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Spanish Chunks Library

Master high-frequency phrases using the 80/20 principle for rapid Spanish fluency

4988
Total Chunks
4114
Reviewed
874
Pending Review

Idioms & Sayings 474 chunks

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Donde las dan las toman

What goes around comes around / You reap what you sow

Reviewed
Literally 'where they give them they receive them'. Used when someone who treated others badly faces similar treatment in return.
3 examples
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En casa del herrero, cuchillo de palo

The cobbler's children have no shoes

Reviewed
Literally 'in the blacksmith's house, a wooden knife'. Describes the irony of experts or professionals who lack the very thing …
3 examples
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A mal tiempo, buena cara

Put on a brave face / Make the best of a bad situation

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Encourages maintaining a positive attitude even when things are going badly. One of the most widely used Spanish sayings.
3 examples
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Tener un as en la manga

To have an ace up one's sleeve

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Describes having a secret advantage or hidden resource that can be used when needed. Identical to the English idiom.
3 examples
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Ser agua pasada

To be water under the bridge

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Describes something from the past that is finished and no longer relevant or worth worrying about. Identical to the English …
3 examples
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Ponerse las botas

To have a feast / To make a killing / To really go for it

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Literally 'to put on one's boots'. Describes eating or drinking a lot and enjoying it, or profiting greatly from a …
3 examples
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Meterse en la boca del lobo

To walk into the lion's den / To put oneself in danger

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Literally 'to put oneself in the wolf's mouth'. Describes knowingly entering a very dangerous or difficult situation.
3 examples
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No llegar la sangre al río

It won't come to that / Things won't get out of hand

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Literally 'the blood won't reach the river'. Reassures that a conflict or situation won't escalate to something truly serious.
3 examples
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Ser el cuento de nunca acabar

To be a never-ending story / To go on forever

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Describes a situation, problem, or conversation that drags on endlessly with no resolution in sight.
3 examples
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Estar en ascuas

To be on tenterhooks / To be on edge with anticipation

Reviewed
Literally 'to be on embers'. Describes the anxious suspense of waiting for an important outcome or piece of news.
3 examples
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