnut
Meaning: To go beyond the limit, to cross the line of reasonable behavior
Origin: Evokes the image of something changing from ordinary (like the common color of chestnut) to something extreme or darker.

8. Quedarse en blanco

Pronunciation: keh-DAHR-seh en BLAHN-koh
Literal Translation: To stay in white
Meaning: To draw a blank, to be unable to remember or think of something
Origin: Similar to the English “to draw a blank,” where white symbolizes emptiness or the absence of content.

9. Ver las estrellas

Pronunciation: vehr lahs ehs-TREH-yahs
Literal Translation: To see the stars
Meaning: To see stars, typically from a blow to the head or a shock
Origin: Relates to the visual sensation of seeing flickering lights or stars from a sudden impact or pain.

Luck and Fate

1. Tener mala pata

Pronunciation: teh-NEHR MAH-lah PAH-tah
Literal Translation: To have bad paw
Meaning: To have bad luck
Origin: “Pata” refers to an animal’s foot, and having a “bad foot” implies stumbling or having misfortune, akin to an animal limping.

2. Echar a suertes

Pronunciation: EH-char ah SWER-tes
Literal Translation: To throw to fates
Meaning: To draw lots, to leave a decision to chance
Origin: Historically, casting lots was a common method to leave decisions to fate, often seen as guided by divine will.

3. A quien madruga, Dios le ayuda

Pronunciation: ah KYEN mah-DROO-gah, DEE-ohs leh ah-YOO-dah
Literal Translation: He who rises early, God helps him
Meaning: The early bird catches the worm; God helps those who help themselves
Origin: Suggests that divine favor or fortune comes to those who are diligent and proactive.

4. Por si las moscas

Pronunciation: por see lahs MOHS-kahs
Literal Translation: Just in case of the flies
Meaning: Just in case, to be on the safe side
Origin: The full phrase might imply preparing for minor annoyances or unexpected events, as one would guard against flies.

5. Tocar madera

Pronunciation: toh-KAHR mah-DEH-rah
Literal Translation: To touch wood
Meaning: Knock on wood, to ward off bad luck
Origin: Similar to the English phrase, it likely originates from pagan beliefs that spirits in trees could be invoked to ensure continued good fortune.

6. Estar de mala leche

Pronunciation: ehs-TAHR deh MAH-lah LEH-cheh
Literal Translation: To be of bad milk
Meaning: To be in a bad mood
Origin: Relates to the belief that consuming spoiled or sour milk affects one’s disposition, making them irritable or sour.

7. A buena hora, mangas verdes

Pronunciation: ah BWEH-nah OH-rah, MAHN-gahs VEHR-dehs
Literal Translation: At a good hour, green sleeves
Meaning: Too little, too late
Origin: Refers to the late arrival of the Spanish Santa Hermandad (a medieval police force who wore green sleeves), who often arrived too late to be of any help.

8. Tener la negra

Pronunciation: teh-NEHR lah NEH-grah
Literal Translation: To have the black
Meaning: To go through a streak of bad luck
Origin: “Negra” here symbolizes a period of darkness or misfortune, akin to going through a dark phase.

9. Ser un ave de mal agüero

Pronunciation: sehr oon AH-veh deh mal ah-GWEH-roh
Literal Translation: To be a bird of bad omen
Meaning: To be a harbinger of bad news
Origin: Based on ancient superstitions where certain birds were believed to bring bad luck or foretell unfortunate events.

Health and Wellness

1. Estar como un roble

Pronunciation: ehs-TAHR KOH-mo oon ROH-bleh
Literal Translation: To be like an oak
Meaning: To be very strong or healthy
Origin: Oaks are known for their strength and longevity, making them a symbol of robust health.

2. Sano como una manzana

Pronunciation: SAH-noh KOH-mo OOH-nah mahn-ZAH-nah
Literal Translation: Healthy like an apple
Meaning: To be very healthy
Origin: Apples have long been associated with health and wellness, often linked to the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”

3. Dar por muerto

Pronunciation: dar por MWEHR-toh
Literal Translation: To give for dead
Meaning: To assume someone is dead or to give up on them
Origin: Refers to the act of assuming the worst outcome in a dire situation, often prematurely.

4. Estar para el arrastre

Pronunciation: ehs-TAHR PAH-rah el ah-RAHS-treh
Literal Translation: To be for the dragging
Meaning: To be extremely tired or worn out
Origin: Suggests being so exhausted that one could only be moved by dragging.

5. No tener corazón

Pronunciation: noh teh-NEHR koh-rah-THON
Literal Translation: Not to have heart
Meaning: To be heartless or unfeeling
Origin: Heart is traditionally viewed as the seat of emotions, so lacking a heart implies a lack of empathy or compassion.

6. Sentirse como un guante

Pronunciation: sen-TEER-seh KOH-mo oon GWAN-teh
Literal Translation: To feel like a glove
Meaning: To feel perfectly comfortable or well-suited
Origin: Likens the snug, perfect fit of a glove to feeling perfectly at ease in a situation or condition.

7. Estar hecho polvo

Pronunciation: ehs-TAHR EH-choh POHL-voh
Literal Translation: To be made dust
Meaning: To be very tired or exhausted
Origin: Implies being reduced to dust, suggesting extreme weariness or depletion of energy.

8. Quedarse como nuevo

Pronunciation: keh-DAHR-seh KOH-mo NWAY-voh
Literal Translation: To stay like new
Meaning: To feel renewed or refreshed
Origin: The comparison to something “new” suggests restoration to a pristine or original state of well-being.

9. No ver tres en un burro

Pronunciation: noh vehr tres en oon BOO-rroh
Literal Translation: Not to see three on a donkey
Meaning: To have very poor eyesight
Origin: Evokes the image of not being able to distinguish even obvious things, like seeing three items placed on a donkey.

We hope you enjoyed learning about these 108 Spanish idioms and their rich meanings and origins. Whether you’re looking to enhance your language skills or just appreciate the cultural nuances, these expressions offer a fun and insightful peek into Spanish speaking life.