Michal Kazimierczak
10 min 
Idioms are one of those treasures the Spanish language has to make speaking much more fun, expressive, and, sometimes, a little mysterious. Has it ever happened to you that someone says something like “a grito pelado” (at a peeled shout) or “andar con pies de plomo” (to walk with lead feet) and you’re left thinking, “what exactly does that mean?”. Well, these expressions cannot be translated literally into another language, because if you do, they lose all their meaning and become completely incomprehensible!
Idioms are like small cultural capsules, full of history, humor, popular wisdom, and a lot of imagination. They are groups of words that always go together, without changing even a single “de,” and they have a different meaning than they would if we interpreted them word for word. That’s why understanding them is a fundamental step to mastering Spanish, and also to better understanding the culture and humor of native speakers.
We are going to explore some of the most curious and widely used idioms, and discover where they come from and what they mean. Get ready for a journey with lots of laughs, surprises, and a bit of history!
A grito pelado (At the top of one’s lungs)
If someone is “a grito pelado,” it means they are shouting very loudly, with all their might, without any kind of shame or shyness. The expression comes from the idea of “peeling” the throat, as if you shouted until you lost your voice, “skinning” your throat. Imagine yourself at a concert shouting your favorite song… that is “a grito pelado.” It’s not just a normal shout; it’s one with passion and without fear.
Apaga y vámonos (Wrap things up / That’s the end of it)
This phrase is used when you want to say that something is over, that there is nothing left to do, and that it’s time to leave. It’s like saying “enough,” “the show is over.” The expression comes from the world of old electricity, when to turn something off, you had to cut the light or the current. So “apaga y vámonos” (turn off the lights and let’s go) is the quick and colloquial way to close a topic or a situation.
Chupar del bote / De bote en bote (To sponge off / Packed to the rafters)
Here we have two phrases with “bote” (can/pot) that look similar but have different meanings:
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“Chupar del bote”: means to take advantage of something, usually money or resources, without working or putting in effort (freeloading). Imagine a jar full of sweets and someone who only dedicates themselves to “sucking” from it without sharing or contributing anything.
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“De bote en bote”: means filled to the brim, with no room for anything else (bursting at the seams). It comes from the image of a boat or a container that is so full that not another drop can fit.
These expressions reflect two different uses of “bote” and are used in very different contexts.
If something comes to you “de buena tinta” (from good ink), it means that the information is reliable and secure, coming from a trustworthy source. Imagine that someone gives you a letter written with ink that cannot be erased or forged: that information is solid. That’s why we say something is “de buena tinta.”
De golpe y porrazo (All of a sudden / Out of the blue)
This phrase expresses that something happens abruptly, quickly, and without warning. The word “porrazo” comes from “porra,” which is a thick stick or club used for striking. So “de golpe y porrazo” is like receiving a heavy, direct blow. When someone receives news “de golpe y porrazo,” they don’t have time to prepare.
De par en par (Wide open)
When a door or a window is “de par en par,” it is completely open, without any impediment. The expression comes from “par,” which in this case means “hinge.” To open “de par en par” is to open all the way, leaving everything free for air or people to pass through.
De pe a pa (From A to Z / From cover to cover)
This phrase means “from beginning to end” or “completely.” Its origin is quite old and comes from the expression “de pie a pa,” which means “from foot to head.” Over time, “pie” changed to “pe” and the phrase became popularized as “de pe a pa.”
De punta en blanco (Dressed to the nines / Dressed to impress)
It is used to describe someone who is dressed with great care, impeccable and elegant. The phrase comes from the time when “punta en blanco” (blank point) was an expression to talk about weapons with well-sharpened or ready tips (ready for combat), and by extension, to people who were perfectly groomed, ready to impress.
De tomo y lomo (Of great weight / Of considerable importance)
This expression means that something is very complete, extensive, or of great importance. “Tomo” (volume) and “lomo” (spine) are parts of a book: the ‘tomo’ is the volume and the ‘lomo’ is the part you see on the shelf. So “de tomo y lomo” indicates something so substantial that it could fill an entire book.
Empinar el codo (To bend one’s elbow / To drink heavily)
When someone “empina el codo” (tips the elbow), they are drinking alcohol. This expression comes from the image of someone lifting their bent arm (the elbow) to drink from a glass or bottle. It’s a colloquial and fun way to talk about having drinks.
En sus trece (To stick to one’s guns / Hard-headed)
If someone is “en sus trece” (in their thirteen), it means they are very firm in their opinion, without wanting to change it even a little bit. The origin of the expression is uncertain, but some believe it comes from the number thirteen, which in many cultures symbolizes obstinacy or bad luck, and in this case reflects an inflexible position.
Entre ceja y ceja (To be set on something / To be obsessed)
This phrase is used to refer to an idea or desire that someone has very present in their mind, which bothers or obsesses them. It comes from the idea that something is so close that it seems to be “between the eyebrows,” on the forehead, impossible to ignore.
Erre que erre (To keep hammering away / Stubbornly persistent)
If someone goes “erre que erre,” they insist a lot on something, they don’t stop repeating it, or they don’t give up. The expression plays with the difficulty of pronouncing the strong, vibrant letter “r” in Spanish, which represents insistence or perseverance.
Manos a la obra (Let’s get to work / Let’s roll up our sleeves)
This is a very motivating expression. It means “let’s start working right now!”, without wasting time. The image it evokes is that of someone putting their hands to the task, literally, ready to do whatever it takes.
En un santiamén (In a jiffy / In the blink of an eye)
If something is done “en un santiamén,” it is in an instant, in the blink of an eye. The word “santiamén” comes from the joining of “santo” (holy) and “amén” (amen), and was a way of referring to a very short prayer said quickly. Thus, the phrase expresses total speed.
Uña y carne (Thick as thieves / Joined at the hip)
When two people are “uña y carne” (nail and flesh), it means they are inseparable, that they have a very close friendship or relationship. The image comes from the intimate relationship between the nail and the flesh underneath, which are joined forever.
Como oro en paño (To treasure like gold)
It is used to talk about something that is cared for a lot, that is highly valued. “Paño” is a type of fine cloth where gold was kept or wrapped to protect it. Thus, “como oro en paño” (like gold in cloth) is like saying “with great care and affection.”
Hacer de tripas corazón (To pluck up courage / To bite the bullet)
This expression indicates that someone makes a big effort to overcome a difficult situation, despite fear or pain. The image is very graphic: turning fear or “churning guts” (tripas) into courage and bravery (corazón).
Andar con pies de plomo (To tread carefully / To proceed with caution)
If someone “anda con pies de plomo” (walks with lead feet), they walk with great care, with caution so as not to make mistakes or have problems. Lead is a heavy metal, so the phrase evokes the idea that every step is slow and calculated.
Why can’t they be translated literally?
Now that we’ve seen these expressions, you’re probably wondering: why can’t I just translate them word for word into English, French, or any other language?
The answer is simple: because idioms are deeply linked to the culture, history, and images they evoke in each specific language. Translating “empinar el codo” as “to tip the elbow” makes no sense to an English speaker, but for a Spanish speaker, it is a very colloquial and graphic way of saying “to drink alcohol.”
Each language has its own idioms, and although many express similar ideas, the images and words they use are unique. Therefore, knowing the idioms of a language is also knowing its culture and its way of thinking.
Want to learn more?
If you like these expressions, I encourage you to use them in your conversations. Not only will you sound more natural, but you will also better understand jokes, movies, songs, and even memes in Spanish.
Did you know there are thousands of idioms in Spanish? Some are more formal, others more colloquial, some regional, others universal. For example, in Mexico, they use many different phrases from those used in Spain or Argentina. It is a huge world to explore.
So, which one are you keeping? Have you already used any? Or do you dare to make up an idiom for your group of friends? Language is a game, and idioms are its best tricks!
