📚

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

Clear

No importarle un comino

Not to give a hoot / Not to care at all

Reviewed
Literally 'not to care a cumin seed'. Used when someone is completely indifferent to something. Comino can be replaced with …
3 examples
Learn This Chunk

Dar la cara

To face the music / To stand up and be counted

Reviewed
Literally 'to give the face'. Means taking responsibility for one's actions or being present to face the consequences rather than …
3 examples
Learn This Chunk

Tener madera de...

To have the makings of... / To have what it takes to be...

Reviewed
Literally 'to have the wood of...'. Describes someone who has the natural qualities or potential to become something great.
3 examples
Learn This Chunk

Ir sobre ruedas

To go smoothly / To go like clockwork

Reviewed
Literally 'to go on wheels'. Describes a situation, project, or plan that is progressing perfectly without any problems.
3 examples
Learn This Chunk

Guardarse las espaldas

To watch one's back / To cover oneself

Reviewed
Describes taking precautions to protect oneself from potential betrayal, criticism, or negative consequences.
3 examples
Learn This Chunk

Quemar las naves

To burn one's boats / To commit with no way back

Reviewed
From the story of Hernán Cortés burning his ships. Means making a total commitment by eliminating the possibility of retreat.
3 examples
Learn This Chunk

Ser el ombligo del mundo

To think one is the centre of the universe

Reviewed
Literally 'to be the navel of the world'. Describes someone who is self-centred and believes everything revolves around them.
3 examples
Learn This Chunk

No saber dónde meterse

To want the ground to swallow you up / To be mortified

Reviewed
Literally 'not to know where to put oneself'. Describes extreme embarrassment where you wish you could disappear.
3 examples
Learn This Chunk

Tener la sartén por el mango

To have the upper hand / To be in control

Reviewed
Literally 'to have the frying pan by the handle'. Describes the person who holds power and controls a situation.
3 examples
Learn This Chunk

Hacer borrón y cuenta nueva

To wipe the slate clean / To start fresh

Reviewed
Literally 'to make a blot and a new account'. Means forgetting past mistakes or grievances and starting again from scratch.
3 examples
Learn This Chunk