English for Spanish

Word/Phrase: On the ball Definition: Being alert and efficient. Spanish Translation: Estar al tanto / ser eficiente Example: She’s really…

Word/Phrase: Back to the drawing board Definition: To start over with a new plan after a failure. Spanish Translation: Volver…

Word/Phrase: Pull someone’s leg Definition: To joke or tease someone. Spanish Translation: Tomarle el pelo a alguien Example: Are you…

Word/Phrase: Hit the nail on the head Definition: To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem. Spanish Translation:…

Word/Phrase: A blessing in disguise Definition: Something that seems bad at first but has a good result. Spanish Translation: Una…

Word/Phrase: Kick the bucket Definition: To die (informal). Spanish Translation: Estirar la pata (informal) Example: Sadly, their old dog kicked…

Word/Phrase: Cut corners Definition: To do something the easiest or cheapest way, often poorly. Spanish Translation: Hacer las cosas de…

Word/Phrase: Cost an arm and a leg Definition: Very expensive. Spanish Translation: Costar un ojo de la cara Example: That…

Word/Phrase: The ball is in your court Definition: It’s your decision or responsibility to act next. Spanish Translation: La pelota…

Word/Phrase: Bite the bullet Definition: To endure a painful situation with courage. Spanish Translation: Aguantar el dolor / enfrentar algo…

Word/Phrase: Burn the midnight oil Definition: To work late into the night. Spanish Translation: Trabajar hasta altas horas de la…

Word/Phrase: Once in a blue moon Definition: Something that happens very rarely. Spanish Translation: De vez en cuando / muy…

Word/Phrase: Let the cat out of the bag Definition: To reveal a secret by accident. Spanish Translation: Revelar un secreto…

Word/Phrase: Call it a day Definition: To stop working for the day. Spanish Translation: Dar por terminado el día Example:…

Word/Phrase: Speak of the devil Definition: When the person you were just talking about appears. Spanish Translation: Hablando del rey…

Word/Phrase: Hit the books Definition: To begin studying hard. Spanish Translation: Ponerse a estudiar Example: I can’t go out tonight….

Word/Phrase: Piece of cake Definition: Something that is very easy to do. Spanish Translation: Pan comido Example: The test was…

Word/Phrase: Under the weather Definition: Feeling ill or unwell. Spanish Translation: Sentirse mal / indispuesto Example: She didn’t go to…

Word/Phrase: Break the ice Definition: To initiate conversation in a social setting. Spanish Translation: Romper el hielo Example: He told…

Word/Phrase: Throw someone under the bus Definition: To betray a friend or colleague for personal gain. Spanish Translation: Echar a…