This article covers common idiomatic expressions in Spanish, when to use them appropriately, and -- perhaps most importantly -- why it is so important to know them!

1. Idiomatic Expressions In Spanish
. . . and why you should learn them
An idiom or idiomatic expression is a phrase that generally has a figurative meaning. These
symbolic expressions, called expresiones idiomáticas in Spanish, form part of the cultural
identity of all social groups.
When you are acquiring a foreign language, idiomatic expressions usually come last in the
vocabulary lesson.
Then again, learning them well is fundamental, no to only to speak Spanish correctly, but to
express yourself more naturally and truly speak like a local.
Basic Spanish Expressions
These Spanish phrases will help you to get around and up your language game. Do not be afraid
to use them. Own them and say them as you mean them!
SPANISH IDIOMATIC
EXPRESSIONS
MEANING

2. Estirar la pata To pass away
Tomarle el pelo To deceive/cheat someone
Dar gato por liebre
To fool someone by giving them something similar but
from inferior quality
Tirar la casa por la ventana To throw a really big party
No tener pelos en la lengua To speak your mind without thinking
Echar agua al mar To do something pointless
Montar un pollo To make a scandal
Coser y cantar To achieve something without too much trouble
Echar más agua a los frijoles
To prepare more food because unexpected guests have
arrived to your house
Tener mucho morro To be brave or shameless
Pedalear la bicicleta (de otro) To date someone else's partner
The Translation Dilemma

3. Idioms are structured with language’s raw material, consisting of words, like any other
sentences.
Nonetheless, the allegorical significance do not derives from the lexical semantics or
grammatical composition of its individual elements.
It emanates from the totality of the text, working as one block.
Even though you may be familiar or fully understand single words in Spanish, when these are
literally translated to English, they may not make any sense; as the true meaning comes from the
sum of the words when put together as a whole.
Example:
• Meter la pata. ->The literal translation is ‘to put the leg in’ but it actually signifies ‘to
screw up’.
From time to time, there are equivalents in both languages, although they might not use the same
words, they can share the same connotation.
Example:
• Al pan, pan y al vino, vino. -> Call a spade a spade. It indicates to call things by their
real name.
In this instance, taking language lessons from a native Spanish speaker has great advantages
because (needless to say) idioms are already part of their vocabulary and cultural identity.
That is why at Live Lingua all our certified teachers are also native speakers! Plus an immersive
program will allow you to pick up the expressions and the accent of the Spanish territory you are
most looking forward to.

4. The Role of Spanish Idioms
Idioms serve as imagery or symbols of teachings, historical references, warnings or even jokes;
showcasing the moral values, religious beliefs, social structures, political rightness, and
economic ideals that forge the worldview of a community.
Thus, Spanish idioms are diverse and colorful as the territories where Castilian is spoken.
Christianity, for example, has permeated Spanish history, art, music, and literature in many
ways.
And while the Catholic Church has dropped its congregation numbers in Spain (and some Latin
American countries) ‘God’ and ‘Christ’ still remain part of everyday talks.
Example:

5. • Estar hecho un Cristo. -> It indicates to be wrecked, worn-out or in bad shape (probably
ill too). The expression comes as a visual reference from the physical state that Jesus
Christ ended up with before he was crucified. He was forced to wear a crown of thorns,
hit by stones, whipped and exhausted from carrying the heavy wooden cross.
Nowadays, it is generally used to insinuate that someone looks terrible.
Example:
• Miguel volvió del entrenamiento militar hecho un Cristo. -> Miguel came back from the
military training looking terrible. The expression implies that Miguel probably had a hard
time and now needs a hot shower and some rest.
In addition, there are many old sayings that refer to God's help or his omnipotence.
Example:
• Al que madruga Dios lo ayuda. -> The translation would be something like “if you wake
up early you will receive God’s help”. But the appropriate English equivalent is “the
early bird catches the worm”. The expression has been around for almost five hundred
years! Regardless of one’s religious beliefs it is currently used to portend a key
recommendation: to be diligent in order to succeed at work or any given circumstances.
• A quien Dios se la dé, San Pedro se la bendiga. ->Again, the translation would be
something like “to whom God gives it, should receive Saint Peter’s blessing” or “when
God gives, Saint Peter blesses”. It has no English equivalent but it suggests that when
God sends something (good or bad) to someone’s life, his apostle Saint Peter has no other
option but to accept it and give it his blessing. The key message is one’s acceptance of
God’s will. Whatever fortune or misfortune we have been sent, we must embrace it.

6. Interestingly, there are other idiomatic expressions that contradict the teachings of “receiving
without complaints” and recognize our power and free will to make things happen.
• A Dios rogando y con el mazo dando. -> This is the most common idiomatic expression
that implies that we need to show up and put the work in, besides faithfully sending our
prayers at bedtime. The translation would be something like “Beg to God but do not stop
hitting the mallet”. Today, it can be used to point out that someone is not doing their part
of the deal or that they need to make a bigger effort.
Learn Spanish Idioms Today
As you can see, some idioms can be adages or proverbs like Es pan comido (piece of cake),
which refers to a task that is really easy or simple to achieve.
However, some phrases can be born from current affairs such as technological advances.

7. That is the case of the verb ‘to google’, which has been adapted to Spanish as guglear. So, when
people say “gugléalo”,they actually mean “go and search it in Google”.
The Real Academia de la Lengua Española (The Royal Academy of the Spanish Language), the
highest authority in Castilian studies, is still debating whether it should be added to the
dictionary or not. Yet, people don’t need permission from a top power to embrace the expression.
It has simply made its way amongst daily conversations between native Spanish speakers
because languages are alive and constantly evolving. Thus, there are new idioms continuously
added to the collection.
Going deeper with Spanish
If you are serious about learning Spanish, consider perusing our free Spanish Survival Crash
Course. The course is made up of a series of audio files and PDF downloads that you can study
at your own pace. Sign up here or click the image below!
Consequently, if you are interested in broadening your own assortment of Spanish expressions
and expanding your vocabulary, onsider perusing our free Spanish Survival Crash Course. The
course is made up of a series of audio files and PDF downloads that you can study at your own
pace. Sign up here or click the image below!