"Llenar antes el ojo que la boca"

Question

I am not looking for the literal translation but the meaning as a saying. I was told it is the same as the saying in English: "You can even eat an elephant, one bit at a time." That means you can tackle any task, no matter how big, by doing a little bit at a time.

I've never even heard that elephant saying in English! - kimmeister, Apr 25, 2012

It's been around and I have to say I use it a lot when faced with job that seems insurmountable. - zanylady, Apr 25, 2012

Zanylady, where do you live? I've never heard it either.. - annierats, Apr 25, 2012

California but I heard it growing up in Pennsylvania - zanylady, Apr 25, 2012

Fair enough, you have more elephants in America! - annierats, Apr 25, 2012

HA Ha Only in zoos! Oh yes, in politics, too! - zanylady, Apr 26, 2012

Answer 1

It actually means that your "eyes were bigger than your stomach". Basically, you saw something that you really liked, you filled up your plate with it, and then you couldn't finish it. It only refers to food though, not really to other tasks.

Hope this helps!!

Bien dicho slkey. - annierats, Apr 25, 2012

no, it's not the same at all. Your saying is when you have taken more than you can finish. But mine is when you have a task (maybe not even of your choosing) and it seems impossible because it is too big. if you think of doing only one small part at a t - zanylady, May 17, 2012

Answer 2

Gracias. Is there a saying in Spanish similar to the one about the elephant? When a task is so big, it seems overwhelming but if you just think of doing only a small part at a time, it will eventually get done?

For the elephant saying, I agree with annierats. I'd go with poco a poco. (By the way, I'm from Texas, but I've heard that saying before). - slkey, May 17, 2012

Answer 3

Zanyklady, bienvenido al foro.

I've never ever heard this in England, and I've lived her for many, many years.

I think you're looking for

poco a poco or paso a paso, perhaps??

There are elefantes blancos in Spanish, but I don't think that's what you mean...

Answer 4

Sorry, it is actually "one bite at a time" not bit.