ser un palillo

to be as thin as a rail

to be a matchstick

ser un palillo

intransitive verb phrase

1. (general)

a. to be as thin as a rail

Después de tantos días con fiebre, Miguel es un palillo.

After so many days with fever, Miguel is as thin as a rail.

b. to be a beanpole

Envidio muchísimo a Carlos. Como lo que se le ocurre y, sin embargo, es un palillo.

I really envy Carlos. He eats whatever he feels like and yet he's a beanpole

c. to be a matchstick

¿Alguna vez dejarás de hacer dieta? ¡Eres un palillo!

Will you ever stop dieting? You're a matchstick!