no vaya a ser que

USAGE NOTE
This idiom may be literally translated as "not going to be that."
no vaya a ser que(
noh
 
bah
-
yah
 
ah
 
sehr
 
keh
)
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)
(to allow for the possibility that)
a. in case
Ponte el impermeable, no vaya a ser que llueva.Put on your raincoat, in case it rains.
b. just in case
Es mejor salir temprano e ir al aeropuerto en metro, no vaya a ser que no encuentres un taxi por aquí.It's better to leave early and go to the airport by subway, just in case you can't find a taxi around here.
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)
(in order not to)
a. lest
A word or phrase restricted in usage to literature or established writing (e.g., sex, once upon a time).
(literary)
Deberíamos dejar de cabalgar en algún momento, no vaya a ser que los caballos mueran de agotamiento.We should stop riding at some point, lest the horses die from exhaustion.
b.
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
no direct translation
Ten cuidado en esa zona de la ciudad, no vaya a ser que te atraquen.Be careful you don't get mugged in that part of the city.
Tienes que estudiar mucho, no vaya a ser que repruebes.You have to study hard so you don't fail.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.
Examples
Machine Translators
Translate no vaya a ser que using machine translators
Why use the SpanishDictionary.com dictionary?

THE BEST SPANISH-ENGLISH DICTIONARY

Get More than a Translation

Get conjugations, examples, and pronunciations for millions of words and phrases in Spanish and English.

WRITTEN BY EXPERTS

Translate with Confidence

Access millions of accurate translations written by our team of experienced English-Spanish translators.

SPANISH AND ENGLISH EXAMPLE SENTENCES

Examples for Everything

Search millions of Spanish-English example sentences from our dictionary, TV shows, and the internet.

REGIONAL TRANSLATIONS

Say It like a Local

Browse Spanish translations from Spain, Mexico, or any other Spanish-speaking country.
Word of the Day
salted