Dichos Populares

Question

DichosHere's another list of idioms, quite a comprehensive one. I've been racking my brains trying to find a good translation for tirar la piedra y esconder la mano So far nothing half decent. Anyway enjoy

Aquí hay otra lista de modismos, es bastante comprensivo He estado comiendo mi coco a encontrar una traducción buena para *tirar la piedra y esconder la mano Pues, sin exito.*

Answer 1

The meaning of this idiom is,

To be a grass snake - Tirar la piedra y esconder la mano

do you mean, to be a 'snake in the grass' Eddy? That sounds like it might fit :) - Kiwi-Girl, Sep 24, 2012

Answer 2

Ring the bell and run like hell

Yes, that's good! - annierats, Sep 24, 2012

Answer 3

How about 'as if butter wouldn't melt ....' which is usually enough to be said, although the full idiom would be something like 'looking as though butter wouldn't melt in his mouth'

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All stimulating. What do we say when someone intentionally causes trouble and walks away whistling, without being caught out? the 2nd part is the "butter" isn't it - lagartijaverde, Sep 24, 2012

Yes, good one Kiwi. He guides you down the primrose path, looking as if butter... - annierats, Sep 24, 2012

Answer 4

I think it basically means to blame somebody else. You cause the upset and then you get out of the way. I'm trying to think of an English version..

To pull the wool over somebodys eyes,whilst leading them up the garden path.

good insight Annie :) - Kiwi-Girl, Sep 24, 2012

There must be an English version but I can't think of one.. - annierats, Sep 24, 2012

I've now combined two Englsih sayings..Lol, I'm not even English. - annierats, Sep 24, 2012

Yes that's definitely the idea Annie - lagartijaverde, Sep 24, 2012

I thought of to set the cat among the pigeons but it doesn't cover the underhand part just the deliberate provocation. It's about causing trouble and escaping blame - lagartijaverde, Sep 24, 2012

Brilliant: You set the cat and the cat gets the blame! - annierats, Sep 24, 2012

Answer 5

A snake in the grass is defined as a 'deceitful or treacherous person' on various sites, so would seem like a good translation.

Might work in Englsish, certainly not in Swedish! - annierats, Sep 24, 2012

Answer 6

... You cause the upset and then you get out of the way. I'm trying to think of an English version..

I don't know Spanish very well but that sounds similar to "stirring the pot."

No, because everyone knows who stirs the pot.. - annierats, Sep 24, 2012

Answer 7

Kiwi said

do you mean, to be a 'snake in the grass' Eddy

I was just quoting the definition laid down in "Collins" but in hindsight, they might have got it wrong and it should be as you have quoted, makes more sense.

Yes I saw that quote, it's definitely incorrect. It's snake in the grass" - lagartijaverde, Sep 24, 2012