Word/Phrase: Keep your chin up Definition: Stay positive in a difficult situation. Spanish Translation: Mantén la cabeza en alto / ánimo Example: Things will get better — keep your chin up. Spanish Example: Las...
Grandiloquent Meaning: Pompous or extravagant in language. Example: The politician’s grandiloquent speeches failed to impress the audience.
Word/Phrase: Cry over spilled milk Definition: To be upset about something that can’t be changed. Spanish Translation: Llorar sobre leche derramada Example: It’s no use crying over spilled milk. Spanish Example: No sirve de...
Fatuous Meaning: Silly and pointless. Example: His fatuous comments irritated the panel.
Word/Phrase: Break the ice Definition: To start a conversation in a social setting. Spanish Translation: Romper el hielo Example: He told a joke to break the ice. Spanish Example: Contó un chiste para romper...
Efficacious Meaning: Effective; producing the desired result. Example: The medicine was efficacious in treating the illness.
Word/Phrase: Bend over backwards Definition: To make a great effort to help someone. Spanish Translation: Hacer lo imposible por alguien Example: She bent over backwards to please the client. Spanish Example: Hizo lo imposible...
Dauntless Meaning: Showing fearlessness and determination. Example: The dauntless explorer ventured into the unknown.
Word/Phrase: By the book Definition: Following rules strictly. Spanish Translation: Seguir las reglas al pie de la letra Example: He does everything by the book. Spanish Example: Él hace todo al pie de la...
Cajole Meaning: Persuade someone to do something by sustained coaxing. Example: He managed to cajole his friend into attending the event.
Word/Phrase: Under the weather Definition: Feeling sick or unwell. Spanish Translation: Estar pachucho / no encontrarse bien Example: I’m feeling a bit under the weather today. Spanish Example: Hoy me encuentro un poco pachucho.
Banal Meaning: So lacking in originality as to be obvious and boring. Example: The movie’s plot was banal and predictable.
Word/Phrase: Throw in the towel Definition: To give up or quit. Spanish Translation: Tirar la toalla Example: After several failed attempts, she threw in the towel. Spanish Example: Después de varios intentos fallidos, tiró...
Abstruse Meaning: Difficult to understand. Example: The professor’s lecture on quantum mechanics was abstruse for most students.
Word/Phrase: Piece of cake Definition: Something very easy to do. Spanish Translation: Pan comido Example: The test was a piece of cake. Spanish Example: El examen fue pan comido.
Winsome Meaning: Attractive or appealing in a fresh way. Example: Her winsome smile charmed everyone she met.
Word/Phrase: Hit the sack Definition: To go to bed. Spanish Translation: Irse a la cama Example: I’m really tired — time to hit the sack. Spanish Example: Estoy muy cansado — hora de irse...
Venerable Meaning: Accorded a great deal of respect. Example: The venerable professor was admired by all his students.
Word/Phrase: In hot water Definition: In trouble or in a difficult situation. Spanish Translation: Estar en un lío Example: He’s in hot water with his boss for missing the meeting. Spanish Example: Está en...
Unctuous Meaning: Excessively flattering or oily. Example: The unctuous salesman was hard to trust.
