For many, it’s a time for introspection, renewal, and connection with loved ones. Particularly in Latin America, where Christmas and other religious holidays are widely celebrated, it is a moment of spiritual significance for millions of Christians.
During this time, idioms and expressions reflecting hope, faith, and good fortune play an important role in our lives, as they offer comfort and motivation. Let’s explore some of these popular Spanish expressions, bringing insight into how language reflects the positive values that help us face challenges and look forward to the future.
Idioms and expressions regarding:
Hope And Faith
1. La esperanza es lo último que se pierde/la esperanza muere al último/mientras hay vida, hay esperanza
Literal Translation: Hope is the last thing to be lost; the last thing to die.
Meaning: This expression emphasizes holding onto hope until the very end.
English equivalent: While there’s life, there’s hope.
2. La fe mueve montañas
Literal Translation: Faith moves mountains.
Meaning: This is often tied to the idea of belief enabling extraordinary achievements.
English equivalent: Faith can move mountains.
3. Ver la luz al final del túnel
Literal Translation: To see the light at the end of the tunnel
Meaning: Both in Spanish and English, this idiom expresses the anticipation of relief or a solution after a difficult period.
English equivalent: To see the light at the end of the tunnel.
4.Soñar no cuesta nada
Literal Translation: Dreaming costs nothing.
Meaning: It suggests that dreaming is free, encouraging us to think big and aspire without limits.
English equivalent: Dreaming is free.
5. (Hacer algo) de buena fe
Literal Translation: In good faith.
Meaning: This phrase describes actions done sincerely or with honest intentions.
English equivalent: In good faith.
Religion
6. La procesión va por dentro
Literal Translation: The procession goes on inside.
Meaning: This expression refers to someone who outwardly appears calm or composed, but internally feels something intensely, often relating to religious devotion.
English equivalent: It’s an internal matter.
7. Ser más papista que el Papa
Literal Translation: To be more papist than the Pope.
Meaning: This phrase refers to someone overly strict or orthodox, even more so than the authority figure they follow.
English equivalent: To be holier than the Pope.
8. Hacer algo como Dios manda
Literal Translation: To do something as God commands.
Meaning: This refers to doing something properly or by proper standards or rules, often with a sense of moral duty.
English equivalent: To do something by the book.
9. Llorar como una Magdalena
Literal Translation: To cry like Magdalene.
Meaning: This idiom refers to crying heavily, often in sorrow or repentance, referencing Mary Magdalene’s deep emotional expressions.
English equivalent: To cry one’s eyes out.
10. Más sabe el diablo por viejo que por diablo
Literal Translation: The devil knows more from being old than from being the devil.
Meaning: This expression highlights the wisdom that comes with age and experience.
English equivalent: Experience is the best teacher.
11. Meter el dedo en la llaga
Literal Translation: To put your finger in the wound.
Meaning: To bring up a painful or sensitive topic, making the situation worse or more uncomfortable.
English equivalent: Rub salt in the wound or hit a nerve.
12. Pasar por el calvario
Literal Translation: To go through a Calvary.
Meaning: To endure a difficult or painful situation, often involving suffering or hardship.
English equivalent: Go through hell.
13. Ser más falso que Judas
Literal Translation: To be more false than Judas.
Meaning: To be very deceitful, hypocritical, or untrustworthy, referencing Judas Iscariot from the Bible, who betrayed Jesus.
English equivalent: As fake as a three-dollar bill.
