por angas o por mangas

Popularity
500+ learners.
USAGE NOTE
This idiom may also be written "por anga o por manga" or "de haldas o de mangas," and may be literally translated as "by laps or sleeves."
por angas o por mangas
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
1.
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
(colloquial)
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)
(due to one thing or other) (Andes)
Regionalism used in Chile
(Chile)
Regionalism used in Mexico
(Mexico)
Regionalism used in Uruguay
(Uruguay)
a. for one reason or another
Las negociaciones entre el sindicato y la patronal se fueron a pique varias veces anteriormente por angas o por mangas.Negotiations between the union and the management fell through several times before for one reason or another.
b. for one reason or other
Por angas o por mangas, esos dos siempre están discutiendo.For one reason or other, those two are always arguing.
2.
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
(colloquial)
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)
(whether one way or another) (Andes)
Regionalism used in Chile
(Chile)
Regionalism used in Mexico
(Mexico)
Regionalism used in Uruguay
(Uruguay)
a. like it or not
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)
Por angas o por mangas, tendrás que ir al médico.Like it or not, you'll have to go to the doctor.
b. one way or another
Por angas o por mangas, siempre acabas saliéndote con la tuya.One way or another, you always seem to get your own way.
c. by hook or by crook
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
(colloquial)
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)
Voy a conseguir ese empleo por angas o por mangas.I'm gonna get that job by hook or by crook.
Copyright © 2026 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.
Examples
Machine Translators
Translate por angas o por mangas 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
to boil