21 Popular Spanish Idioms For Sounding Like a Native

April 26th, 2023 - Vera

Spanish is a language that is full of colorful and expressive idioms. These idioms can be found in everyday conversation, literature, and popular culture, and they often reflect the unique cultural and historical influences that have shaped the Spanish language.

In this article, we will explore some of the most popular Spanish idioms, their meanings, and their origins.

1. “Ser pan comido” - To be a piece of cake

This idiom is used to describe a task or situation that is very easy to accomplish. The phrase “ser pan comido” literally means “to be eaten bread”, which refers to a task or situation that is as easy as eating a piece of bread.

2. “Estar en la luna” - To be in the clouds

This idiom is used to describe someone who is daydreaming or not paying attention. The phrase “estar en la luna” literally means “to be on the moon”, which reflects the idea of being in a far-off place and not fully present.

3. “Ponerse las pilas” - To put on the batteries

This idiom is used to describe the act of getting energized or motivated. The phrase “ponerse las pilas” literally means “to put on the batteries”, which reflects the idea of getting charged up and ready to go.

4. “Meter la pata” - To put one’s foot in one’s mouth

This idiom is used to describe the act of saying or doing something embarrassing or inappropriate. The phrase “meter la pata” literally means “to put one’s foot in”, which reflects the idea of making a misstep or mistake.

5. “Estar hasta las narices” - To be fed up

This idiom is used to describe someone who is very annoyed or frustrated with a situation. The phrase “estar hasta las narices” literally means “to be up to the nostrils”, which reflects the idea of being so overwhelmed with a situation that it feels like it’s suffocating.

6. “Costar un ojo de la cara” - To cost an arm and a leg

This idiom is used to describe something that is very expensive. The phrase “costar un ojo de la cara” literally means “to cost an eye from the face”, which reflects the idea of something being so valuable that it’s worth sacrificing a part of your body for it.

7. “No tener pelos en la lengua” - To not have hairs on one’s tongue

This idiom is used to describe someone who is very honest and direct in their speech. The phrase “no tener pelos en la lengua” literally means “to not have hairs on one’s tongue”, which reflects the idea of someone speaking freely and without hesitation.

8. “Dar en el clavo” - To hit the nail on the head

This idiom is used to describe someone who has made an accurate or successful guess or statement. The phrase “dar en el clavo” literally means “to hit the nail on the head”, which reflects the idea of someone hitting the target or achieving success.

9. “Ser uña y carne” - To be hand and glove

This idiom is used to describe two people who are very close or have a strong relationship. The phrase “ser uña y carne” literally means “to be nail and flesh”, which reflects the idea of two things that are inseparable or closely connected.

10. “Echar agua al mar” - To pour water into the sea

This idiom is used to describe an action that is pointless or useless. The phrase “echar agua al mar” literally means “to pour water into the sea”, which reflects the idea of an action that has no effect

11. “Estar como un fideo” - To be as thin as a noodle

This idiom is used to describe someone who is very thin or skinny. The phrase “estar como un fideo” literally means “to be like a noodle”, which reflects the idea of someone being as thin as a spaghetti noodle.

12. “Ir al grano” - To get to the point

This idiom is used to describe someone who is direct and doesn’t waste time getting to the main point of a conversation or situation. The phrase “ir al grano” literally means “to go to the grain”, which reflects the idea of getting to the core of a matter.

13. “Hacer la vista gorda” - To turn a blind eye

This idiom is used to describe someone who is ignoring or overlooking something that they know is wrong. The phrase “hacer la vista gorda” literally means “to make a blind view”, which reflects the idea of someone looking the other way and pretending not to see something.

14. “Más vale tarde que nunca” - Better late than never

This idiom is used to describe a situation where someone has arrived or completed a task later than expected, but still in time to be useful. The phrase “más vale tarde que nunca” literally means “it’s better to be late than never”, which reflects the idea of someone still making an effort and completing the task even though they were late.

15. “Salir de Guatemala y entrar en Guatepeor” - To go from bad to worse

This idiom is used to describe a situation where things were already bad, but then got even worse. The phrase “salir de Guatemala y entrar en Guatepeor” literally means “to leave Guatemala and enter Guateworse”, which reflects the idea of someone leaving one bad situation only to find themselves in an even worse situation.

16. “Matar dos pájaros de un tiro” - To kill two birds with one stone

This idiom is used to describe a situation where someone has accomplished two tasks at once. The phrase “matar dos pájaros de un tiro” literally means “to kill two birds with one shot”, which reflects the idea of someone being able to complete two tasks with one action.

17. “No hay mal que por bien no venga” - Every cloud has a silver lining

This idiom is used to describe a situation where something bad has happened, but there may be a positive outcome or opportunity that comes from it. The phrase “no hay mal que por bien no venga” literally means “there is no bad that doesn’t come with good”, which reflects the idea of looking for the positive in a negative situation.

18. “Estar como pez en el agua” - To be in one’s element

This idiom is used to describe someone who is very comfortable and happy in a particular situation or environment. The phrase “estar como pez en el agua” literally means “to be like a fish in the water”, which reflects the idea of someone being in their natural habitat and thriving in that environment.

19. “Hacer de tripas corazón” - To swallow one’s pride

This idiom is used to describe someone who is forced to do something that they don’t want to do, but do it anyway because it’s necessary. The phrase “hacer de tripas corazón” literally means “to make guts into heart”, which reflects the idea of someone having to gather their courage and do something difficult or unpleasant.

20. “Ser la oveja negra” - To be the black sheep

This idiom is used to describe someone who is different or doesn’t fit inwith the article

Spanish idioms are an integral part of the Spanish language and culture. They add color, depth, and richness to the language and are used frequently in everyday conversation. Spanish idioms are a great way to express emotions, thoughts, and feelings in a creative and unique way. Here are some popular Spanish idioms that you should know:

21. “Estar en la luna” - To be in the clouds

This idiom is used to describe someone who is absent-minded or not paying attention. The phrase “estar en la luna” literally means “to be in the moon”, which reflects the idea of someone being lost in their own thoughts or daydreaming.

Achieve fluency with ListLang—it's free!

ListLang Logo
Start learning in under a minute.
Download ListLang iPhone AppDownload ListLang Android App