Cable Girls S03E06: Spanish study pack

Show 5 more expressions

en un periquetein a jiffy, in no time at all

colloquial

A very common colloquial expression indicating something will be done very quickly. It is informal but completely inoffensive and heard across all age groups.

No te preocupes, lo arreglo en un periquete.Don't worry, I'll fix it in a jiffy.

al hablaspeaking (on the phone); in communication with

formal

Used when identifying oneself or one's connection on a phone call, roughly equivalent to 'this is [name] speaking' or 'I am on the line with'. It has a slightly official or professional register.

Estoy al habla con el director para resolver el malentendido.I am speaking with the director to resolve the misunderstanding.

curada de espantounfazed by anything, having seen it all (literally 'cured of shock')

colloquial

Said of someone who has been through so much that nothing surprises or disturbs them anymore. Typically first-person and often used with a note of pride or weary humour.

Después de veinte años de trabajo en urgencias, está curada de espanto.After twenty years working in A&E, nothing fazes her anymore.

dar pie con bolato do anything right, to get a single thing right

colloquial

Almost always used in the negative: no dar pie con bola means to be unable to do anything correctly, often because one is tired, drunk, distracted, or overwhelmed. Very expressive and vivid.

Con tanto sueño encima, hoy no doy pie con bola.I'm so tired I can't do a single thing right today.

tú mismo / tú mismaup to you, suit yourself, it's your call

colloquial

When used in isolation or at the end of a statement, this phrase withdraws an offer or signals that the speaker is stepping back and leaving the decision, and its consequences, entirely with the listener. Tone can range from neutral to pointed.

Si no quieres venir, tú mismo; nosotros nos vamos.If you don't want to come, suit yourself; we're leaving.

Chapter 22: Fight

Expressions to listen for

Key vocabulary