Cable Girls S03E05: Spanish study pack

Show 7 more expressions

hacerle la rosca (a alguien)to butter someone up, to flatter someone to get something

colloquial

Describes sycophantic flattery aimed at getting a favour. Mildly humorous, slightly self-deprecating when a speaker admits they had to do it.

Tuvo que hacerle la rosca al jefe durante semanas para conseguir unos días de vacaciones.She had to butter up the boss for weeks to get a few days off.

tipejonasty piece of work, unpleasant character, dodgy type

colloquial

Diminutive-pejorative of 'tipo'. Conveys contempt with a slightly dismissive, almost pitying tone rather than pure rage.

Ese tipejo siempre aparece cuando hay dinero de por medio.That nasty piece of work always shows up when there's money involved.

chatillosmall glass of wine or spirits, a quick drink

colloquial

Diminutive of 'chato', a small wine glass. Used to play down how much one has drunk, often as a casual minimiser in social situations.

Nos quedamos en el bar tomando unos chatillos después del trabajo.We stayed at the bar having a few small glasses after work.

emboladomess, fix, complicated situation one has been dragged into

colloquial

Describes a tricky or bothersome situation, often one not of one's own making. Tone is exasperated but not extremely heated.

Me metí en un embolado tremendo al firmar ese contrato sin leerlo.I got myself into a real mess by signing that contract without reading it.

la perra gordathe prize, the point, the win, 'you win', 'you get the point'

colloquial

Historically a coin of small value. In the phrase 'para ti la perra gorda', it means 'fine, you win' or 'you get the credit/the prize', often said ironically or dismissively when conceding an argument.

Está bien, está bien, para ti la perra gorda. Tenías razón.Alright, alright, you win. You were right.

hachaace, whizz, genius at something

colloquial

Used predicatively: 'ser un hacha' means to be exceptionally skilled at something. More complimentary than ironic here. Can be used across a wide range of informal contexts.

Mi hermana es un hacha con los números; termina los cálculos en un momento.My sister is an ace with numbers; she finishes the calculations in no time.

conchabarse (con alguien)to conspire with someone, to scheme together

colloquial

Implies a secret, self-serving arrangement between two parties, often used accusatorially. Carries a tone of mild betrayal rather than criminal plotting.

Resulta que los dos se habían conchabado para quedarse con el mejor turno.It turns out the two of them had conspired to get the best shift.

Chapter 21: Sin

Expressions to listen for

Key vocabulary