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Spanish Chunks Library

Master high-frequency phrases using the 80/20 principle for rapid Spanish fluency

4988
Total Chunks
3614
Reviewed
1374
Pending Review

Idioms & Sayings 474 chunks

Clear

Dar en el clavo

To hit the nail on the head

Reviewed
Said when someone identifies or says exactly the right thing. The Spanish equivalent of the English idiom.
3 examples
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Ser un hueso duro de roer

To be a tough nut to crack / To be a hard person to deal with

Reviewed
Literally 'to be a hard bone to chew'. Describes someone or something very difficult to handle, convince, or overcome.
3 examples
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Ponerse las pilas

To get one's act together / To pull one's socks up

Reviewed
Literally 'to put in the batteries'. Used to tell someone to become more active, focused, or motivated.
3 examples
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No hay dos sin tres

Things come in threes / Bad things happen in threes

Reviewed
Said when a second bad (or good) thing happens, implying a third will follow. Can be used humorously or with …
3 examples
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Camarón que se duerme, se lo lleva la corriente

You snooze, you lose

Reviewed
Literally 'the shrimp that falls asleep gets swept away by the current'. Warns against being passive or slow to act.
3 examples
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Tirar la toalla

To throw in the towel / To give up

Reviewed
Borrowed from boxing. Used when someone gives up on something they've been struggling with. Can be used literally or to …
3 examples
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estar de mala leche

to be in a bad mood (Spain, vulgar)

Reviewed
Colloquial, slightly vulgar. Use 'estar de mal humor' for polite.
3 examples
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Estar como pez en el agua

To be in one's element / To feel right at home

Reviewed
Literally 'to be like a fish in water'. Describes someone who is completely comfortable and thriving in a situation.
3 examples
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tener malas pulgas

to be bad-tempered / to be irritable

Reviewed
Literally 'to have bad fleas'.
3 examples
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Hacer de tripas corazón

To pluck up courage / To grin and bear it

Reviewed
Literally 'to make heart out of guts'. Used when someone forces themselves to do something difficult or unpleasant despite fear …
3 examples
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