{"id":123256,"date":"2025-12-15T11:36:29","date_gmt":"2025-12-15T10:36:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ihdemu.com\/?p=123256"},"modified":"2026-11-12T15:29:41","modified_gmt":"2026-11-12T14:29:41","slug":"spanish-expressions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ihdemu.com\/en\/spanish-expressions\/","title":{"rendered":"25 Spanish Expressions: Are You Getting Your Act Together or Still Daydreaming?"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

25 Spanish Expressions: Are You Getting Your Act Together or Still Daydreaming?<\/h1>\n

Have you ever heard a Spaniard say \u00ab\u00a1Ponte las pilas!\u00bb<\/em> (Get your act together!) or ask you if you’re \u00aben la luna\u00bb<\/em> (on the moon)? If you’ve been studying Spanish for a while, you’ve probably noticed that native speakers use expressions that sometimes make absolutely no sense if you try to translate them word for word.<\/p>\n

Don’t worry! This is completely normal. These expressions are called idioms<\/strong>, and they are an essential part of everyday Spanish. They are used in informal conversations, at work, among friends and even in family situations. Learning them will help you understand native speakers better, expand your vocabulary and communicate in a much more natural way.<\/p>\n

25 Spanish idioms you should know<\/h2>\n

Would you like to speak Spanish like a native? Here are 25 expressions that are commonly used in everyday life. Take note!<\/p>\n

1. Ponerse las pilas (to put the batteries in)<\/h3>\n

It means to make a greater effort, react or start doing something with more energy and responsibility<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/em> \u00abTengo un examen la semana que viene y todav\u00eda no he estudiado. \u00a1Tengo que ponerme las pilas!\u00bb.<\/p>\n

2. Estar en la luna (to be on the moon)<\/h3>\n

It is used to describe someone who is distracted and not paying attention<\/strong> to what is happening around them.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/em> \u00ab\u00bfMe est\u00e1s escuchando? \u00a1Parece que hoy est\u00e1s en la luna!\u00bb.<\/p>\n

3. Echar una mano (to throw a hand)<\/h3>\n

It means to help someone or give them a hand<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/em> \u00ab\u00bfPuedes echarme una mano con los deberes de espa\u00f1ol?\u00bb.<\/p>\n

4. Meter la pata (to put your foot in it)<\/h3>\n

It means to make a mistake<\/strong>, especially when you say or do something inappropriate.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/em> \u00abAyer met\u00ed la pata y llam\u00e9 a mi profesor por otro nombre\u00bb.<\/p>\n

5. Tomar el pelo (to take someone’s hair)<\/h3>\n

It is used when someone jokes with another person or tries to fool them<\/strong> in a playful way.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/em> \u00ab\u00a1No me lo puedo creer! \u00bfDe verdad has ganado la loter\u00eda o me est\u00e1s tomando el pelo?\u00bb.<\/p>\n

6. Estar hecho un l\u00edo (to be made into a mess)<\/h3>\n

It means to be confused or not fully understand a situation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/em> \u00abCon tantos verbos irregulares, estoy hecho un l\u00edo\u00bb.<\/p>\n

7. Hacer la vista gorda (to make the fat eye)<\/h3>\n

It means to pretend not to have seen something wrong or deliberately turn a blind eye to it<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/em> \u00abEl profesor hizo la vista gorda cuando llegu\u00e9 cinco minutos tarde a clase\u00bb.<\/p>\n

8. Ser pan comido (to be eaten bread)<\/h3>\n

It is used to say that something is very easy or a piece of cake<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/em> \u00abEl examen de ayer fue pan comido. \u00a1Todas las preguntas eran muy sencillas!\u00bb.<\/p>\n

9. Ir al grano (to go to the grain)<\/h3>\n

It means to get straight to the point and talk directly about what matters<\/strong>, without giving too many explanations.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/em> \u00abTenemos poco tiempo, as\u00ed que vamos al grano\u00bb.<\/p>\n

10. Dar en el clavo (to hit the nail)<\/h3>\n

It means to get something exactly right or find the correct answer or solution<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/em> \u00ab\u00a1Has dado en el clavo! Esa es precisamente la palabra que estaba buscando\u00bb.<\/p>\n

11. Estar en las nubes (to be in the clouds)<\/h3>\n

It is used to describe someone who is distracted, thinking about something else or daydreaming<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/em> \u00abDesde que est\u00e1 enamorado, siempre est\u00e1 en las nubes\u00bb.<\/p>\n

12. Dar gato por liebre (to give a cat instead of a hare)<\/h3>\n

It means to trick someone by offering them something of lower quality or something different from what they expected<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/em> \u00abCompr\u00e9 un m\u00f3vil de segunda mano y me dieron gato por liebre\u00bb.<\/p>\n

13. Echar una bronca (to throw a scolding)<\/h3>\n

It means to tell someone off or reprimand them<\/strong> for something they have done wrong.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/em> \u00abMi madre me ech\u00f3 una bronca porque llegu\u00e9 tarde a casa\u00bb.<\/p>\n

14. Ir de punta en blanco (to go from tip to white)<\/h3>\n

It is used when someone is dressed very elegantly or particularly smartly<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/em> \u00abPara la boda, todos los invitados iban de punta en blanco\u00bb.<\/p>\n

15. Estar en el ojo del hurac\u00e1n (to be in the eye of the hurricane)<\/h3>\n

It means to be at the centre of a complicated, controversial or conflictive situation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/em> \u00abDespu\u00e9s de sus declaraciones, el director est\u00e1 en el ojo del hurac\u00e1n\u00bb.<\/p>\n

16. Ser un pez gordo (to be a fat fish)<\/h3>\n

It is used to describe someone who has a great deal of power, influence or importance within an organisation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/em> \u00abEl hombre que acaba de entrar es un pez gordo de esa empresa\u00bb.<\/p>\n

17. Ser la oveja negra (to be the black sheep)<\/h3>\n

It refers to someone who is different from the rest of their family or group<\/strong>, generally because of their behaviour or personal decisions.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/em> \u00abEn mi familia todos son m\u00e9dicos, pero yo quiero ser m\u00fasico. \u00a1Soy la oveja negra!\u00bb.<\/p>\n

18. Salirse con la suya (to get away with one’s own thing)<\/h3>\n

It means to get what you want<\/strong>, even when other people disagree or oppose you.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/em> \u00abMi hermano siempre consigue salirse con la suya\u00bb.<\/p>\n

19. Hablar por los codos (to talk through your elbows)<\/h3>\n

It is used to describe someone who talks a lot and hardly ever gives other people a chance to speak<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/em> \u00abMi compa\u00f1ero de piso habla por los codos. \u00a1No para ni un minuto!\u00bb.<\/p>\n

20. Echar un vistazo (to throw a glance)<\/h3>\n

It means to take a quick look at something or examine it superficially<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/em> \u00ab\u00bfPuedes echar un vistazo a mi redacci\u00f3n antes de entregarla?\u00bb.<\/p>\n

21. Tirar la toalla (to throw in the towel)<\/h3>\n

It means to give up or abandon something because it is too difficult<\/strong>. Its origin is related to the world of boxing.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/em> \u00abAprender espa\u00f1ol puede ser complicado al principio, pero no tires la toalla. \u00a1Con pr\u00e1ctica lo conseguir\u00e1s!\u00bb.<\/p>\n

22. Estar en el quinto pino (to be at the fifth pine tree)<\/h3>\n

It is used to say that a place is very far away or in the middle of nowhere<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/em> \u00abEl nuevo supermercado est\u00e1 en el quinto pino. Necesitamos coger el autob\u00fas para llegar\u00bb.<\/p>\n

23. Ser un cero a la izquierda (to be a zero on the left)<\/h3>\n

It means to feel unimportant or have no influence in a particular situation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/em> \u00abEn las reuniones de esa empresa no me dejan participar. Me siento como un cero a la izquierda\u00bb.<\/p>\n

24. Ser un bocazas (to be a big-mouthed person)<\/h3>\n

It describes someone who talks too much and doesn’t know how to keep secrets or control what they say<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/em> \u00abNo le cuentes nada importante a Luis, es un bocazas y se lo dice a todo el mundo\u00bb.<\/p>\n

25. Cargar con el muerto (to carry the dead person)<\/h3>\n

It means to take responsibility for a problem or mistake<\/strong>, especially when you are not the person primarily responsible.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/em> \u00abMis compa\u00f1eros no terminaron el proyecto y al final tuve que cargar con el muerto\u00bb.<\/p>\n

How can you learn and use Spanish idioms?<\/h2>\n

Knowing the meaning of these expressions is only the first step. To use them correctly, it is also important to learn the situations in which they are used.<\/p>\n

Here are some tips to help you incorporate commonly used Spanish expressions<\/strong> into your vocabulary:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Learn through examples:<\/strong> Memorising an expression is much easier when you associate it with a real-life situation.<\/li>\n
  • Listen to native speakers:<\/strong> Pay attention to conversations, films, TV series and videos in Spanish.<\/li>\n
  • Practise with your classmates:<\/strong> Try to use one or two new expressions every day.<\/li>\n
  • Don’t translate literally:<\/strong> Remember that idioms have a figurative meaning that does not always match the meaning of the individual words.<\/li>\n
  • Learn the context:<\/strong> Some expressions are informal and may not be appropriate in professional or formal situations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    It doesn’t matter whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or advanced learner: you can learn these expressions little by little and adapt them to your Spanish level.<\/p>\n

    Learn Spanish and discover Spanish culture<\/h2>\n

    Idioms are much more than simple combinations of words: they represent an important part of the cultural identity and communication style of native speakers. If you’re learning Spanish, getting to know these expressions will help you understand everyday conversations better, express yourself more naturally and feel more confident when speaking with Spaniards.<\/p>\n

    And now that you know these 25 expressions, you have no excuse! Get your act together (ponte las pilas<\/em>), practise your Spanish and, above all, don’t keep your head in the clouds (no te quedes en la luna<\/em>).<\/p>\n

    We’re sure you’ll soon be using them just like a native Spanish speaker!<\/p>\n<\/article>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Get your act together, have your head in the clouds, or put your foot in it? Discover 25 popular Spanish expressions you\u2019ll often hear in everyday conversations.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":123259,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"default","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[650],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-123256","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-language"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ihdemu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/123256","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ihdemu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ihdemu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ihdemu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ihdemu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=123256"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/ihdemu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/123256\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":123260,"href":"https:\/\/ihdemu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/123256\/revisions\/123260"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ihdemu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/123259"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ihdemu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=123256"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ihdemu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=123256"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ihdemu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=123256"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}