coser y cantar

Question

Yesterday when reading a book I came across the phrase "coser y cantar".

At the time I actually thought the literal translation was "to cough and to sing" but after looking it up it seems to be "to sew and to sing".

But I knew from the context that it must mean "easy" or "piece of cake".

I think it is a nice phrase and it is a new one for me.

Good one! - --Mariana--, Nov 6, 2012

Nice one. - annierats, Nov 6, 2012

Answer 1

Sí, es una frase hecha muy común y útil. Ejemplos:

Todos creen que esto es coser y cantar y se equivocan.

Conversely, you could say: "Soplar y hacer botellas" (Lit. to blow bottles). It means as easy as blowing bubbles or like the twinking of an eye. As easy as pie.

Todos creen que esto es soplar y hacer botellas y se equivocan.

Thanks francobollo, thats another good one to know. - Declan_Ireland, Nov 6, 2012