Cristóbal Balenciaga S01E05: Spanish study pack

Show 6 more expressions

parar los piesto put someone in their place, to stop someone going too far

colloquial

Implies firmly checking someone who has overstepped or is causing harm. Common in everyday speech when describing a confrontation or correction.

Al final, su jefa tuvo que pararle los pies porque no respetaba los plazos.In the end, his boss had to put him in his place because he wasn't respecting deadlines.

hacer acto de presenciato make an appearance, to show up (often briefly or formally)

Slightly formal in tone. Often implies that simply being physically present is the point, rather than active participation.

El director no habló con nadie pero hizo acto de presencia en la inauguración.The director didn't speak to anyone but made an appearance at the opening.

zapatero, a sus zapatosstick to what you know, cobbler, stick to your last

colloquial

A set proverb used to argue that someone should stay within their area of expertise and not stray into fields they don't master.

Le propusieron llevar las cuentas, pero él respondió: zapatero, a sus zapatos.They suggested he handle the accounts, but he replied: stick to what you know.

los caminos del señor son inescrutablesGod works in mysterious ways

A fixed religious expression used conversationally to express amazement at an unexpected turn of events. Tone can range from genuinely devout to gently ironic.

Terminaron siendo muy amigos después de aquel malentendido; los caminos del señor son inescrutables.They ended up being great friends after that misunderstanding. God works in mysterious ways.

cómo se notayou can really tell, it's obvious

colloquial

Used to point out that something is very evident, often with a slightly pointed or critical edge. The phrase is non-compositional in that it functions as a complete, loaded comment rather than a simple statement of visibility.

Cómo se nota que nunca has cocinado — has puesto sal dos veces.You can really tell you've never cooked before. You put salt in twice.

ponerse por su cuentato set up on one's own, to go independent (professionally)

colloquial

Refers specifically to leaving an employer or partnership to start one's own business or venture. The phrase is transparent to an advanced learner but the idiomatic use of 'cuenta' in a professional context can trip up intermediate learners.

Después de diez años en la misma empresa, decidió ponerse por su cuenta.After ten years at the same company, she decided to set up on her own.

Dressing a Queen

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