Some Idiomatic Expressions Used in Mexico
Idiomatic expressions generally do not make sense when translated literally. To make this section more fun and culturally relevant, I included both the rough translations and their English equivalent. It is guaranteed that when you use an idiomatic expression in a Spanish-speaking country, you are going to impress the locals!
A otro perro con ese hueso.
Literally: To another dog with that bone.
English equivalent: You're pulling my leg. Más vale pájaro en mano que ciento volando.
Literally: A bird in the hand is worth more than 100 flying.
English equivalent: A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Está lloviendo a cántaros.
Literally: It’s raining from containers
English equivalent:It’s raining cats and dogs Voy a hacer changuitos.
Literally: I am going to make little monkeys
Engish equivalent: I am going to cross my fingers Ponte las pilas.
Literally: Put the batteries on
English equivalent: Get in gear! Qué aguafiestas.
Literally: What a water-party
English equivalent: What a party pooper En un dos por tres.
Literally: In a two by one
English equivalent: Right away En caliente.
Literally: In hot
English equivalent: Right away Del dicho al hecho hay mucho trecho.
Literally: From what’s said to what’s done, there is a huge gap
English Equivalent: Easier said than done Echando a perder se aprende.
Literally: One learns by ruining things.
American equivalent: Experience is the best teacher Con las manos en la masa.
Literally: With the hands on the dough
American equivalent: Red-handed |
Más vale tarde que nunca.
Better late than never
¿Ya te cayó el veinte?
Literally: Has the 20th fallen?
American Equivalent: Did the light bulb come on?/Did you get it? (This expression comes from old payphones in Mexico that required twenty cents to start working. When the twenty cents were inserted and fell inside, the phone clicked to life.) No hay mal que por bien no venga.
Literally: There is no evil that does not bring good.
English equivalent: Every cloud has a silver lining Bajo el agua.
Literally: Under the water
English equivalent: Under the table Te estoy tomando el pelo.
Literally: I am taking your hair
English equivalent: I'm pulling your leg Las noticias malas siempre tienen alas.
Literally: Bad news always have wings
English equivalent: Bad news spreads fast Con dinero baila el perro.
Literally: The dog dances with money
English equivalent: Money makes the world go around. No tienes pelos en la lengua.
Literally: You don’t have hair on you tongue
English equivalent: You don’t mince words/You are straight-forward Chido.
English equivalent: cool
Buena onda
Literally: Good wave
English equivalent: Cool |