a flor de piel

USAGE NOTE
This idiom may be literally translated as "at skin level."
a flor de piel(
ah
 
flohr
 
deh
 
pyehl
)
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
1.
An idiom is a phrase with a meaning different from the literal meaning of the separate words that make it up (e.g., break a leg).
(idiom)
(about to show or break out)
a. on edge
Tengo los nervios a flor de piel. - Tranquila, solo es un examen.My nerves are on edge. - Relax, it's just an exam.
b.
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
no direct translation
Yo tenía las lágrmas a flor de piel y apenas podía hablar.I was on the verge of tears, and I could hardly speak.
Los nervios están a flor de piel y podría haber enfrentamientos entre los manifestantes y la policía en cualquier momento.Tensions are running high, and fighting between demonstrators and the police could break out at any moment.
2.
An idiom is a phrase with a meaning different from the literal meaning of the separate words that make it up (e.g., break a leg).
(idiom)
(used to indicate high degree)
a.
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
no direct translation
Los niños tienen la curiosidad a flor de piel, por eso hacen tantas preguntas.Children are extremely curious, that's why they ask so many questions.
Luz tenía la sensibilidad a flor de piel; se echaba a llorar por cualquier cosa.Luz was feeling highly emotional; anything made her cry.
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