Cable Girls S04E03: Spanish study pack

Show 7 more expressions

quedarse de brazos cruzadosto sit on one's hands / to do nothing

colloquial

Strongly implies passive inaction in the face of a problem, often used in a critical or indignant tone.

No podemos quedarnos de brazos cruzados mientras la situación empeora.We can't just sit on our hands while the situation gets worse.

ir por su cuentato go it alone / to act unilaterally

colloquial

Used when someone takes action independently without consulting or coordinating with others who are expected to be involved. Often carries a critical tone.

Si sigues yendo por tu cuenta sin avisar al equipo, van a surgir problemas.If you keep going it alone without telling the team, problems are going to come up.

tomar cartas en el asuntoto take matters into one's own hands / to intervene

colloquial

A fixed expression meaning to step in and deal with a problem directly. Often implies authority or decisive intervention.

Si los vecinos no respetan las normas, la comunidad tendrá que tomar cartas en el asunto.If the neighbours don't respect the rules, the community will have to step in and take action.

poner en tela de juicioto call into question / to cast doubt on

A set phrase used to express doubt about someone's competence, integrity, or a stated fact. Slightly formal in tone but common in everyday speech.

Sus resultados inconsistentes han puesto en tela de juicio su metodología.Her inconsistent results have called her methodology into question.

contento / contentillohappy / a bit tipsy (diminutive, euphemistic)

colloquial

The diminutive 'contentillo/a' is a soft, self-deprecating way of admitting mild intoxication, as if saying 'just a little merry'. The full form 'contento/a' simply means happy.

Solo me tomé dos copas pero ya iba un poco contentilla.I only had two glasses but I was already feeling a little tipsy.

que te vaya bien / hasta ahora'hasta ahora' = see you in a bit (used when parting briefly)

colloquial

'Hasta ahora' is used when both parties expect to see each other again very soon, not a general farewell. It is the conversational equivalent of 'see you shortly' and is very common when hanging up the phone knowing you will meet shortly after.

—Me voy a buscar el coche. —Hasta ahora, te espero aquí.— I'm going to get the car. — See you in a bit, I'll wait for you here.

gentuzarabble / riffraff / lowlifes

colloquial

A strongly pejorative collective noun for people considered undesirable or morally inferior. Its use signals anger or contempt. The suffix '-uza' adds a derogatory force to 'gente'.

El portero echó a esa gentuza antes de que causara más problemas.The doorman threw that rabble out before they caused any more trouble.

Chapter 27: Justice

Expressions to listen for

Key vocabulary