Fun with expressions
Diversión con expresiones
The idea is to present an English expression followed by a literal Spanish translation.
Or vice-versa.
Then explain what it means.
Spanish speakers please give us an equivalent Spanish expression in the comments box.
La idea es presentar una expresión Inglés seguido de una traducción literal españoles. Luego explique lo que significa.
Hablantes de español por favor dénos una expresión española equivalente.
"Fine words butter no parsnips" (. to butter = untar de mantequilla )
Las palabras buenas mantequilla no chirivías.
Talking about doing something does not get it done
or
Actions speak louder than words.
144 Answers
Three sheets to the wind
Tres hojas al viento
This expression is used to describe someone who is drunk to the point of being unable to stand up straight.
Déle un centímetro y él tomar un kilometro.
Give him an inch and he will take a mile.
I''m all ears. Soy todos oídos
You've got all my attention. Tell it all, I'm listening.
Mantienes todo my atención. Dime, todo, estoy escuchando.
As I started this thread I would like to thank Franco for helping us with his useful comments.
Muchos gracias amigo.
All hat and no cattle.
Literal translation "todo el sombrero y no ganado."
A person who has pretentions, but not the actual capabilities.
Refrán: To be all fingers and thumbs.
Literal translation: Ser compuesto de solo dedos y pulgares.
Meaning: To be clumsy. / Estar torpe con las manos
Equivalent: Ser una manaza.
A stitch in time, saves nine.
Take your time and do it right the first time. If you hurry, you end up doing even more.
No tengas prisa, pero en lugar de esto, hazlo correcto la primera vez. Si tienes prisa, al fin, vas a hacer incluso más.
Un tonto y él dinero pronto se separan.
A fool and his money are soon parted.
There's more than one way to skin a cat
Hay más que una manera de pelar un gato
There are numerous ways to achieve your aims/goals.
PS. Alot of our sayings feature animals. :o)
I can talk the hind leg off a donkey.
Hablo un español tan bueno que los burros se quedan sin patas posteriores.
This means that I have a good deep freeze and I sell salami at a great profit!
Significa que soy vendedora de salami y hasta los burros creen que soy una buena persona, pero solo soy buena vendedora.
Faint heart never won fair Lady.
Corazón débil nunca ganó bella dama.
You will never win the partner of your dreams if you lack the confidence
to inform them of how you feel ,
or walk up and say " Hi your place or mine"? Please .
Hola , ¿Tu casa o en la mía? Por favor.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
Todo trabajo y nada juego hacen Jack un chico aburrido.
It means that without time off from work, a person becomes both bored and boring.
I wouldn't wear that to a dog fight!
(This phrase is used to describe unsightly or ugly clothing, often seen on someone else.
Spanish:
Literal: No me gustaría llevar eso a una pelea de perros!
Hay no tonto cómo un viejo tonto.
No hay peor tonto que un viejo tonto.
There's no fool like an old fool.
Put a sock in it! - Be quiet!
!Mete un calcetín en la boca! - !Callarte!
