10 Spanish Idioms to Make Conversations More Authentic
If you’re serious about learning Spanish, diving into its idiomatic expressions is a fantastic way to sound more natural and connect with native speakers. Idioms aren’t just fun phrases—they carry culture, history, and unique perspectives that bring your conversations to life. In this post, we’ll explore 10 Spanish idioms, explain their meanings, and show you how to use them in everyday conversation.
1. Estar en las nubes
Literal Translation: “To be in the clouds”
Meaning: To be daydreaming or not paying attention.
Usage: When your friend is distracted during a meeting, you might say, “¡Estás en las nubes hoy!”
2. Tirar la casa por la ventana
Literal Translation: “To throw the house out the window”
Meaning: To spare no expense; to go all out.
Usage: “Para su cumpleaños, decidió tirar la casa por la ventana y organizar una fiesta inolvidable.”
3. Costar un ojo de la cara
Literal Translation: “To cost an eye from the face”
Meaning: Something extremely expensive.
Usage: “Ese coche nuevo me costó un ojo de la cara.”
4. No tener pelos en la lengua
Literal Translation: “To not have hairs on your tongue”
Meaning: To speak frankly, without holding back.
Usage: “A Juan le gusta decir lo que piensa; realmente no tiene pelos en la lengua.”
5. Estar como una cabra
Literal Translation: “To be like a goat”
Meaning: To be a little crazy or eccentric.
Usage: “Todos decían que estaba como una cabra, pero sus ideas innovadoras nos han llevado muy lejos.”
6. Echar agua al mar
Literal Translation: “To throw water into the sea”
Meaning: To do something pointless or redundant.
Usage: “Intentar arreglar eso sin los recursos necesarios es como echar agua al mar.”
7. Dar en el clavo
Literal Translation: “To hit the nail”
Meaning: To get something exactly right.
Usage: “Cuando propuso esa solución, dio en el clavo.”
8. Buscarle tres pies al gato
Literal Translation: “To look for three feet on a cat”
Meaning: To complicate things unnecessarily or to overthink.
Usage: “No le busques tres pies al gato; la respuesta es simple.”
9. Matar dos pájaros de un tiro
Literal Translation: “To kill two birds with one shot”
Meaning: To achieve two goals with a single action.
Usage: “Con esa actividad, matamos dos pájaros de un tiro: aprendemos español y conocemos gente nueva.”
10. Tomar el toro por los cuernos
Literal Translation: “To take the bull by the horns”
Meaning: To face a challenge head-on.
Usage: “Es hora de tomar el toro por los cuernos y aprender a hablar español sin miedo.”
Why Idioms Matter
Idioms offer more than just linguistic flair—they provide insight into the values, humor, and history of Spanish-speaking cultures. By incorporating these phrases into your vocabulary, you not only improve your language skills but also gain a deeper cultural understanding.
Tips for Learning Idioms
Practice in context: Use these idioms during conversations or write short dialogues.
Listen to natives: Pay attention to TV shows, movies, or podcasts to hear how native speakers use these expressions.
Be patient: Like any new skill, mastering idioms takes time and repeated exposure.
At Battersea Spanish, our community events encourage natural conversation and cultural immersion. Why not join us and add these vibrant expressions to your Spanish repertoire?