1941 / 4988

Dar una de cal y una de arena

To give with one hand and take with the other

Idioms & Sayings
Notes & Usage:

Literally 'to give one of lime and one of sand'. Describes alternating praise and criticism, or alternating good and bad treatment.

See It in Context

Siempre da una de cal y una de arena: te elogia y luego te critica.

He always gives with one hand and takes with the other: he praises you and then criticises you.

—¿Cómo es trabajar con ella? —Da una de cal y una de arena.

—What's it like working with her? —She gives with one hand and takes with the other.

En ese acuerdo dieron una de cal y una de arena.

In that agreement they gave with one hand and took with the other.

Chunk 1941 of 4988