atollar

to soil

to put someone in a tight spot

atollar

transitive verb

1. (to dirty with grease)

(Costa Rica)

a. to soil

Me atollé las manos cambiando una llanta pinchada.

I soiled my hands changing a flat tire.

2. (to strike)

(Costa Rica)

a. to hit

¡Carlitos! ¡Déjate de atollar a tu hermano!

Carlitos! Stop hitting your brother!

3. (to put someone in a difficult situation)

(Costa Rica)

a. to put someone in a tight spot

Cuando me pidió plata prestada, me atolló. Es mi amigo, pero es un mal deudor.

When he asked me to lend him some money, he put me in a tight spot. He's my friend, but he's a bad debtor.