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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

Quedarse en blanco

To go blank / To draw a blank

Reviewed
Describes the sudden inability to remember or think of something, often in a stressful situation like an exam or presentation.
3 examples
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estar como un tren

to be very attractive (for a woman)

Reviewed
Colloquial, can be slightly sexist. Use with care.
3 examples
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Ponerse a cien

To go through the roof / To get really worked up

Reviewed
Colloquial. Literally 'to reach a hundred'. Describes becoming extremely excited, angry, or emotionally worked up. Very common in Spain.
3 examples
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ser la leche

to be amazing (or awful, depending on context)

Reviewed
Spain, very colloquial. Can be positive or negative.
3 examples
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Ser la oveja negra

To be the black sheep

Reviewed
Describes the family member or group member who is considered different, problematic, or a source of shame. Identical to the …
3 examples
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ser un fenómeno

to be a genius / to be amazing at something

Reviewed
Positive.
3 examples
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A buenas horas, mangas verdes

Too little, too late / A bit late, isn't it?

Reviewed
Ironic expression used when help or action arrives much later than needed. Implies the timing makes the gesture useless or …
3 examples
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no tener abuela

to be full of oneself / to sing one's own praises

Reviewed
Literally 'to not have a grandmother', because grandmothers praise you.
3 examples
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Nadie nace enseñado

Nobody is born knowing everything / We all have to learn

Reviewed
Used to comfort someone who makes a mistake or feels embarrassed about not knowing something. Encourages patience with oneself and …
3 examples
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tener memoria de elefante

to have a memory like an elephant

Reviewed
No additional notes.
3 examples
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