What one person finds amusing, another may not, as our sense of humor is deeply connected to and shaped by our beliefs, perspectives on life, and regional or national cultural and social norms. However, when humor touches on fundamental aspects of our human condition, then it can transcend boundaries. In this release, we explore some Spanish idioms that might seem peculiar or amusing when translated into English. While some have direct English equivalents, others do not. We hope these idioms bring a smile to your face.

Spanish idioms with no direct equivalent in English:

1. Estar en la edad del pavo

Literal translation: To be in the turkey’s age 

Meaning: This idiom refers to turkeys as they are believed to be confused and not the smartest animals. It is used exclusively for teenagers because of their erratic  behavior and the perception that they are easily confused. It can also be used for adults when they are behaving immaturely, to compare them  with teenagers in a pejorative way, for example, “Todavía estás en la edad del pavo,” meaning “you behave and think like a teenager.”

2. Irse al pasto

Literal translation: Go to the grass.

Meaning: It is used for someone who has crossed the line in terms of manners, behavior, and speech, e.g., “No debiste decir eso, te fuiste al pasto”, “you shouldn’t have said that, you went to the grass (you crossed the line).”

3. Ser/Parecer una mosquita muerta

Literal translation: To be a dead little fly

Meaning: Refers to someone, mainly female, who appears innocent or harmless but is not. “Parece una mosquita muerta, pero yo la conozco,” “She seems to be a dead little fly (innocent and harmless), but I know her.”

4. Estar en su salsa

Literal translation: To be in one’s sauce

Meaning: This means to be in one’s element, doing something one enjoys.

5. Gato con guantes no caza ratones

Literal translation: A cat with gloves doesn’t catch mice.

Meaning: Used to describe someone who can’t perform well if overly cautious or polite. Unlike the previous idioms, which have a verb that can be conjugated to fit the context, this idiom is used as it is, e.g., when someone is too hesitant or afraid of fixing something, you might say “gato con guantes no caza ratones”, you need to act with decision. 

6. Por si las moscas

Literal translation: In case of the flies.

Meaning: Used to justify taking precautions for uncertain outcomes; doing something ‘just in case.’

The following idioms have an English equivalent or close approximation:

1. Tirar la casa por la ventana

Literal translation: To throw the house out of the window

Meaning: To spend a lot of money extravagantly, often for a celebration or special occasion.

English equivalent: To spare no expense, to break the bank.

2. Aunque la mona se vista de seda, mona se queda

Literal translation: Even if the monkey dresses in silk, it remains a monkey

Meaning:  Implies you can’t change your nature. 

English equivalent: A leopard can’t change its spots. 

3. Me importa un pepino

Literal translation: I care a cucumber. In some countries, a different vegetable   can be used in place of pepino, but the meaning is the same, e.g., “me importa un pimiento” (I care a red pepper), “me importa un comino” (I care a cumin). 

Meaning: I don’t care at all. 

English equivalent: I don’t give a fig.

4. Estar loco como una cabra

Literal translation: To be crazy like a goat.

Meaning: Used to describe someone acting irrationally or wildly.

English equivalent: To be as crazy as a loon or nuts.

5. Ponerse las pilas

Literal translation: To put on the batteries.

Meaning: To start working hard, to become energized or motivated in order to accomplish something.

English equivalent: To buckle down; to get charged up

6. Es pan comido

Literal translation: It’s eaten bread.

Meaning: Something that is very easy to do.

English equivalent: It's a piece of cake.

7. Costar un ojo de la cara

Literal translation: To cost an eye of the face

Meaning: Refers to something costly.

English equivalent: To cost an arm and a leg

8. Meter la pata

Literal translation: To put the paw in

Meaning: To make a mistake, often embarrassingly.

English equivalent: To put one’s foot in it.

9. No ver tres en un burro

Literal translation: Not to see three on a donkey. (three people)

Meaning: To have poor vision (more literal), or to be oblivious to apparent things around (more symbolic).

English equivalent: Can’t see further than one’s nose.

10. Hablar hasta por los codos

Literal translation: To talk even through the elbows

Meaning: To speak excessively.

English equivalent: To talk someone’s ear off.

11. En boca cerrada no entran moscas

Literal translation: In a closed mouth, flies do not enter.

Meaning: It’s better to keep quiet about things that are not necessary to share, suggesting that sometimes silence is the best option. 

English equivalent: A closed mouth catches no flies.

12. Sacar los trapitos al sol

Literal translation: Take one’s little dirty clothes out to the sun.

Meaning: This means airing out dirty laundry.

English equivalent: To air one’s dirty laundry in public