Cable Girls S05E02: Spanish study pack

Show 7 more expressions

al carajoto hell with it / damn it all

vulgar

A very common vulgar dismissal expressing frustration or rejection of something. Signals that the speaker has given up caring about what follows. Frequently heard in heated or exasperated speech.

Llevo horas intentando arreglarlo y ya no puedo más; al carajo con todo.I've been trying to fix it for hours and I can't take it anymore, to hell with all of it.

tenerlos bien puestosto have guts / to have a lot of nerve (literally 'to have them well placed')

colloquial

A euphemistic but widely understood expression of admiration for someone's courage or audacity. The reference is anatomical (testicles), but it functions simply as a bold compliment on bravery.

Hay que tenerlos bien puestos para subirse a ese escenario sin haber ensayado.You've got to have real guts to get up on that stage without having rehearsed.

entrar en razónto see sense / to come to one's senses

colloquial

Used when someone finally accepts a logical or reasonable position after resisting it. Carries a mild implication that the person was being stubborn or irrational before.

Al final entró en razón y aceptó las condiciones del acuerdo.In the end, he came to his senses and accepted the terms of the agreement.

a ver venirto see someone coming / to see through what someone is about to do

colloquial

Used in the construction 'ya te veo venir' or 'te veo venir', meaning the speaker has already figured out the other person's intention or trick before they act on it.

Ya te veo venir: quieres pedirme dinero otra vez, ¿verdad?I can see right through you, you want to ask me for money again, don't you?

menos malthank goodness / just as well / it's a good thing

colloquial

Expresses relief that something bad did not happen or that something helpful did. Extremely common in everyday speech. Can stand alone or be followed by 'que' + clause.

Menos mal que llevabas paraguas, porque ha empezado a llover a caudales.Thank goodness you had an umbrella, because it's started pouring.

de buen gradowillingly / gladly

formal

A slightly elevated or literary-flavoured adverbial phrase indicating that something is done without reluctance. Contrasts with being forced or coerced.

Aceptó de buen grado las críticas y prometió mejorar.She willingly accepted the criticism and promised to improve.

que te veo venirI can see what you're up to / I know what you're planning

colloquial

A specific realisation of 'ver venir', used as a standalone warning that the speaker is not fooled. Often said with a slightly accusatory or amused tone.

No me vengas con esa cara de inocente, que te veo venir.Don't come at me with that innocent face. I can see right through you.

Chapter 34: Hate

Expressions to listen for

Key vocabulary