- Dictionary
USAGE NOTE
This idiom may be literally translated as "to go from the mint to Mecca" and may also be written "ir de la Ceca a la Meca." The words "Ceca" and "Meca" may also begin with a lowercase letter.
andar de la Ceca a la Meca
An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
1. (colloquial) (idiom) (to go from one place to another)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
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).
a. to go to and fro (idiom)
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).
Los meseros andaban de la Ceca a la Meca limpiando mesas y cargando pilas de platos.The waiters went to and fro clearing tables and carrying stacks of plates.
b. to go here and there (idiom)
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).
Anduve de la Ceca a la Meca haciendo recados todo el día.I went here and there running errands all day.
c. to go here, there, and everywhere (idiom)
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).
Durante la Gran Depresión, el abuelo anduvo de la Ceca a la Meca buscando empleo.During the Great Depression, grandfather went here, there, and everywhere looking for a job.
d. to run all over town
Tuve que andar de la Ceca a la Meca buscando un mecánico que tuviera la pieza en stock.I had to run all over town trying to find a mechanic who had the part in stock.
e. to go from pillar to post (idiom) (United Kingdom)
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).
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Los diplomáticos andan de la Ceca a la Meca toda su vida.Diplomats spend their whole life going from pillar to post.
f. no direct translation
The following examples show ways to translate this word or phrase without using a direct equivalent.
Anduve de la Ceca a la Meca buscando el disco que querías, pero no lo encontré.I searched high and low for the record you wanted, but I couldn't find it.
Patricia prefería andar de la Ceca a la Meca repartiendo pizzas a estar metida en la cocina.Patricia would rather rush around delivering pizzas than be stuck in the kitchen.
Examples
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