"Me hace la vida de cuadritos"
Hi! I have a question about an expression that we use in Spanish. "Me hace la vida de cuadritos". Meaning that somebody makes your life miserable, or hard. Is there an expression in English like that?
5 Answers
I actually just ran across this in my "Speaking Spanish Like A Native" book (finally getting to the second one). It does mean the equivalent of making their life miserable.
There are lots to choose from. "They make my life a living hell" if you don't mind a little swearing. They won't get off my back. They make my life impossible.
It's also popular to make up your own expression. They make my life more miserable that a vegetarian in slaughterhouse. Feel free to be creative.
There is one expression that comes to mind as I think about your question:
To be a thorn in the flesh
For example: He is a thorn in her flesh
This example above is not intended as a directt translation infact we may not have a direct equivalent.
If I can think of any others I will add them here
She's a real pain!
They are driving me insane/ or... round the bend!
An American version is: To be a pain in the butt!
That girl is a pain in the butt! (A real nuisance!)
I hope that helps 
Great phrase, thanks!
"He drive's me crazy" or "he is driving me over the edge" are not exactly the same but have some connection.
"Fly in the ointment" or "pebble in the shoe" are probably too mild.
"Albatross around my neck" or " monkey on my back" are probably also a little bit off in meaning.
Just trying to come up with one's that do not involve "butt" or "hell" which are the one's I think I would be most likely to use.
