el jalón
See the entry for jalón.

jalón

USAGE NOTE
This word may also be spelled “halón" in sense 4).
el jalón(
hah
-
lohn
)
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
masculine noun
a. marker pole
El jalón indica que estamos a 2,355 kilómetros de la capital.The marker pole shows that we're 2,355 kilometers away from the capital.
a. ranging rod
El contratista usó el jalón para medir la distancia entre las aceras.The contractor used the ranging rod to measure the distance between the sidewalks.
b. surveying rod
El arquitecto les ordenó a los obreros que midieran el terreno con el jalón.The architect ordered the workers to measure the land with a surveying rod.
3.
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g., carrot, bean).
(figurative)
(significant event)
a. landmark
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g., carrot, bean).
(figurative)
Ganar un Óscar fue un jalón en mi vida, pero lo que realmente me hace feliz es hacer reír a la gente.Winning an Oscar was a landmark in my life, but what truly makes me happy is making people laugh.
b. milestone
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g., carrot, bean).
(figurative)
Tocar en la ópera nacional fue un jalón en la carrera del violinista.Playing in the national opera was a milestone in the violinist's career.
4. (haul)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
(Latin America)
a. pull
El marino le dio un jalón a la soga para ver si estaba tirante.The sailor gave the rope a pull to see if it was taut.
b. yank
Mi madre me dio un jalón para que evitar que yo cruce la calle.My mother gave me a yank to stop me from crossing the street.
c. tug (soft)
El bebé me agarró el lóbulo de la oreja y me dio un jalón.The baby grabbed my ear lobe and gave me a tug.
5.
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
(colloquial)
(boyfriend)
a. sweetheart
¡Escuché que el jalón de Alicia le propuso casamiento!I heard that Alicia's sweetheart proposed to her!
6.
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
(colloquial)
(drink)
Regionalism used in El Salvador
(El Salvador)
Regionalism used in Honduras
(Honduras)
Regionalism used in Mexico
(Mexico)
a. swig
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
(colloquial)
Si bebo otro jalón de ginebra, voy a vomitar.If I have another swig of gin, I'll puke.
b. shot
Mario compró dos jalones más de tequila.Mario bought two more shots of tequila.
7. (space between two things)
Regionalism used in the Dominican Republic
(Dominican Republic)
Regionalism used in Mexico
(Mexico)
a. distance
¿Podemos ir caminando al hospital? - De aquí, es un buen jalón. Está a aproximadamente ocho kilómetros.Can we walk to the hospital? - It's a fair distance from here, about eight kilometers away.
b. fair way
Hasta tu casa hay un buen jalón. Voy a ir en coche.It's a fair way to your house. I'll take my car.
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