El Ministerio del Tiempo S03E12: Spanish study pack

Show 7 more expressions

hacer novillosto play truant, to skip school/class

colloquial

A fixed expression widely understood across all ages. Specifically refers to skipping school or another obligation without permission.

Hicimos novillos una tarde para ir al cine y nos pilló el tutor.We skipped school one afternoon to go to the cinema and our tutor caught us.

íbamos de farolwe were bluffing

colloquial

Comes from the poker/card game term 'farol' (a bluff). Used figuratively whenever someone is pretending to hold a stronger position than they actually have.

Dijo que tenía abogados preparados, pero iba de farol; no tenía a nadie.He said he had lawyers lined up, but he was bluffing; he had nobody.

qué barbaridadhow outrageous, unbelievable, good heavens

colloquial

Versatile exclamation expressing surprise, shock, or admiration depending on context and tone. Not inherently negative; can signal impressed amazement as easily as disapproval.

¡Qué barbaridad, han subido los precios un cuarenta por ciento en un solo año!Good heavens, prices have gone up forty per cent in just one year!

tortolitolovebird (affectionate tease for someone smitten)

colloquial

Diminutive of 'tórtola' (turtledove). Used affectionately or teasingly to describe someone visibly in love or acting soppy about a partner. The diminutive suffix -ito adds warmth.

Mira al tortolito, que no para de mirar el móvil esperando un mensaje de su novia.Look at the lovebird, constantly staring at his phone waiting for a message from his girlfriend.

qué pico de orowhat a silver tongue, what an eloquent speaker

colloquial

Literally 'what a golden beak/tip'. Said of someone who speaks beautifully, persuasively, or charmingly. Can be sincere admiration or mildly ironic.

El abogado convenció al jurado en diez minutos. ¡Qué pico de oro tiene ese hombre!The lawyer convinced the jury in ten minutes. What a silver tongue that man has!

matar dos pájaros de un tiroto kill two birds with one stone

Standard idiom with the same form and meaning as its English equivalent. Very common and not considered especially informal or formal.

Voy a comprar los regalos en el centro comercial y así aprovecho para recoger el abrigo de la tintorería; mato dos pájaros de un tiro.I'll buy the gifts at the shopping centre and pick up my coat from the dry cleaner's at the same time, killing two birds with one stone.

lo prometido es deudaa promise is a promise, you have to keep your word

Set proverb used when calling in or honouring a previous commitment. Signals moral obligation tied to the promise made.

Dije que te llevaría al aeropuerto y allí estaré; lo prometido es deuda.I said I'd take you to the airport and I'll be there, a promise is a promise.

El Ministerio del Tiempo S03E12: Spanish study pack

Against Time

Expressions to listen for

Key vocabulary