Spanish Dichos: 12 Expressions for Real Conversations
Spanish dichos are memorable expressions that people repeat because a literal image captures a familiar situation. This guide concentrates on conversational dichos rather than the moral proverbs covered elsewhere on the site.
Dicho, refrán, and modismo
The categories overlap. Dicho is a broad everyday label for a familiar expression. A refrán is usually a complete traditional statement that offers advice or observation. A modismo is an idiom whose meaning cannot be calculated literally. A speaker may call the same phrase a dicho in casual conversation and a modismo in a language lesson.
1. Ir al grano
Get to the point
Cuéntame lo importante; ve al grano.
2. Dar en el clavo
Get something exactly right
Dijiste que faltaba tiempo y diste en el clavo.
3. No tener pelos en la lengua
Speak very frankly
Marta no tiene pelos en la lengua: siempre dice lo que piensa.
4. Estar entre la espada y la pared
Be trapped between two difficult choices
No quiero aceptar ni rechazar; estoy entre la espada y la pared.
5. Buscarle tres pies al gato
Make something needlessly complicated
La explicación es sencilla; no le busques tres pies al gato.
6. Ahogarse en un vaso de agua
Become overwhelmed by a small problem
Respira: no te ahogues en un vaso de agua.
7. Ser harina de otro costal
Be a separate or very different matter
Una cosa es llegar tarde; mentir es harina de otro costal.
8. Salir el tiro por la culata
Have a plan backfire
Quiso darle celos, pero le salió el tiro por la culata.
9. Tener la sartén por el mango
Be in control of a situation
La empresa necesita su patente; ella tiene la sartén por el mango.
10. Haber gato encerrado
Suspect that something is being hidden
La oferta parece demasiado buena; aquí hay gato encerrado.
11. Otro gallo cantaría
Things would turn out differently under another condition
Con más tiempo, otro gallo cantaría.
12. Se armó la gorda
A major argument or commotion broke out
Cuando anunciaron el cambio, se armó la gorda.
Three details that make dichos sound natural
- Conjugate the expression. Say le salió el tiro for one past event, not only the dictionary form salir el tiro.
- Match the tone. Se armó la gorda is informal and especially associated with Spain; it does not belong in a formal report.
- Let context do the setup. Explain the situation first, then use the dicho as the memorable conclusion.
A mini-dialogue
— Creo que la oferta oculta algún coste.
— Yo también. Aquí hay gato encerrado.
— Llamemos y vayamos al grano.
The first dicho communicates suspicion; the second proposes direct action. That combination is more useful than memorizing either phrase without a situation.
Compare these with traditional Spanish proverbs, then explore fact-checked Spanish brand slogans, positive and useful Spanish words, cool regional sayings, and beautiful Spanish sayings.
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