10 Spanish expressions that you already know in English!
Idiomatic Expressions
The beauty of idiomatic expression is that they can unite languages by painting relatable images. At first blush, images in an expression are specific to that language and culture. Delving deeper into the meaning reveals that we already have these expressions in our language. Here are some idiomatic expressions that are popular in Mexico and you may be surprised to already know in English.
Cuando las ranas críen pelo (when pigs fly)
Literal translated meaning: It's like eating bread.
La misma gata, pero revolcada (same song different tune)
Literal translated meaning: The same cat, but thrashed about.
No hay mal que por bien no venga (every cloud has a silver lining)
Literal translated meaning: There is no evil that which good doesn't come from
Ya nos cayo el chahuistle (get caught red-handed)
Literal translated meaning: The chahuistle* has gotten us*
Origin: This expression is distinctly Mexican because the word 'chahuistle' is a word with roots in Nahuatl, the Aztec language. A chahuistle is a fungus that attacks the corn plant.
Y hablando del Rey de Roma (speak of the devil)
Literal translated meaning: And speaking of the King of Rome...
Árbol que nace torcido, jamás su rama endereza (a leopard never changes its spots)
Literal translated meaning: A tree that is born crooked will never straighten its branches
Cuando el río suena, agua lleva (where there’s smoke there’s fire)
Translated meaning: If the river makes a noise its because water is running
Echarle crema a tus tacos (to blow your own trumpet)
Literal translated meaning: Put cream on your tacos
La gota que derramó el vaso (the straw that broke the camel’s back)
Literal translated meaning: the drop that overflowed the glass.
Bonus: el mundo es un pañuelo (it’s a small word)
Literal translated meaning: The world is a handkerchief
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