Como cabría haber esperado
The translator gave me a couple variations of "as he might have expected", which makes sense in the context of what I am reading. However, when I reviewed "caber" and it meanings ("to fit", "to be entitled"," to be possible", I was trying to figure out the connection between how the verb is used in this phrase vs it definition. I'm sure it's just an idiom, but was hoping someone could give me a better explanation.
5 Answers
Hi, DR!
This is a very common expression in Spain. It's quite formal, I would say, and indeed, correct. I don't think it's an idiom, but another meaning of the word caber.
Cabe esperar X = X is to be expected, it's logical to expect X, X is possible.
Think of it this way: When a concept or idea cannot be embraced, comprehended, taken in, or it's beyond the limits of the human mind, we say "no me cabe en la cabeza", as if there's not enough space to comprehend it, or it's illogical. It's kind of metaphoric.
I don't like this expression nor do I think it's correct. I would say: Como habría de esperarse or Como podría haberse esperado. But cabría? I am not sure I would phrase it as such.
I don't like this expression nor do I think it's correct.
I read this in a Spanish translation of the DaVinci Code.
Yes, caber can sometimes mean '' ser posible'', just to elaborate on Cogumela's response. As might be expected/ as one would have hoped.
no me cabe haber esperado is the formal way to say it.
