Common Spanish Idioms to Use in Everyday Conversations

Learning Spanish idioms is a great way to improve your language skills. By understanding the meaning and context of these idioms, you'll be able to use them in everyday conversations with other Spanish speakers.

Moreover, knowing a few common Spanish expressions can help you sound more like a native speaker and make your small talk with other Spanish speakers more fluid. In this article, we'll provide a list of some of the most common Spanish idioms and explain their meanings.

Our list of Spanish idioms includes a few familiar English idioms but also many unique idiomatic phrases that occur only in the Spanish language. Be sure to check them out!

No tener pelos en la lengua

Literal meaning: not have hairs on one's tongue

English meaning: not to mince one’s words

The literal translation of this Spanish idiom is “not have hairs on one's tongue,” but its figurative meaning refers to a straight talker – someone who speaks their mind without sugarcoating their words.

In Spanish, if you don't have pelos en la lengua, it means you're outspoken or honest to a fault. This expression is used to describe someone who speaks their mind without a filter, regardless of the consequences.

While this quality can be admirable, it can also get you into trouble. Choose your words carefully if you don't want to offend anyone!

Estar como una cabra

Literal meaning: to be like a goat

English meaning: to be crazy

If you're estar como una cabra, it means you're acting crazy or reckless. This is one of the most common Spanish expressions used to describe someone who is behaving erratically or doing something out of the norm. For example, you might say it to your friend if they're dancing on the table at a party.

Tirar la casa por la ventana

Literal meaning: to throw the house out the window

English meaning: to push the boat out

This idiom’s English equivalent is the phrase “to push the boat out,” and both these idioms are often used to describe someone who is spending a lot of money or using a lot of resources. For example, you might use this Spanish idiom to describe a lavish welcome party that someone threw for you.

Estar hasta las narices

Literal translation: to be up to the nose

English meaning: to be fed up

This Spanish expression is used when someone has had enough of something and can't take it anymore. For instance, this idiom will come in handy when you're tired of your job.

Costar un ojo de la cara

Literal meaning: to cost an eye from the face

English meaning: to cost an arm and a leg

This idiomatic expression is a Spanish analog of the English idiom “to cost an arm and a leg” used to describe something that is very expensive. For example, you might use this Spanish idiom to describe a designer dress that costs a lot of money.

Tomar el pelo

Literal translation: to take the hair

English meaning: to pull someone's leg

This expression is used when someone is joking with you and you don't believe them. For example, you might say ¿Me quieres tomar el pelo? to your friend if they're trying to trick you into believing something that isn't true.

Dar la vuelta a la tortilla

Literal translation: to turn the omelet upside down

English meaning: to turn the tables

Dar la vuelta a la tortilla is one of our favorite Spanish idioms! Its meaning is similar to the English expression "to turn the tables." It's used when someone changes the situation completely or even reverses it and gains the upper hand.

For instance, you can say this when describing a soccer match in which one of the teams was losing the whole game but managed to make a comeback in the last minutes and win the game.

Echar agua al mar

Literal meaning: to throw water into the sea

English meaning: to do something pointless; to waste time

Echar agua al mar is an idiom that means to waste time, similar to the English expression "to put a drop in a bucket." This expression is often used when someone is doing something that is pointless or has no chance of success.

This phrase will also come in handy when trying to describe a situation where someone is trying to accomplish something that is impossible.

No ver tres en un burro

Literal meaning: not to see three in a donkey

English meaning: to be as blind as a bat

This Spanish idiom is used to describe someone who can't see anything. For example, you might use this idiom to describe a friend who is always losing their glasses.

Ser el año de la pera

Literal translation: from the year of the pear

English meaning: from before the flood

This expression is used to describe something that is very old. You can use it to describe an old smartphone and its outdated operating system.

However, this idiom is very old and in Spanish-speaking countries can also be used in the meaning of “from a time that will never occur.” In such a case, its closest English counterpart is the idiomatic expression “when hell freezes over.” Here is an example:

Se me hace agua la boca

Literal and English meaning: my mouth is watering

This Spanish idiom is used to describe how delicious something looks or if thinking about food makes you feel hungry. For example, you might use this idiom to describe a plate of food that you're about to eat.

Estar más sano que una pera

Literal meaning: to be healthier than a pear

English meaning: to be as fit as a fiddle

This expression is used to describe someone who is in good health. For example, you might use this Spanish idiom to describe a friend who always goes to the gym.

Ser pan comido

Literal meaning: to be eaten bread

English meaning: to be a piece of cake

As you might have guessed from its English counterpart, Ser pan comido is one of the idiomatic expressions that describe something that is very easy to do. For example, you say it about a test that you know you'll ace.

Ser uña y carne

Literal translation: to be fingernail and flesh

English meaning: to be thick as thieves

This expression is used to describe two people who are very close to each other and share secrets. You might use this idiomatic phrase in Spanish conversations when trying to describe your relationship with your best friend.

Encontrar tu media naranja

Literal translation: to find your half orange

English meaning: to find your soulmate

When you find your soulmate, you have found your media naranja, or "half orange" – this can be translated in the English language as “the other half,” “soulmate,” or “significant other.” This expression is used to describe the perfect partner, someone with whom you are compatible and can share a deep connection.

If you're lucky enough to find your media naranja, hold on to them tight!

Temblar como un flan

Literal meaning: to be shaky like a pudding

English meaning: shaking like a leaf

Temblar como un flan is one of the most popular Spanish idioms and it is used to describe someone who is scared or very nervous. The word flan refers to a type of custard dessert, which is known for its jiggly texture.

This expression is often used in a lighthearted way, but it can also be used to describe someone who is truly terrified.

Tener memoria de pez

Literal meaning: to have the memory of a fish

English meaning: to have a bad memory

Tener memoria de pez is used to describe someone who has a short memory or forgets things easily. This expression is often used in a negative way, as it implies that the person is forgetful or careless. However, it can also be used in a lighthearted way to describe someone who is forgetful but endearing.

Tener un humor de perros

Literal meaning: to have a dog's humor

English meaning: to be in a bad mood

If you're having un humor de perros, it means you're in a bad mood – similar to the English expression "to have a case of the blues." This idiom is often used to describe someone who is feeling down or frustrated, but you can also use it to describe someone who is acting grumpy or irritable.

Tener la Negra

Literal meaning: to have the black

English meaning: to have bad luck

Negra is what Spanish native speakers also call mala suerte, which means “bad luck.“ A Spanish speaker would use this phrase to describe someone who is experiencing a run of misfortune or unlucky events. You can use this phrase to talk about any number of unlucky circumstances, from losing your wallet to getting caught in the rain.

Dar en el blanco

Literal meaning: to throw in the white

English meaning: to be right

In contrast to the previous idiomatic expression, if you dar en el blanco in Spanish, it means you're being accurate or hitting the target. This expression is often used to describe someone who is successful or has achieved their goal. You can also use it in a situation where something goes exactly as planned.

Meter la pata

Literal meaning: to put your foot in it

English meaning: to make a mistake

Meter la pata is one of the most common Spanish idioms and it simply means to make a mistake. This expression is used when someone does or says something by accident that causes embarrassment or offense. You can also use it to describe a situation where someone makes a poor decision that leads to negative consequences.

Tener sangre azul

Literal meaning: to have blue blood

English meaning: to be from a rich family; “to have blue blood” is also used sometimes in English

If you have sangre azul, it means you come from a noble or rich family. This expression is a Spanish equivalent of the English phrase “to be born with a silver spoon in your mouth,” but the literal translation “to have blue blood” also exists. Ntive speakers use this expression to describe someone who is born into a life of privilege and luxury.

While this idiom is often used in a positive way, it can also be used in a negative way to describe someone who is spoiled or entitled.

Buscar el príncipe azul

Literal meaning: to search for the blue prince

English meaning: to be a hopeless romantic

Speaking of blue, Buscar el príncipe azul means you're looking for the Blue Prince – Prince Charming aka perfect partner. This expression is often used to describe someone who is a hopeless romantic or who has unrealistic expectations for a relationship. This idiom is usually used in a negative way, as it implies that the person is naïve or too idealistic.

Ponerse como un tomate

Literal translation: to turn into a tomato

English meaning: to blush; to turn red

Ponerse como un tomate is an idiom that means to blush, similar to the English expression "to turn as red as a beetroot." Sometimes, the same phrase “to turn into a tomato” is also used in English.

This idiom is used to describe the physical response of someone who is embarrassed or feeling flustered. You might say it when describing a situation where someone is feeling awkward or out of place.

Estar en Babia

Literal meaning: to be in Babia

English meaning: to be lost in thought

If you're estar en Babia, it means you're daydreaming or lost in the clouds. This expression is used to describe someone who is not paying attention to their surroundings or what is happening around them. It is used in a rather negative way, as it implies that the person is not paying attention or is being careless.

The Bottom Line

If you want to improve your Spanish skills, learning Spanish common idioms is a great place to start. By understanding the meaning and context of these figurative expressions, you'll be able to use them in your own conversations with native speakers or your Spanish-speaking friends.

Moreover, using idioms is a great way to sound more like a native speaker. So, don't be afraid to start using them in your own speech! And if you want to learn Spanish idioms with fun, download our Langster app – there, you’ll find plenty of stories and grammar explanations to diversify your Spanish learning experience. Good luck!