Cable Girls S01E08: Spanish study pack

Show 7 more expressions

a tomar por vientoto hell with it; very far away (dismissive)

vulgar

A strong dismissal expressing that something is far off or irrelevant. Used to brush something aside forcefully. The phrase is considered vulgar but widely understood.

Ese plan me parece una tontería: que se vaya a tomar por viento.That plan seems ridiculous to me, it can go to hell.

encarrilarse / encarrilandoto get on track; to be falling into place

colloquial

From carril (lane/track). Used to say a situation or relationship is heading in the right direction. Common in casual conversation.

Después de meses de incertidumbre, el negocio por fin se está encarrilando.After months of uncertainty, the business is finally getting on track.

aguafiestaskilljoy; wet blanket; party-pooper

colloquial

Compound noun (agua + fiestas). Used to label someone who dampens a celebratory or positive mood with negativity or caution.

No seas aguafiestas: deja que los demás disfruten de la fiesta.Don't be a killjoy, let everyone else enjoy the party.

malnacidobastard; scoundrel (strong insult)

vulgar

Literally 'badly born'. A serious insult expressing contempt or hatred for someone. Notably stronger in tone than rata or hipócrita.

Ese malnacido nos robó el dinero y desapareció sin dejar rastro.That scoundrel stole our money and disappeared without a trace.

caerle bien / caer biento like someone; to find someone agreeable

colloquial

Gustar is used for things; caer bien / caer mal is the idiomatic way to express whether a person is likeable to you. Very common and essential to natural conversation.

Tu compañera de trabajo me cae muy bien, es muy simpática.Your coworker seems really nice to me, she's very friendly.

atado de pies y manostied hand and foot; with one's hands tied

colloquial

Fixed idiom expressing that one has no freedom of action due to external constraints. Very common across many registers.

Con ese contrato firmado, estamos atados de pies y manos y no podemos cambiar nada.With that contract signed, our hands are completely tied and we can't change a thing.

por estasI swear it; I cross my heart (solemn informal oath)

colloquial

Accompanied by the gesture of kissing crossed index and middle fingers. An informal oath used to stress the sincerity of a statement. Very embedded in everyday spoken culture.

Por estas que no he sido yo quien lo contó.I swear on my life it wasn't me who told them.

Chapter 8: Love

Expressions to listen for

Key vocabulary