a cuestas(
ah
 
kwehs
-
tahs
)
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
a. on one's back
Varios hombres salieron en ese momento del almacén, llevando cada uno un saco a cuestas.Several men came out of the warehouse at that moment, each carrying a sack on his back.
b. on one's shoulders
Los soldados caminaban en columna por la carretera con sus petates a cuestas.The soldiers were walking in a column along the road with their bedrolls on their shoulders.
a.
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
no direct translation
¿Tienes que ir con el bolso a cuestas? Solo vamos a dar un paseo.Do you have to carry your bag? We're only going for a walk.
La maleta no tenía ruedas y tuve que lllevarla a cuestas hasta el mostrador de facturación.The suitcase didn't have wheels and I had to carry it to the check-in.
3.
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g., carrot, bean).
(figurative)
(used to talk about responsibilities or problems)
a. on one's shoulders
Estoy harto de ir con todos estos complejos a cuestas. Quiero ser feliz y despreocupado, como tú.I'm fed up with carrying all these complexes on my shoulders. I want to be happy and carefree, like you.
b.
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
no direct translation
Aquella gente había sobrevivido a la guerra, pero ahora caminaba por la vida con su sufrimiento a cuestas.Those people had survived the war, but were now walking through life weighed down by their own suffering.
Tu enfermedad es la cruz que llevas a cuestas, pero piensa que todo el mundo tiene la suya.Your illness is your cross to bear, but you must realize that everyone has their own.
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