echar a perder(
eh
-
chahr
ah
pehr
-
dehr
)A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g. Take out the trash.).
transitive verb phrase
1. (to mess up)
2. (to deteriorate)
echarse a perder
A pronominal verb phrase combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g. Se dio cuenta del problema.)
pronominal verb phrase
3. (to deteriorate)
a. to go bad
Se cortó la luz y la comida en el refrigerador se echó a perder.The power went out and the food in the fridge went bad.
b. to spoil
La mayonesa se echó a perder y tuvimos que tirarla.The mayonnaise spoiled and we had to throw it away.
c. to go off (United Kingdom)
Toda la fruta que tenía fuera de la nevera se echó a perder por el calor.All the fruit I had outside the fridge went off because of the heat.
4. (to ruin)
a. to be spoiled
Mi hijo descubrió los regalos que había yo dejado debajo de la cama, y la sorpresa se echó a perder.My son found the presents I had left under the bed, and the surprise was spoiled.
b. to get ruined
Si llueve, se echarán a perder nuestros planes de fin de semana.If it rains, our plans for the weekend will be ruined.
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