With Time on His Heels

Used to describe someone who is putting on a tough façade, usually to avoid talking or showing weakness. The reflexive hacerse signals a performance rather than a genuine trait.

Very common hedging expression used when taking a precaution against an uncertain outcome. Equivalent to 'just to be safe'.

Idiomatic expression for taking precautionary measures to avoid blame or danger. Often used in contexts of betrayal or office politics.

Distinctively conversational intensifier placed before an adjective. Equivalent in force to muy or bastante but with a warmer, more informal tone. Common in everyday speech.

In this conversational sense means to joke at someone's expense or to pull their leg. Not to be confused with vacilar meaning 'to hesitate', which also exists and is far more literal.

Affectionate or cutting term for someone who is easily deceived or gullible. Tone depends entirely on speaker intent, can be self-deprecating or a mild insult.

Mildly contemptuous label for someone who does tedious administrative work and, by implication, is out of touch with real-world action. Derives from the image of someone dipping a quill in ink all day.

Can be used sincerely to mean 'great' or sarcastically to mean the opposite. Context and intonation distinguish the two readings completely.