Expresiones & Frases
Algunas expresiones y frases agrupadas por palabras claves
As-
as a matter of fact de hecho
as a rule por lo general
as clean as a new pin limpio como un jaspe
as clean as a whistle tener un historial sin mancha
as clear as crystal claro como el agua
as clear as mud clarísimo
Pat lives in Australia. As a matter of fact, she's been living there since 1998. As a rule, we don't let any strangers in when my parents aren't home. Glenn washed the car today and he left it as clean as a new pin. Campbell is an honest man. I've investigated all his deeds. He's as clean as a
whistle. Don't worry, the instructor gave us all the instructions. He was as clear as
crystal. The teacher explained it in class, but it was all as clear as mud. Can you help
me?
as cool as a cucumber más fresco que una lechuga
as dead as a doornail/the dodo
más muerto que mi abuela
as different as night and day
ser la noche y el día
as dull as ditchwater más aburrido que chupar un
clavo
as easy as pie pan comido
as far as I know por lo que sé
After a weekend getaway in the country, I came home as cool as a cucumber.
We arrived at the disco and there was nobody there. It was as dead as a doornail.
My mom and dad are as different as night and day, but they really get along. That play was as dull as dithcwater. Next time we'll go dancing! Crossing the lake was as easy as pie. We had a little boat and rowed to the
other shore. Grace didn't tell me she was in Madrid. As far as I know, she was in Paris with
Ann.
as fit as a fiddle rebosante de salud
as full as a boot/tick ebrio como una cuba
as mad as a hatter más loco que una cabra
as poor as a church mouse más pobre que las ratas
as pretty as a picture como de postal
as quiet as a mouse sin siquiera decir "mu"
My grandad is 89 years old and he rides his bike everyday. He's as fit as a fiddle.
Pete went to the pub last night and he came home as full as a tick. My mother-in-law is as mad as a hatter. First, she loves me; then, she hates
me! Will's uncle had money but he gambled a lot and lost it. He died as poor as a
church mouse. We visited an old medieval town in Florence, it was as pretty as a picture! Sally's dad told her off for coming home late and she went to her room as quiet
as a mouse.
as red as a beetroot rojo como un tomate
as (if) to the manner como si hubiera nacido para ello
born
as usual como de costumbre
as ugly as sin más feo que pegarle a la madre
Whenever I have to deliver a speech, I get as red as a beetroot, I can't help it!
Are you sure you'd never surfed before? You do it as to the manner born! Last night I came home as usual, had a shower and went to dinner with
some friends. Rose went out on a blind date the other night and the poor guy was as ugly
as sin!
At-
at a a glance de un vistazo
at a loss for words sin palabras
at ease a gusto
at fault en falta
at first glance a primera vista
at first light al rayar el día
Everything looked fine at a glance, so we just kept on walking. When Fran told me her husband was gone, I was at a loss for words. We tried to make John feel at ease while he was staying with us. I wasn't at fault! Tom was! He left the office early and missed the meeting! At first glance, she seems to be fine. We'll have to run some tests to make
sure she's fine. Wake me up at 5 o'clock. We must leave at first light.
at full throttle a todo gas
at heart en el fondo
at least por lo menos
at odds en desacuerdo
at once de unmediato
at one time en un tiempo
at peace en paz
The factory was opened in May and now it's working at full throttle. Phil might seem tough but he's really sweet at heart. Dave and Sue invited us to dinner, we should at least take a bottle of wine. Everyone at the office is at odds because of the new project. You must deliver this package at once. Go! Stop wasting time! At one time we were all living in a little apartment in New York. Mary's always shouting and fighting. Will she ever be at peace?
at rest en reposo
at stake en juego
at the crack of dawn al romper el alba
at the eleventh hour en el último momento
at will a voluntad
at your fingertips al alcance de la mano
If you use the machine for a long period of time, leave it at rest for a few minutes, ok?
I'm not going to risk my job. I 've got a family to support. There's a lot at stake.
When I was in the army, I used to get up at the crack of dawn. Sometimes earlier!
Al's mom needed a heart transplant and was about to die, but at the eleventh hour they found a donor.
You can take whatever you want from the fridge at will. I'll be at your disposal, if you need me, don't hesitate to call.
I like having everything I need at my fingertips. I don't want to get up whenever I need something.
Beyond-
beyond a doubt sin duda
beyond comparison sin comparación, incomparable
beyond measure desmesurado
beyond one's means más allá de los propios medios
beyond question sin duda
beyond recall completamente perdido
beyond reproach irreprochable
This is, beyond a doubt, the best birthday party I've ever had! You should try the Bloody Mary here, it's beyond comparison! The oufit she chose for the evening was ridiculous beyond measure! I can't afford a trip to the Alps! It's way beyond my means! Emma was, beyond question, the most beautiful girl at the ball. The building is completely beyond recall. It'll have to be demolished. Molly's attitude towards all the gossip about her is beyond reproach
By-
by a hair por un pelo
by all accounts al decir de todos
by all means por supuesto
by and by pronto, en seguida
by and large en términos generales
by any means por cualquier medio
It was an exciting race. We won it by a hair, I thought we'd come in the second place!
By all accounts, The Beatles are one of the most important rock 'n' roll bands in history.
Do you want an apple? By all means, take as many as you wish! These shirts may be fashionable nowadays but by and by no one will wear
them anymore. By and large, the immigration in the country came from Spain and Italy. Chuck's determined to get that job by any means.
by chance por casualidad
by coincidence por coincidencia
by dint of a fuerza de
by far por lejos
by force of habit por costumbre
by hand a mano
I was walking down High Street and I came across Lucy by chance. Paul and I were at the theater last night and we met Joe and Vicky by
coincidence. You're not going to make your children obey just by dint of beating them.
London is, by far, the most exciting city I've ever been to. I took down the clock from the wall but I keep looking that way by force of
habit. These leather sandals were completely made by hand. Aren't they gorgeous?
by heart de memoria
by hook or by crook por las buenas o por las malas
by means of por medio de
by mistake por equivocación
by no means de ningún modo
by reason of a causa de
We have to learn these four poems by heart for next class. Tina says she's going to see Oasis in concert by hook or by crook. We were able to raise the money by means of a raffle. Oh, no! Jack's cell phone is the same as mine and I took his by mistake! Going on a job interview is by no means a guarantee of actually getting the
job. I was absent from the meeting by reason of another engagement.
by request por petición
by the same token del mismo modo
by the skin of your teeth por poco, por los pelos
by the way a propósito
by virtue of en virtud de
by way of por vía de
The package was delivered at these address by request of Mr. Allen. I'm going to work more hours but, by the same token, I'll earn more money. The thief was faster and he got away by the skin of his teeth. Oh, by the way, don't forget to pick up your suit from the dry cleaner's! The concert was postponed by virtue of extreme weather conditions.
I had to give my old car by way of payment for the new one.
Down-
down and out en la miseria
down in the dumps deprimido/a
down on one's luck de mala racha
down the hatch! ¡salud!
down to earth centrado, con los pies en la Tierra
down to the wire hasta el último momento
There were times in my life when I had absolutely nothing, I was down and out.
Hank's lost his job, that's why he's been down in the dumps lately. Andy's house burned down and she has no insurance. She really is down on
her luck. Here's a toast to you, Frank! Down the hatch! I like Ben, he's a nice, sensible, down to earth guy. Both teams are playing very well, the game can be won by either of them,
it'll go down to the wire.
For-
for a change para variar
for a song a precio de saldo
for all one is worth con todas sus fuerzas
for better or (for) worse para bien o para mal
for certain con seguridad
for crying out loud! ¡pero, será posible!
This summer I'd like to go to the mountain for a change. Can you believe Ian bought that fabulous sports car for a song? You can sit there wishing for a miracle for all you're worth, but it doesn't
mean it'll happen. Mr. Miller's decision will affect all of us, for better or worse. The police have some clues but the girl's whereabouts aren't known for
certain. For crying out loud! Can't you see I'm on the phone? Stop shouting!
for example por ejemplo
for fear of por miedo a
for free gratis
for fun/laughs por placer
for God's/gosh/heaven's sake! ¡por el amor de Dios!
for good/keeps para siempre
There are different kinds of fabric. For example: silk, cotton, linen... We brought an extra bottle of water for fear of running out of it. If you buy a TV set you get a CD and a DVD for free. Mark paints but he only does it for fun. He doesn't intend to sell his
paintings. For heaven's sake! Turn the volume down! I'm trying to sleep! It's time we put an end to this situation for good.
for good measure por añadidura
for kicks para divertirse
for long por mucho tiempo
for my money en mi opinión
for once por una vez
for openers para empezar
Dad gave me twenty dollars to buy a skirt and mom gave me twenty more for good measure
We were bored so we decided to bake some cookies for kicks. Sam came back yesterday but he said he wouldn't stay for long. For my money, Mary should've married John and not Robert. Will you stop criticizing me for once in your life? For openers, we'll visit the Eiffel Tower, and then the Louvre.
for real de verdad
for shame! ¡qué vergüenza!
for sure seguro
for that matter en realidad
for the asking a pedir de boca
for the fun of it por placer
This is not a joke, Alex, this is for real! Can't those people see the "No smoking" sign over there? For shame! Becky's going to love the earrings I bought her in India, for sure! My dad won't let me go to the party, and neither will my mom, for that
matter. If you want the tickets, call the radio and they're yours for the asking! Nowadays, there are few kids and teenagers who read just for the fun of it.
for the hell of it porque sí
for the love of por el amor de
for the moment por ahora
for the most part en la mayor parte
Jack likes taking pictures all the time, just for the hell of it Hank, for the love of God! Hurry up! We're going to be late! For the moment I'm just going to buy the shirt, I'll leave the jeans for next
month. Amy's friends are 30-year-old women, for the most part.
From-
from bad to worse de mal en peor
from day one desde el primer día
from hand to mouth con lo justo
from head to toe de pies a cabeza
from hunger a causa del hambre
from rags to riches de mendigo a millonario
Things keep going from bad to worse: first, I los my job, now I lose my house!
Charlie never liked school. He hated it from day one. Liz says she lives from hand to mouth but she spends too much money on
clothes. Mr. Fitzpatrick is a real gentleman from head to toe. So charming! The amount of people dying from hunger every day around the world is
alarming. My dad was very poor but he went from rags to riches working all his life.
from scratch desde el principio
from side to side de un lado al otro
from soup to nuts de principio a fin
from square one desde el principio
from stem to stern de proa a popa
from the bottom of one's heart de todo corazón
My computer caught a virus and I had no backup so I had to start my work from scratch.
The flowers swayed from side to side in the light summer breeze. It was lovely.
Helen was very much involved in the project. She was in it from soup to nuts. The police inquiry had to begin from square one after a series of false clues.
´
We've searched the yacht from stem to stern but we didn't find any hole. I wish you both a very happy marriage, from the bottom of my heart.
from the cradle to the grave
durante toda la vida
from the frying pan into the fire
de Guatemala a Guatepeor
from the get-go/word "go" desde el principio, desde el "vamos"
from the sublime to the ridiculous
de un extremo al otro
from this day forward de hoy en adelante
from time to time de vez en cuando
from way back desde hace tiempo
My grandfather worked from the cradle to the grave to have everything he wanted.
We've gone from the frying pan into the fire, no money, no house, no car... Alex said he would help me with the assignment from the word "go". I didn't like the movie; it went from the sublime to the ridiculous all the time. From this day forward, I'll start going to the gym every week. I like having a glass of wine during dinner from time to time. Pete and Tim are really good friends. They know each other from way back.
In-
in a good/bad mood de buen/mal humor
in a bad way en mala forma
in a bit en un momento
in a dither muy nervioso
in a fix/jam en un aprieto
in a fog confundido
If you want to ask the boss for a raise, go now! He's in a good mood. Mark didn't mean you were fat, he just said it in a bad way. Please, take a seat. Doctor Jones will see you in a bit. What's the matter with Kate? Is she ok? She looks in a dither. Nick crashed with his dad's car and now he's in a jam. When I woke up after the surgery, I was in a fog due to the anesthesia.
in a jiffy en un santiamén
in a lather histérico/a
in a long time en mucho tiempo
in a manner of speaking por así decirlo
in a nutshell en resumidas cuentas
in a rut en la rutina
Give me the shirt and I'll sew the button in a jiffy. Sam was in a lather today when Joe told him he had lost his digital camera. How's Danny? I haven't seen him in a long time. Lisa, my mom's best friend, is like a second mother to me, in a manner of
speaking. Tell me what happened between Rob and Eve in a nutshell, I don't have
much time. I'd like to find a new job. In this one I feel stuck in a rut.
in a sense/way en cierto modo
in a stew sudar la gota gorda
in a tight corner/spot en aprietos
in a while en un rato
in abeyance en suspenso
in addition además
Being unemployed helped me spend more time with my children, in a way. They almost didn't let me board the plane because I was 5 minutes late. I
was in a stew! Oscar borrowed money from some crook and he can't pay him now. He's in a
tight spot. I'm going for a walk in the park. I'll be back in a while. With the coming of the DVD the video tape was soon in abeyance. In addition to the economic crisis, the country suffered different natural
disasters.
in advance de antemano
in agreement en acuerdo
in all probability sin duda
in good/bad faith de buena/mala fe
in good/bad shape en buenas/malas condiciones
in black and white por escrito
We have to pay 500 dollars in advance for the trip to Spain. After the meeting we were all in agreement about the budget for next
month. The Rolling Stones are, in all probability, the most famous rock'n'roll band in
the world. Mr. Williams offered to help us in good faith. I haven't been to the gym for ages, I'm in bad shape. All right, then, tomorrow you'll have the contract in black and white in order to
sign it.
in brief en breve
in broad daylight a plena luz del día
in bulk al por mayor
in case por si acaso
in charge a cargo, responsable
in check bajo control
You go ahead and start without me, I'll join you in brief. Can you believe it? I was mugged in the street in broad daylight! I'm sorry, we only sell our products in bulk. In case you need any help, call me and I'll be there. Nelly is away and she left me in charge of the house, can I help you? The classroom was a mess when the teacher was away, but when she came back
everything was in check.
in circulation en circulación
in clover a lo grande
in cold blood a sangre fría
in deep trouble en serios problemas
in default of a falta de
in dire straits en serios aprietos
These coins are no longer in circulation. When I have my own company I'm going to have money and live in clover. The prisoners were brutally tortured and murdered in cold blood. Manny was caught shoplifting and he's now in deep trouble. Both of you will have to work extra hours in default of three of your co-
workers. The whole region is in dire straits because of the war and the economic crisis.
in drag vestido de mujer
in dribs and drabs poco a poco
in due course a su debido tiempo
in earnest de veras
in effect en efecto
in escrow en depósito
in fashion de moda
There were many guys in drag at Stacey's costume party. The students came back to the classroom in dribs and drabs after the break. The article will be published in due course. I spoke to Sarah in earnest and I told her what I thought. In effect, her baby was born two weeks before mine. These long skirts are no longer in fashion.
in force vigente
in full en su totalidad
in full swing en pleno apogeo
in good conditions en buenas condiciones
in good hands en buenas manos
in good spirits de buen ánimo
The new law will be in force by next year. I need the transcription of the President's speech in full. Flower power was in full swing during the sixties. I'll lend you my car, but give it back to me in good conditions. Doctor O'Neal is the best surgeon in the country, your wife is in good hands. Fred is in good spirits today. He passed his exam.
in good time a su debido tiempo
in half por la mitad
in heat en celo
in heaven's name en el nombre del cielo
in high dudgeon hecho/a una furia
in hock endeudado/a
in hot water en un lío
All in good time, my friend. You have to be patient and wait. Cut the oranges in half and squeeze them to get the juice. The dog is in heat and we want her to have puppies. What, in heaven's name, are you doing with that sword?!!! Richard argued with Beth and he left the house in high dudgeon. The Mayor was caught bribing a business man and he's now in hot water.
in keeping with de acuerdo con
in league with confabulado/a con
in love enamorado/a
in mint condition en perfecto estado
in no time en muy poco tiempo
in no uncertain terms claramente
You'll find a life vest under each seat, in keeping with international safety laws.
That Marcy is in league with Paula to make me look like a mad woman! I'm not in love with George! Who told you that? The house is over a hundred years old but it's still in mint condition. We had such a nice time that the days were gone in no time. Stan said in no uncertain terms that he was never coming back.
in one ear and out the other
entrar por un oído y salir por el otro
in one fell swoop de un solo golpe
in one's blood en la sangre
in one's good/bad books caerle bien/mal a alguien
in one's mind's eye en la imaginación
in one's own right por derecho propio
He never pays attention to what I say. It goes in one ear and out the other. Do you seriously believe it's possible to stop illegal immigration in one fell
swoop? Pat's father was a pianist and her mother was a singer, music is in her blood. Liz has been in my bad books ever since she told me I looked like a mummy. I'm trying to imagine how things could be in my mind's eye. Al worked hard to get that job, he earned it in his own right.
in one's own world en su propio mundo
in one's right mind en su sano juicio
in order to a fin de
in other words en otras palabras
in passing al pasar
in phase sincronizado/a
Jane seems to be in her own world, she never talks to anyone. Kate told you that? Dear God! She's not in her right mind! You must pass all the exams in order to get your degree. They said they were going to let me go. In other words, I'm fired. I heard Greg and Pete in passing talking about a trip to Africa. The sound and the image of the video must be in phase.
in plain English hablando sin rodeos
in plain view a la vista de todos
in play en juego
in point of fact de hecho
in print impreso
in progress en desarrollo
Doctor, I don't understand all this technical language. Say it in plain English. The woman was mugged in the park in plain view! Are you sure touching the ball with your elbow is in play? In point of fact, Helen and Mark aren't really married. A new edition of Shakespeare's Sonnets will be in print next week. The building isn't finished yet. It's still in progress.
in reach en el alcance
in regard to en cuanto a
in retrospect retrospectivamente
in return a cambio
in search of en busca de
in season en temporada
I like having everything in reach when I'm cooking. I am writing in regard to Mr. Peter's complaints. Everything seems clearer now in retrospect. When I helped you, I didn't expect anything in return. The story is about a man who is in search of his lost family. Salmon is not in season, that's why it's so expensive right now.
in seventh heaven en el séptimo cielo
in short order en poco tiempo
in short supply escasear
in sick bay sn la enfermería
in someone's shoes en los zapatos de alguien
in stitches morirse de risa
We were in seventh heaven when we found out about the pregnancy! The product was so successful that we run out of stock in short order. They say that water will be in short supply in a few years' time. The kids had a small accident at school and they are in sick bay. Ann lost 500 dollars at work yesterday. I wouldn't like to be in her shoes! Frank's performance was so funny! He had us all in stitches!
in store de reserva
in the altogether en cueros
in the back of one's mind en un rincón de la mente
in the black en números negros
in the buff en paños menores
in the clear inocente
Who knows what the future has in store for me?
My grandma was shocked when she saw a group of people in the altogether on TV.
I've had this idea in the back of my mind for quite a while. Yes, I've got enough money. My bank account is in the black. When I was young, there were no people in the buff in the movies! The police interrogated Freddy but he came out in the clear.
in the clink en la cárcel
in the cold light of day con la cabeza en frío
in the doghouse en desgracia
in the doldrums deprimido/a
in the driver's seat llevar las riendas
in the eye/face a los ojos/la cara
My neighbor killed a man and now he's in the clink! I was mad, now in the cold light of day, I think I overreacted a bit... The teacher caught Joe cheating on the test and now he's in the doghouse. Jerry's been in the doldrums ever since his wife died. I'm tired of being told what to do! I want to be in the driver's seat! Just look at me in the face and tell me you didn't do it.
in the family way embarazada
in the flesh en persona
in the hole en deuda
in the know enterado/a
in the lap of luxury como un duque
in the limelight en el candelero
Pam didn't expect to be in the family way until after the wedding! Can you believe we are going to meet Ricky Martin in the flesh? I've already paid Mary back but she says I'm still two hundred dollars in the
hole!
The whole thing was a secret. Only Kate was in the know. Bess says she's going to marry a millionaire and live in the lap of luxury. You say you want to be famous but it's hard to live in the limelight.
in the long haul/run a la larga
in the main en general
in the meantime mientras tanto
in the money forrado en dinero
in the mood de humor, con ganas
in the nick of time justo a tiempo
We must solve the problem now or we'll have worse problems in the long run.
In the main, I spend the summer in the south of Spain. I've already sent the letter. In the meantime, all I can do is wait. Bob hasn't been in the money since long. A rich aunt of his died and left him
all she had. We invited Ann to come along with us but she wasn't in the mood. The movie was about to begin but we got there in the nick of time.
in the picture al corriente
in the pink rebosar de salud
in the pipeline en trámites
in the public eye en la mira
in the red con la cuenta en rojo
in the right tener la razón
I'll be in Paris for the next two nonths, so please keep me in the picture. I've always been in the pink. Not even a slight cold in my life! We're going to buy a bigger house, but everything's still in the pipeline. Politicians have to be careful with what they say. They're constantly in the
public eye.
I don't know what to do! I have bills to pay and my bank account is in the red!
No! I won't shut up when I'm in the right!
in the same boat en la misma situación
in the same breath a continuación
in the same league a la altura
in the soup con el agua hasta el cuello
in the throes de lleno
in the twinkling/wink of an eye
En un abrir y cerrar de ojos
Of course I understand what you're going through. We're in the same boat. Rob says he hates this city but in the same breath he says he couldn't live
anywhere else. My cell phone is not in the same league as the new ones. It doesn't even
have a camera! I must finish this report by Monday or I'll be in the soup! If we don't reach an agreement we'll be in the throes of a civil war! I'll heat this meat in the microwave and it'll be ready in the twinkling of an eye.
in the wrong equivocado
in this day and age hoy en día
in touch en contacto
in tow a cuestas
in your prime en la flor de la vida
They'll never change their attitude because they don't think they're in the wrong.
It's so apalling that there should be slaves in this day and age! Promise me we'll be in touch when you go away. I can't just quit my job! I have my family in tow. At the age of 55, Billy is still in his prime.
Of-
of a kind/sorts por así decirlo
of age mayor de edad
of benefit beneficioso
of consequence de importancia
of course por supuesto
of few words de pocas palabras
Well, I think she's a model or an actress of sorts. Andrew can't touch the money he inherited until he's of age. I believe this treaty will be of benefit for the whole region. Global warming is a matter of consequence to the President. "Are you coming to Nancy's party?" "Well, of course!" Eddie is a man of few words. He doesn't talk much.
of late últimamente
of note notable
of old de antaño
of one's life de su vida
of one's own accord espontáneamente
of the essence de vital importancia
of two minds indeciso, sin saber qué hacer
Where have you been going of late? We're so proud of our son. He's a lawyer of note in New York. My grandfather always talks about the good dances of old. This was the best birthday party of my life. The witness went to the police station of his own accord. We must act immediately. Time is of the essence. My parents are of two minds about letting me study abroad.
Off-
off and on de cuando en cuando
off base/beam equivocado
off color indispuesto
off duty no estar de servicio/guardia
off guard desprevenido
off key desafinado
My computer keeps crashing off and on, I can't work like this. The detective's theory about the murder was completely off base. Alex was feeling a bit off color so I sent him home to rest.
I'm off duty tomorrow night, would you like to go out for dinner? Mr. Lee caught me off guard when he asked me to do extra hours and I said
'Yes'. Do you hear that? The piano is off key again!
off one's chest desahogarse al confesar algo
off one's head mal de la cabeza
off one's high horse
bajar los humos
off one's rocker chiflado
off season temporada baja; fuera de temporada
off side fuera de juego
I can't lie to you anymore. I need to get this off my chest. Have you gone off your head? How are you going to do that? You're no better than any of us so come off your high horse, will you? Mike must be off his rocker if he thinks his plan will work! You'll get the tickets at a lower price if you travel off season. Keane was off side so the goal was annulled.
off the air fuera del aire
off the beaten track aislado, apartado
off the cuff de improviso
off the deep end como una fiera
off the hook librarse
off the mark equivocado
Ok, we're off the air now, tell me what brings you to the radio. I'm sick of the city. I want to get away, go somewhere off the beaten track. Paul didn't know what to say so he made up an explanation off the cuff. When I told my ex-husband I was leaving he went off the deep end. All right, go home, I'll finish the report, you're off the hook.
Everyone thought I was off the mark when I said the product would fail.
off the rails descarrilarse
off the record extraoficialmente
off the top of my head de improviso
off the wagon volver a darse a la bebida
off the wall sorprendente e inusual
off topic fuera de tema
off-beat poco convencional
A train went off the rails near Seattle. There are many speculations but they're all off the record. Whatever I said to you, I said it off the top of my head, I didn't really mean it. After two months without a drink, Gus fell off the wagon. We need new ideas for the show, something off the wall to attract the
audience. The essay is quite good but it goes off topic in the end. We make an off-beat show, that's why people like it.
On-
on a first-name basis tutearse
on a full/an empty stomach con el estómago lleno/vacío
on a pedestal en un pedestal
on a roll con buena suerte
on a shoestring con muy poco dinero
on a silver platter en bandeja
When I was young, we weren't on a first-name basis with our elders. You shouldn't take that pill on an empty stomach. Mark's grandmother was very important to him, he had her on a pedestal. I was on a roll at the casino last night! I won five hundred dollars! It's hard to run a whole household on a shoestring, especially if you have
kids. Liz doesn't know what it is to work to pay the bills. She's had everything on a
silver platter.
on a tangent por la tangente
on all fours En cuatro patas
on an even keel estable
on and on sin parar
on board a bordo
on cloud nine en el séptimo cielo
Will was talking about the war in Iraq and he went off on a tangent. I was on all fours on the floor looking for my contact lense. We must help Adam to keep his life on an even keel. My mom just kept talking on and on about being responsible and all that. There are new teachers on board this year, Miss Allen and Miss Randall. Pam was on cloud nine when she won that trip to Paris.
on drugs consumiendo drogas
on duty de servicio/guardia
on edge con los nervios de punta
on foot a pie
on good/bad terms with llevarse bien/mal con
on line en línea, conectado
The blood and urine tests showed that the actor was on drugs. I'll talk to you when I get home, I have to go, I'm on duty. I'm on edge every time I have a test, I get so nervous. It was nice today so I decided to go to work on foot instead of taking the bus. Are you on good terms with your mother? I'm waiting for Robert to get on line so we can chat a little bit.
on no account de ninguna manera
on one's best behavior portarse lo mejor posible
on one's deathbed en el lecho de muerte
on one's high horse tener muchos humos
on one's last legs en las últimas
on one's (own) merits por mérito propio
On no account should you eat greasy food, drink alcohol or smoke, Mr. Johnson.
I promised my dad I would be on my best behavior at school so that he lets me go dancing.
When my sister was on her deathbed, I promised her I'd take care of her son. Every time he can Tom gets on his high horse talking about politics. It's so
annoying. Ann's father is on his last legs, we should visit her to give her our support. Mayor Hanson got where he is without any help from anyone. He's a renowned
politician on his own merits.
on one's mind en mente
on one's own solo
on one's own account por cuenta propia
on one's uppers en la miseria
on one's way en camino
on paper sobre papel
I'm sorry, I can't help you right now, I've got a lot of things on my mind. Patrick's been on his own in his room all day long. Julia's setting up a boutique on her own account, she's really excited about
it. Steve can't find a job, he really is on his uppers. I'm on my way to the dentist, I'l call you when I get home. I know you can read books on the internet but I still prefer them on paper.
on parole en libertad condicional
on pins and needles ansioso
on probation en período de prueba
on purpose a propósito
on sale en liquidación
on schedule/time a la hora prevista
I'm getting out on parole next week. And I'm never going back to jail. Alice said she had something important to tell me, I'm on pins and needles. Johnny messed it up last week at the office so now he's on probation. My mom didn't like my dog so she let it out on purpose so that he would run
away. Helen bought that sweater on sale for only ten dollars. The plane arrived on schedule and we left the airport at ten o'clock.
on second thought pensándolo mejor
on someone's side del lado de alguien
on spec por si las dudas
on standby en espera
on strike en huelga
on sufferance de mala gana
I was going to go by bus but, on second thought, I'll take my bike. How can you be on Emily's side? You're my best friend! Dan didn't know if he needed a permit but he asked for one on spec. Our systems are down and all the work is on standby. The workers at the factory are on strike because they want a pay rise. Meg didn't want to go so she went on sufferance.
on tap de barril
on target de acuerdo con lo previsto
on tenterhooks/the rack con el alma en vilo, en ascuas
on the alert/lookout/qui vive
en alerta
on the average en promedio
on the blink averiado
We went to a pub that sold beer on tap. It was delicious. Everything is going on target so far. We're all on tenterhooks, we don't know what's going to happen. One of the thieves broke into the house and the other stayed out on the
lookout. We have twenty students per course on the average. I have to get my car fixed, it's on the blink again.
on the bright side el lado bueno
on the brink/verge al borde
on the button/clock/dot en punto
on the chance that con la esperanza de
on the cheap por poco dinero
on the cutting edge a la vanguardia
My aunt Magda always looked on the bright side of things. The whole region is on the brink of war! It's terrible! My boss is very strict with the time. I have to be at the office at nine on the
button. We stayed at the back of the stadium on the chance that the band came out. You can buy some really great stuff at the fair on the cheap. Our company has always been on the cutting edge of new technologies.
on the defensive a la defensiva
on the double inmediatamente
on the edge of your seat en vilo
on the face of it a primera vista
on the fritz estropeado
on the horizon En el horizonte
Why are you always on the defensive? No one wants to attack you. Peter was late for an appointment so he finished his coffee on the double. The movie will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last minute. On the face of it, a patient may seem fine, but he or she could have internal
injurires. My camera fell into the pool and now it's on the fritz. The tarot lady told me there were some job offers on the horizon.
on the house la casa invita
on the increase/rise en aumento
on the inside por dentro
on the lam a la fuga
on the level ser serio
on the loose en libertad
Since you are a regular customer, dessert is on the house, sir. Unfortunately, unepmloyment is on the rise due to the crisis.
That house is gorgeous. I'd love to know what's on the inside. The thieves took off with 300,000 dollars and are on the lam. Don't worry, I know Mr. Jameson, he's an honest man. His company is on the
level. A lion escaped from the zoo today and is now on the loose.
on the make tratar de sacar tajada
on the market a la venta
on the mend mejorando
on the move de viaje
on the prowl merodeando
on the rebound Por despecho
Most politicians are on the make when they can. I'm sorry but the product you are looking for is no longer on the market. Phil came down with the flu but he's on the mend now. I went to five different schools as a kid because we were always on the
move. There's a strange man on the prowl, nobody knows him. Liz doesn't like Carl, she just dates him because she's on the rebound.
on the receiving end blanco/víctima de
on the right foot con el pie derecho
on the right track por buen camino
on the safe side para mayor seguridad
on the same wavelength en la misma onda
on the side Aparte
When Mary's husband got violent, she was on the receiving end of his blows. Business has been going great, we set off on the right foot. Are you sure we're on the right track?
The home pregnancy-test was positive but I had a blood test to be on the safe side.
Tom and Jeff get along great, they're on the same wavelength. When Jo was a little girl she hated beans so she left them on the side of her
plate.
on the sidelines al margen
on the sly a hurtadillas
on the spur of the moment sin pensarlo
on the streets hacer la calle
on the tip of my tongue en la punta de la lengua
on the town de juerga
Frank prefers to stay on the sidelines whenever there's an arguement. When I was a teenager, I got out of my house on the sly at night to go
dancing. I'm sorry! I didn't mean it! I said it on the spur of the moment. Many immigrant women are on the streets because they can't find a good
job. What's the name of that actor? I have it on the tip of my tongue. Last night we went out on the town. We had a great time.
on the wagon abstemio
on the wane menguando
on the warpath en pie de guerra
on the way out de salida
on the whole en general
on thin ice en terreno peligroso
I'm still on the wagon and I intend to keep it that way. No alcohol for me. CD sales are on the wane due to the free illegal downloads from the internet. The whole country is on the warpath after the attacks.
That kind of music had its moment but now it's on the way out. This year's sales have been good on the whole. You'll be walking on thin ice if you tell the media about the Mayor's bribes.
on tiptoe de puntillas
on top of the world contentísimo
on view expuesto
on your guard en alerta
It was late and everyone was asleep, so we went in on tiptoe. I'm on top of the world! It's my wedding day! There were some beautiful purses on view at the mall. You must be always on your guard in this city or else you get mugged.
Out-
out and about repuesto, por ahí
out at the elbows raído
out front adelante, en frente (de un edificio)
out in left field totalmente equivocado
out in the cold al margen
out in the open al aire libre
With just a few days of rest you'll be out and about again. I love this jacket but it's a bit out at the elbows. You go get the car, I'll wait for you out front. That's not what happened! You're out in left field!
The other boys started playing football and left me out in the cold. I want to go camping, spend a few days out in the open.
out loud en voz alta
out of bounds prohibido
out of breath sin aliento
out of business cerrado
out of circulation fuera de circulación
out of commission fuera de servicio
Jack's great aunt is quite deaf so we have to talk out loud. We're not allowed to enter my father's study, it is out of bounds. We were all out of breath after climbing that hill. The big department stores left my store out of business. I'm sorry, sir, but this currency is out of circulation. The elevator will be out of commission tomorrow.
out of condition en mala forma/mal estado
out of context fuera de contexto
out of control/hand fuera de control
out of date/fashion pasado de moda
out of harm's way/the woods a salvo
out of here fuera de aquí
out of it en otra onda
The toilettes in this school are all out of condition. What Miss Smith said on that interview was taken out of context. You must be more severe with your students or they will get out of control. Do you think this music will go out of fashion?
As the President's bodyguard, it's your job to keep the President out of harm's way.
Stan was out of it at the pub, he had too much to drink.
out of joint dislocado
out of line fuera de lugar
out of one's head borracho
out of nowhere/the blue de la nada
out of one's system quitarse algo de encima
out of order no funcionar
Hank got his shoulder out of joint playing football. Stacey's comment was a bit out of line, don't you think? I was so out of my head at the party that I don't remember much of it. Wendy was crossing the street and a car appeared out of the blue. There's so much I need to get out of my system I don't know where to begin. My printer is out of order, may I use yours?
out of phase desfasado
out of place fuera de lugar
out of pocket salir perdiendo
out of practice desentrenado
out of proportion desproporcionado
out of range fuera del alcance
The band sounded out of phase on the stage, didn't they? I can't go to my ex-boyfriend's wedding. I'll be totally out of place. Those holidays in Fiji left me out of pocket. I haven't played tennis for years, I'm totally out of practice. The accident wasn't that serious, it was all blown out of proportion. Sam tried to pick up the phone but it was out of range.
out of sorts mal, enfermo
out of step no llevar el paso
out of the closet declararse homosexual
out of the corner of my eye por el rabillo del ojo
out of the ordinary fuera de lo común
out of the question inadmisible
Ted was feeling out of sorts and he didn't go to school today. Joe is a terrible dancer, he's always out of step. When did you come out of the closet? I was having lunch and I noticed a little kitty out of the corner of my eye. The food was ok, but nothing out of the ordinary. That's completely out of the question! My son will stay with me!
out of the way fuera del camino
out of the window por la ventana
out of the woodworks de quién sabe dónde
out of this world fantástico
out of touch no estar en contacto
out of town en las afueras, de viaje
Sure, we can go to Molly's but it's a bit out of the way. If I eat just one slice of pizza my whole diet will go out of the window. Who is this guy? He comes out of the woodworks and starts telling us what
to do! You have to see Mike's new yacht! It's out of this world! It's such a pity we've been out of touch for so long. Steph's out of town right now, would you like to leave a message?
out of tune desafinado
out of whack fastidiado
out of work sin trabajo
out of your mind fuera de juicio
out on a limb arriesgarse
out on one's ear de patitas en la calle
out to lunch en Babia, divagando
The tenors were fine, but the sopranos were a bit out of tune. I'm having trouble with my car, the carburator's out of whack. Are you out of your mind? You can't buy a 100,00-dollar car! I'm not willing to go out on a limb and lose everything I've got. Kelly was fired and now she's out on her ear. It's impossible to have a serious conversation with Jeff, he's always out to
lunch.
Over-
over a barrel en un puño
over again otra vez
over and above además
over and done with terminado, acabado
over my dead body sobre mi cadaver
I have John over a barrel. He'll do anything I tell him to. I was counting my money and I got lost so I had to start over again. We need new investors over and above new ideas. When will this situation be over and done with?
You think you'll get the house and the car? Well, over my dead body!
over the counter sin receta médica
over the hill demasiado viejo
over the hump haber pasado lo más difícil
over the top exagerado
Sir, you need your doctor's prescription for this medicine. It's not sold over the counter.
My mom says she's over the hill but she's only forty-two. We're over the hump, the house is almost ready. We're moving in next week. Don't you think Fay's dress is a bit over the top for a birthday party?
So-
so and so fulano de tal
so be it que así sea
so far hasta ahora
so far, so good hasta ahora todo va bien
so help me (God) que Dios me ayude
so long! ¡hasta la vista!
Who cares if Ann is going out with so and so? It's her life. If Daniel wants to go to trial, so be it! I'm not afraid. I can only help you so far, I'm not an expert. We can't complain about the business. So far, so good. I promise I will never leave you alone again, so help me God. See you guys on Monday! Have a nice weekend, so long!
so much for suficiente de
so that de modo que
so quiet you can hear a pin drop
hay tanto silencio que se puede oír el vuelo de una mosca
so small you could barely swing a cat
(el lugar es) tan pequeño que no cabe ni un alfiler
so to speak por así decirlo
so what? ¿y qué?
All right, so much for this subject. Let's start with a new one. I'll let the door open so that you can get in. In the countryside, it is so quiet you can hear a pin drop at night. How do the four of you live here? The place is so small you could barely
swing a cat! Tom wasn't exactly drunk, he was a bit tipsy, so to speak. Yes, you failed your driving test again, so what?
To-
to a certain degree hasta cierto punto
to a fault demasiado, en extremo
to a T como anillo al dedo
to all intents and purposes prácticamente
to and fro de un lado a otro
to date hasta ahora
His story is only credible to a certain degree. I think you're being naive to a fault. This job is perfect for Al, it suits him to a T. The clubs and discos in the city had, to all intents and purposes, closed. Jackie's so busy she keeps running to and fro all day long. This is the number of car accidents we've had this year in the country to date.
to each his own a cada cual lo suyo
to hand a mano
to hell with this! ¡al diablo con esto!
to little purpose/no avail inútilmente, en vano
to my mind en mi opinión
to one's face a la cara
to one's heart's content hasta quedar satisfecho
Do you have the price list to hand? I need to check something. I'm sick of all this situation! To hell with it! The doctors tried everything to save her but it was all to no avail. To my mind, you should talk to Bob and sort things out. Fred told me to my face that he hadn't done it. You can eat chocolate to your heart's content but don't complain later.
to perfection a la perfección
to the best of my knowledge que yo sepa
to the contrary en contra
to the hilt totalmente, hasta el cuello
to the last hasta el final
to the letter al pie de la letra
I needed to pay some bills and to that effect I asked for a loan. To the best of my knowledge, Tina was still in Canada. My client is innocent. Is there any avidence to the contrary? I'm up to the hilt with debt. I don't know what to do! I'm your wife and I'll stay with you to the last. Make sure you follow the instructions to the letter.
to the nines de punta en blanco
to the nth degree a la enésima potencia
to the point venir al caso
to the tune por valor de
Bill was dressed up to the nines because he was going to the opera. My dad is like a general elevated to the nth degree. He's so strict! Your comment was not to the point. We were talking about something else. We bought this house to the tune of 50,000 dollars.
Under-
under a cloud bajo sospecha
under control bajo control
under fire en la línea de fuego
under lock and key cerrado bajo llave
under my care bajo mi cuidado
under no circumstances bajo ningún concepto
The whole government has been under a cloud after the scandal. Are you sure you have everything under control? I can help you if you want. The city of Baghdad has been under fire for 12 hours. Mr. Smith keeps all his money in the bank safely under lock and key. The kids will stay under my care while their parents are away. Under no circumstances should the patient leave the hospital.
under my nose delante de mis narices
under oath bajo juramento
under one's breath entre dientes
under one's feet siempre pegado a alguien
under one's own steam por sus propios medios
under pressure bajo presión
How could I be so blind? This has been going on under my nose all the time! You must tell the truth to the jury, Miss Lee, remember you are under oath. Mark said something under his breath and I couldn't understand him. I can't do my work if you're all the time under my feet! Go away! Lou came home under his own steam. Nobody brought him. Pete's under a lot of pressure right now, that's why he's so nervous.
under someone's thumb dominado
under the aegis of bajo los auspicios de
under the circumstances dadas las circunstancias
under the counter/table subrepticiamente
under the gun muy apremiado
under the hammer ir a subasta
I'm sick of being under my mom's thumb. I'm a grown woman, I have my own life!
Most artists of the Renaissance worked under the aegis of a patron. We usually don't do this but, under the circumstances, we can make an
exception. I quit my job because there were lots of things going on under the counter. I'm sorry, I've got a lot of work to do and I'm under the gun with it. A series of items belonging to John Lennon went under the hammer yesterday.
under the impression tener la impresión de que
under the influence bajos los efectos del alcohol
under the knife en la mesa de operaciones
under the weather indispuesto
under wraps en secreto
Moe seemed to be under the impression that we were going with him. Lots of celebrities get arrested for driving under the influence. My sister has gallstones and she has to go under the knife. Helen had to go home because she was feeling a bit under the weather. The whole thing was a secret and they kept it all under wraps.
Up-
up a gum tree/shit creek/the creek
en un aprieto
up and about/around en buena forma
up and coming prometedor
up for grabs libre
up front por adelantado
up in arms poner el grito en el cielo
Tom's report was full of mistakes and the boss is mad, he's up a gum tree. With a bit of rest this flu will be gone and I'll be up and about again. This is one of our up-and-coming artists, he's just signed a record deal. We've got five 100-dollar vouchers up for grabs, so call us now! Frank paid five hundred dollars up front and the rest in monthly installments. The whole neighborhood was up in arms when the old library was going to be
demolished.
up in smoke esfumarse, desvanecerse
up in the air en el aire
up in years entrado en años
up to a point hasta cierto punto
up to date actualizado, al corriente
up to no good en nada bueno
Our whole plans for an outdoor weekend went up in smoke because of the rain.
Kate's plan to redecorate the house is still up in the air. Arthur's father is up in years but he's still a handsome man. Andrea is right but only up to a point. I like reading the newspaper on the internet because it's always up to date. We were always up to no good when we were kids.
up to one's ears hasta la coronilla
up to one's old tricks volver a hacer de las suyas
up to par/scratch/snuff llegar a la media
up to something tramando algo
up to speed al tanto
up your alley/street ideal para ti
The kids are up to their ears with school; homework, tests, etc. Dan's out of jail but he's up to his old tricks again. Paul's latest novel wasn't up to par. Lilly's been acting very strange, I think she's up to something. John kept me up to speed while I was away from the office. Mick wants to find a course of studies that's right up his alley
When-
when all is said and done a fin de cuentas
when it comes to cuando se trata de
when it rains, it pours sobre llovido, mojado
when least expected cuando uno menos lo espera
when one's back is turned a espaldas de uno
Ann's a very good mother, when all's said and done, that's what matters. I can't stand Rob! I'll go out with him when hell freezes over! Peter is very careful when it comes to his work. It's true that love comes to you when least expected. Sue tells you that she likes you but, when your back's turned, she'll run you
down.
when my ship comes in/home cuando me saque la lotería
when/if the push comes to the shove
en caso de apuro
when the chips are down a la hora de la verdad
when the dust has settled cuando haya pasado la
tormenta
Yeah, I'll buy a Ferrari when my ship comes home. You can call Mr. Ferguson only when the push comes to the shove. They're here now but when the chips are down, none of them is my real
friend. You should go, they're very upset, I'll call you when the dust has settled.
Algunas expresiones y frases agrupadas por verbos claves
To be
to be going begging que nadie reclama
to be knee-high to a grasshopper
ser un renacuajo
to be of service to someone ser de utilidad a alguien
to be on someone's tail pisarle los talones a alguien
to be on the carpet tener que aguantarse una bronca
Do you want this scarf? It's been going begging for months here. You can't get on the rollercoaster! You're knee-high to a grasshopper! If I can be of service to you, sir, please, let me know. I got so scared, I was driving and I felt there was someone on my tail. It was so unfair! I was on the carpet because someone else made a mistake!
to be one brick short of a full load
faltarle algunos caramelos en el frasco
to be quick on the uptake agarrar las cosas al vuelo
to be slow on the uptake ser algo torpe, lento
to be someone's undoing ser la ruina de alguien
to be to the fore ir delante
Ed's not a bad man, he's just one brick short of a full load. You don't have to explain things twice to Sam, He's quick on the uptake. Pat's a bit slow on the uptake, isn't she? I asked her what she wanted and
she said 'Fine'. Oh! Designer clothes will be my undoing! I can't live without them! Doctor Peters has always been to the fore in the international scientific
community.
To beat
to beat around/about the bush andarse con rodeos
to beat someone hollow/black and blue
darle una tremenda paliza a alguien
to beat someone to a pulp hacer papilla a alguien
to beat someone to within an inch of their life
moler a alguien a palos
to beat the bushes for something
buscar algo por todas partes
Andrew, stop beating around the bush and tell me what happened to Carl! The next time he provokes me I'll beat him hollow! Tyson beat his opponent to a pulp in the first round last night.
Mike's in hospital, a gang of hooligans beat him to within an inch of his life on Sunday.
Have you seen my purse? I've beaten the bushes for it but I can't find it!
to beat the drum (for) pregonar con bombos y platillos
to beat the rap quedar impune
to beat swords into ploughshares
forjar de las espadas azadones
to beat your brains out estrujarse el cerebro
The whole government has been beating the drum for the reform. Most criminals beat the rap nowadays. It's terrible. We must stop this war and beat swords into ploughshares for the benefit of
our country. I've been beating my brains out but I can't find a reasonable explanation for
it!
To bite
to bite more than you can chew
Tratar de abarcar más de lo que se puede
to bite one's tongue Morderse la lengua
to bite someone's head off
Echarle una bronca a alguien
to bite the bullet Hacer de tripas corazón
to bite the dust Pasar a mejor vida
Gil's biting off more than he can chew. He wants to run a business, a school and give lessons.
Every time I want to talk to him and tell him the truth I have to bite my tongue.
Eric bit my head off because I missed a penalty shot at the game.
We'll have to bite the bullet and cut down on some things if we want to pay the bills.
Many people think Communism has bitten the dust. What do you think?
To blow
to blow a fuse/your stack/top
explotar de bronca
to blow a raspberry at someone
hacerle una trompetilla a alguien
to blow away the cobwebs sacudirse las telarañas
to blow hot and cold ser veleta
to blow one's mind fascinar, alucinar
to blow one's own trumpet tirarse flores
My dad blew a fuse when I told him I wasn't going to college. I said 'Hi' to a little girl and she blew a raspberry at me! Why don't you take a nice bubble bath? That'll blow the cobwebs away. Pat blows hot and cold! One minute she says she's coming, the next she
says she's not! Listen to this new band! It'll blow your mind! Todd thinks he's the best lawyer in the world, doesn't he? He's always blowing
his own trumpet.
to blow someone's brains out volarle a alguien la tapa de los sesos
to blow someone's cover desenmascarar a alguien
to blow something off the map
borrar algo del mapa
to blow something out of the echar por tierra
water/sky-high
to blow something wide open poner algo al descubierto
to blow the gaff bevantar la perdiz
The main character blows his brains out when his girlfriend leaves him. You've got to help me blow Kenny's cover. You know he's been cheating on
Sally. What was it exactly that blew dinosaurs off the map? These new findings blow the old theory out of the water. Their love affair was blown wide open by the paparazzi. That special report blew the gaff on the President's secret dealings.
to blow the lid off destapar
to blow the whistle on delatar
to blow up in someone's face salir mal
The newspapers blew the lid off the company's tax evading. Cathy was stealing money from the register and Vicky blew the whistle on
her. I had planned a romantic evening but it all blew up in my face when I got
sick.
To break
to break a bill cambiar un billete
break a leg! ¡mucha suerte!
to break even salir sin ganar ni perder
to break faith with ser desleal, no cumplir una promesa
to break free liberarse
to break loose soltarse
Let me pay. I need to break this hundred-dollar bill. I saw Tim before he went on stage and I told him to break a leg. Jane thought she was making a good deal but it broke even. Steve promised he would come, I hope he doesn't break faith with his
promise. When will you finally break free from that dreadful job? Andrew needs to break loose from those friends of his. They're no good.
to break new ground abrir nuevos caminos
to break one's back deslomarse
to break ranks romper filas
to break someone's heart romperle el corazón a alguien
to break the back of something
hacer la parte más difícil de algo
to break the ice romper el hielo
The discovery of DNA broke new ground in science. My mom broke her back all her life to feed my brother and me. The platoon broke ranks after the sergeant left. Wayne broke Meg's heart when he told her he didn't love her anymore. We've already painted the bedrooms, the bathroom and the kitchen. We've
broken the back of it. You can tell a few jokes to break the ice when you're on you date.
to break the mould romper el molde
to break the news to someone
darle una noticia a alguien
to break wind echarse un gas
The Beatles really broke the mould when they first appeared. I hate to be the one to break the news to you but, your father is dead. What would you do if you broke wind during a job interview?
To bring
to bring a lump to one's throat
hacérsele a alguien un nudo en la garganta
to bring down the house ser todo un éxito
to bring home the bacon ganar el pan
to bring out the best/worst in someone
sacar lo mejor/peor de alguien
to bring someone down a peg or two
bajarle los humos a alguien
to bring someone to heel poner a alguien en vereda
That final scene was so moving! It brought a lump to my throat. Peter's performance of 'Hamlet' really brought down the house. Nowadays it's very common for both parents to bring home the bacon. Mike's arrogance brings out the worst in him. It's so annoying! The next time he yells at you I'll bring him down a peg or two. My sister didn't want to do her homework but my dad soon brought her to heel.
to bring someone to their knees derrotar a alguien
to bring something to a close terminar algo
to bring something to light sacar algo a ala luz
to bring something to mind recordar algo
to bring up the rear cerrar la marcha
The Germans were brought to their knees by the Allies in 1945. The evening was brought to a close with a speech by Mr. Philips. The human genome was only brought to light a few years ago. Sinatra's music always brings me good memories to mind. My horse is the one bringing up the rear.
To call
to call a halt to something
suspender algo
to call a spade a spade llamar al pan, pan y al vino, vino
to call in sick dar parte de enfermo
to call it a day terminar, dejar para otro día
to call it quits terminar, quedar en paz
to call someone names insultar a alguien
It started to rain so we had to call the parade to a halt. Jack's really straight-forward, he really calls a spade a spade. Emily's not coming to work today, she called in sick. We've been working for hours, you're all tired, let's call it a day. Jo and Bill decided to call it quits, they broke up. All of a sudden, Peter started to call me names, I was shocked!
to call someone's bluff descubrirle a alguien la farolada
to call something into question
poner algo en duda
to call something to mind acordarse de algo
to call the shots/tune mandar, tener la última palabra
to call to account pedirle cuentas a alguien
to call to heel poner a alguien en vereda
I knew the thief had a fake gun so I called his bluff. If you accuse my father of murder you're calling his innocence into question! Every time I hear Bob Marley it calls my trip to Jamaica to mind. Dr. McNeill, our chief of surgery, is the one who calls the shots. The teacher called me to account for something I didn't do! That's not fair! The new secretary thought she could do whatever she wanted but the boss
called her to heel.
To carry
to carry a torch for estar enamorado de alguien
to carry coals to Newcastle echar agua en el mar
to carry the ball llevar la batuta
to carry the day salir victorioso
to carry weight tener mucho peso
Bob has carried a torch for Susan since high school. Those fancy private schools don't need that money. You're carrying coals to
Newcastle. As captain of the team, it's your job to carry the ball on the field. With five votes for and two against, my proposal carried the day. What you do carries a lot of weight in the kids' behavior.
To cast
to cast doubt on poner en duda
to cast pearls before swine
echarles margaritas a los cerdos
to cast the first stone tirar la primera piedra
The new evidence cast doubt on the defended's alibi. You know Jim won't follow your advice, you're casting pearls before swine! You've made mistakes too! Who are you to cast the first stone?
To catch
to catch sight/a glimpse of
vislumbrar
to catch off-guard agarrar desprevenido
to catch one's breath recobrar el aliento
to catch red-handed atrapar con las manos en la masa
to catch some rays tomar un poco de sol
to catch some z's dormir un poco
I was driving down Lincoln Ave. and I caught a glimpse of the new mall. Liz had to stop a few times to catch her breath while we were running. Rob's wife was cheating on him and he caught her red-handed! I just can't wait to get to the beach and catch some rays! Why don't you go lie down for a while and try to catch some z's?
To come
to come a long way llegar lejos
to come alive animarse
to come apart at the seams venirse abajo
to come clean sincerarse
to come down the pike aparecer, acercarse
to come full circle volver al punto de partida
When I first started I was just a clerk, now I own the bank. I've come a long way.
The party came alive when the band started to play. After ten years of marriage, their relationship came apart at the seams and
they got divorced. The murderer felt guilty and he finally came clean. He's in jail now. Johnny Depp's new movie is coming down the pike and we can't wait to see
it! I've come full circle in this job and it's time for me to move on.
to come home to roost pagar las consecuencias
to come in handy venir bien, resultar útil
to come of age llegar a la mayoría de edad
to come one's way venir hacia alguien
to come out in the wash arreglarse todo
to come to a halt pararse, detenerse
If you copy an essay from the internet and hand it in as your own, you'll come home to roost.
That extra flashlight sure came in handy the other night at the camping site. My children have all come of age but they will always be my babies. Do you know that man? He's coming our way and waving at you. Don't worry, I'm sure this problem will come out in the wash very soon. The whole process came to a halt because one of the machines broke down.
to come to an end terminar
to come to blows irse a las manos
to come to grief fracasar
to come to grips with enfrentarse con
to come to light salir a la luz
to come to mind recordar, ocurrírsele algo a alguien
The conversation came to an end when Sally entered the room. Can't we just settle this matter without having to come to blows? Kate's plans to go to Harvard came to grief when she got that rejection
letter. Harry has started to come to grips with the subject, but he still doesn't like it. The whole truth came to light when Pat confessed she had stolen the bag. Try to think of an idea for the party, something good will come to mind.
to come to one's senses recobrar el conocimiento
to come to terms aceptar
to come true hacerse realidad
to come up smelling of roses aparecer contento
Susan suddenly fainted but she came to her senses a few seconds later. Helen hasn't come to terms with the fact that her husband's dead.
When you make a wish, you shouldn't say it out loud or else it won't come true.
Senator Stern was the only one who came up smelling of roses after the drug scandal.
To cut
to cut a deal hacer un trato
to cut a fine figure causar una buena impresión
to cut a long story short hacerla corta
to cut a swath abrirse paso
to cut and paste cortar y pegar
to cut and run salir corriendo
I think I cut a good deal for the Mercedes. If you want to cut a fine figure at the interview, dress appropriately. To cut a long story short, Meg found Dan at a hospital. The fire cut swath through the woods and destroyed everything in its way. Just select the text and then cut and paste. It's easy. When I saw my ex coming toward me I just wanted to cut and run.
to cut both ways ser un arma de doble filo
to cut capers hacer cabriolas
to cut class/school hacerse la rata, faltar a clase
to cut corners ahorrar esfuerzos
to cut it fine dejar algo para último momento
to cut no ice with someone
no tener importancia para alguien
We need a cat to get rid of the rats but my mom hates cats. It cuts both ways!
The kids were cutting capers to get our attention. Billy's been cutting school and going to the park with his friends. Giving your kid whatever he wants to shut him up is just cutting corners! I'm always late for everything because I cut everything fine! After that strong argument they had, Phil cuts no ice with Stacey.
to cut off one's nose to spite one's face
tirar piedras contra el propio tejado
to cut one's losses cortar por lo sano
to cut one's teeth on something
adquirir experiencia en algo
to cut someone dead negarle el saludo a alguien
to cut someone some slack no ser tan severo con alguien
to cut someone to the quick herir en lo más profundo
You can't just quit because the boss shouted at you! You'll be cutting off your nose to spite your own face.
We were very unhappy together so we decided to cut our losses and get separated.
When I graduated as a lawyer, I cut my teeth on a small law firm in San Francisco.
Is Kim mad at me? I saw her the other day and said 'hi' but she cut me dead! Cut the poor boy some slack! He only got a C on the test, it's not that bad! Carrie really cut me to the quick when she told me I was a lousy mother.
to cut the ground from under someone's feet
serrucharle el piso a alguien
to cut the mustard estar a la altura de las circunstancias
to cut to the chase ir al grano
The new accountant cut the ground from under my feet and now he's got my job!
I auditioned for a role in the school play but I didn't cut the mustard.
When we were all there we cut to the chase and started talking about the problem.
To do
to do a 180 dar media vuelta
to do a double-take reaccionar tardíamente
to do a job on someone hacerle una trastada a alguien
to do an about-face/about-turn
cambiar de postura
to do as I say hacer lo que yo digo
to do drugs consumir drogas
The soldier did a 180 and ran to tell the sergeant what the colonel said. I saw the car crash and I was so shocked I did a double-take before I called
911. That Lou did a job on me by telling the boss I wasn't willing to work on
Saturday! I'm going camping with you! My parents did an about-turn over letting me
go! Come on, Tim, be a good boy and do as I say. Alan's doing drugs again. His parents are sending him to a rehab clinic.
to do justice to hacer justicia
to do one's best/utmost hacer todo lo posible
to do one's bit hacer su parte
to do one's homework prepararse bien
to do one's own thing hacer la suya
to do someone tener sexo con alguien
Miss Spencer! The pictures don't do justice to your stunning beauty! The taylor said he'd do his best to fix my jacket. My brother's already talked to my dad, now I have to do my bit. You want to know how I got this job? I did my homework. My friends are all into drugs but I'm not, I just do my own thing. Everybody's doing somebody at the office. It's like a soap opera!
to do someone proud ser motivo de orgullo para alguien
to do someone's head in
quemarle a alguien la cabeza
to do someone wrong portarse mal con alguien
to do the honors hacer los honores
to do the trick solucionar el tema
to do time cumplir condena
to do well encontrarse bien
Our son did us proud when he got his Ph.D in Biology. I don't know what to do! This decision is doing my head in! Angela did Peter wrong when she refused to help him study for his test. Alice asked me if I would do her the honor of being her son's godmother. If you have a run on your stocking, just cover it with nail polish. That'll do the
trick. The man was convicted and he did time for a crime he didn't commit. My mother is doing quite well, thank you for asking!
To draw
to draw a blank no encontrar nada
to draw the line at something
poner/tener un límite
to draw the line (between) diferenciar
to draw a veil over something
correr un velo sobre algo
to draw an inference sacar una conclusión
to draw attention to llamar la atención sobre
to draw fire generar controversia, alborotar
Jess tried calling Sam on his cell but she drew a blank. You can't let your son do whatever he wants, you must draw the line at some
point. Natalie just can't draw the line between love and obsession. Tom's parents have drawn a veil over his suicide, they never talk about it. The police haven't drawn any inference from what the witness said. I was having lunch and a bird drew my attention to the window. When we were kids, and my dad got mad at my sister I used to draw his fire.
To drop
to drop a bombshell tirar una bomba
to drop a brick/clanger/the ball meter la pata
to drop a line escribir unas líneas
to drop dead morirse
to drop into one's lap caer del cielo
Tim and Angela are getting married! They dropped the bombshell yesterday at dinner.
I dropped a brick, didn't I? I knew I should've kept my mouth shut! I got an e-mail from Emma, she dropped me a line last Monday. Joe came to ask me to forgive him for cheating on me but I told him to drop
dead. I won a trip to Paris! Can you believe it? It just dropped into my lap!
to drop like flies caer como moscas
to drop one's guard bajar la guardia
to drop out of sight perderse de vista
to drop someone like a hot potato
no querer saber nada más de alguien
The kids dropped like flies after a long day in the park. As soon as his opponent dropped his guard Frank knocked him out and won
the fight. The cat was here but then she darted off and dropped out of sight. When her drug problem came out, the people at the agency dropped her like
a hot potato.
To eat
to eat crow tener que reconocer un error
to eat like a bird comer como un pajarito
to eat like a pig comer como un cerdo, como lima nueva
to eat one's heart morirse de envidia
out
Amy had to eat crow after I defeated her at chess, she'd said I'd never do it. My dad's worried about my little sister, he says she eats like a bird. I should get some exercise, I've been eating like a pig lately. Liz was eating her heart out when she saw Susan dancing with Paul!
to eat one's words tragarse las palabras
to eat someone alive/for breakfast
comerse a alguien crudo
to eat someone out of house and home
dejarle la despensa vacía a alguien
to eat one's fill comer bien
Astrologers often have to eat their words when their predictions fail That teacher eats you alive if you don't do your homework. I have to go to the supermarket again. My nephew is eating me out of house
and home! Labradors and Golden Retrievers eat their fill. They'll eat anything you give
them!
To fall
to fall all over oneself desvivirse
to fall apart (at the seams) venirse abajo
to fall asleep quedarse dormido
to fall between two stools nadar entre dos aguas
to fall by the wayside quedarse en el camino
to fall flat no tener gracia
I fall all over myself to please my parents but they're never satisfied! Ann had a really tough week and yesterday she fell apart. The movie was so boring that I fell asleep as soon as it started. Mary fell between two stools and didn't know wether to choose the red or the
black skirt. Thousands of people audition for reality shows but most of them fall by the
wayside. Ken's jokes always fall flat because nobody gets them.
to fall for someone hook, line and sinker
enamorarse locamente
to fall for something creerse algo, caer en la trampa
to fall from grace caer en desgracia
to fall (head over heels) in love enamorarse locamente
to fall ill caer enfermo
to fall in/to line actuar conforme a las reglas
Ian fell for Heather hook, line and sinker the moment he met her. I'm not going to fall for that again! It's all a lie! Nick really fell from grace when he dropped out of school. My parents fell head over heels in love with each other and have remained
so through the years. It's raining quite heavily, take an unbrella or else you'll fall ill. If Mr. Smith's actions fall into line there's nothing we can do against him.
to fall into place encajar
to fall into a trap caer en una trampa
to fall into one's lap caer del cielo
to fall on deaf ears caer en oídos sordos
to fall on one's feet caer de pie
To fall to pieces caerse a pedazos
At first I didn't know what was going on but then everything fell into place. The offer sounded so good that we fell into the trap but it was all a scam. You have to work to earn your money! Or do you expect it to just fall into
your lap? Scientists keep warning people about the sun's UV-rays but their warnings
seem to fall on deaf ears. Paul tried to blame me for the missing money but I managed to fall on my
feet. Every time the other team attacked our whole defense fell to pieces! That's
why we lost!
To get
to get a break tener una oportunidad
to get a grip on oneself controlarse
to get a handle on/the hang of something
encontrarle la mano/vuelta a algo
to get a kick out of something
encontrar placer en algo
to get a life vivir (un poco) la vida
to get a line on someone obtener información acerca de alguien
I play the guitar at a pub on Thursdays but one day I hope I get my break. Mary, get a grip on yourself! You're hysterical! The new clerk got the hang of it really fast, he's good! At first I didn't like playing soccer but I soon learnt to get a kick out of it. You can't just stay home watching TV every Saturday night! You need to get
a life!
The yellow press always finds a way to get a line on celebrities.
to get a load of something fijarse en algo
to get a move on darse prisa
to get a raw deal sufrir un trato injusto
to get a rise out of someone burlarse de alguien
to get a word in edgewise meter un bocadillo
to get better/well mejorarse
Oh dear! Get a load of that man! He looks just like Brad Pitt! Emily, get a move on! We're going to be late for the ceremony! What have I done to get such a raw deal? This isn't fair! Don't listen to Jen, she's just getting a rise out of you, that's all. My date was so boring! The guy kept talking, I couldn't get a word in
edgewise! The doctor gave me an antibiotic so I hope I'll get better in a few days.
to get blood out of a stone pedirle peras al olmo
to get carried away dejarse llevar
to get caught in something quedar atrapado en algo
to get caught up in something quedar involucrado en algo
to get cold feet echarse atrás
to get down to brass tacks/business
ir al grano
Asking my dad to lend me his car is like getting blood out of a stone. Paula and I got carried away and spent almost two hours talking over the
phone. I'm sorry for being late. I got caught in the elevator for twenty minutes. Senator Hook got caught up in a scandal and had to resign.
Don't worry, dear. It's very common for brides to get cold feet minutes before the wedding.
Everyone at the office got down to business and started working on the project.
to get even with someone
ajustar cuentas con alguien
to get fresh with someone
propasarse con alguien
to get going ponerse en marcha
to get high drogarse
to get hell aguantarse una bronca
to get in on the ground floor
estar involucrado desde el principio
Bruce's parents were murdered and now he's sworn to get even with the murderer.
Some drunk guy tried to get fresh with my girlfriend but I sent him away. Honey, we need to get going or we'll lose our plane. Peter got so high the other night that he almost had an overdose. No! I won't get hell from mom and dad again for something you did! The project wouldn't have been possible without Jane. She got in on the ground
floor.
to get in someone's hair molestar a alguien
to get in on the act lograr tomar parte en el asunto
to get into the swing of things
agarrale la mano a algo
to get into trouble meterse en problemas
to get involved involucrarse
to get it/your act together organizarse
to get laid tener sexo
I can't stand Roger! He's always getting in my hair! It's so annoying! We didn't want Jeff to be in the play but somehow he got in on the act. You may find it difficult at first but you'll soon get into the swing of things. How did such a nice boy like you get into so much trouble? After a long depression, Rob got it together and redid his life. Andy doesn't want to fall in love, he just wants to get laid.
to get nowhere no llegar a ningún lado
to get off one's back/case dejar a alguien en paz
to get off one's tail dejar de holgazanear
to get off the ground despegar
to get off to a good start empezar con el pie derecho
to get on in years ya no ser tan joven
This relationship is getting nowhere, can't you see? Brian, get off my back! Can't you see I'm busy here? Mark, get off your tail and help me with the cleaning, will you? Our business finally got off the ground thanks to Mr. Henderson. You'll need to have everything planned if you want to get off to a good start. Meg's depressed because she says she'getting on in years and she's still single.
to get on someone's nerves
crisparle los nervios a alguien
to get one's bearing orientarse
to get one's comeuppance recibir su merecido
to get one's hopes up ilusionarse
to get one's money's worth
sacar partido a algo
to get one's own way salirse con la suya
I hate that song. every time I hear it, it gets on my nerves. It took us some time to get on our bearings and find the way to the cottage. The villain gets his comeuppance by the end of the movie. I've applied to go to Yale, I haven't had an answer yet, I don't want to get my
hopes up. I bought this leather jacket three years ago but it still looks new. I really got
my money's worth. Don't bother trying to stop Martha, she'll get her way anyway.
to get one's wires crossed tener un malentendido
to get religion fanatizarse
to get rid of deshacerse de
to get rolling comenzar
to get sick vomitar
to get someone wrong malinterpretar a alguien
I thought Kim told me she would be at Tom's but it was at Tim's, I got my wires crossed.
Grace never was a religious woman, now she got religion with Buddhism. When will you get rid of those hideous jeans? All right, people, let's get rolling, we've got lots of work to do! Dina got sick because she had eaten two hamburgers, one hot dog and two
slices of pizza. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to stay but I'm really tired and I have a long way
home.
to get someone's back up/goat irritar a alguien
to get the ax ser despedido
to get the better of someone vencer a alguien
to get the feel of something acostumbrarse a algo
to get the message/picture entender, darse cuenta
to get the show on the road ponerse manos a la obra
Kate has such a shrill voice that every time I hear her she gets my back up. The last secretary got the ax because she was a disaster. Phil's a great tennis player and he got the better of me on the court. At first she thought the bed wasn't very comfortable but she got the feel of
it. Pat was winking at me and I didn't know why but when I saw my ex I got the
message. It took us some time to get the show on the road but we finally did it.
to get the word out hacer correr la voz
to get the worst of something llevarse la peor parte
to get the wrong end of the stick entender todo mal
to get to the bottom/heart of something
llegar al fondo de algo
to get to the point llegar al extremo
to get under someone's skin afectar, molestar a alguien
We're playing at the Marquee next week, we have to get the word out. Liz and Pam were in a car crash, Pam's OK but Liz is in hospital, she got the
worst part of it. No, you got the wrong end of the stick, Peter is my father and Charles is my
uncle. Everybody's working hard to get to the bottom of this, we'll find the people
responsible. Some people become so obsessed with a celebrity that they get to the point
of killing them! Andrew is so annoying, I just look at him and he gets under my skin!
to get up a good head of steam
tomar impulso
to get up on the wrong side of bed
levantarse con el pie izquierdo
to get wind of something enterarse de algo
to get wise to someone's game
enterarse del juego de alguien
My career got a good head of steam after I met my current manager, Jack. Sam got up on the wrong side of the bed, he missed his bus, arrived late and
his computer caught a virus. We've just got wind of Tina's dirty lilttle secret! Robert was trying to fool me but I got wise to his game.
To give
to give a bad name to something
dar mala fama a algo
to give someone a black eye
dejarle un ojo morado a alguien
to give a damn/fuck/hoot/shit
importar un comino/un cuerno/un pepino
to give a good account of oneself
lucirse
to give a hand dar una mano
to give an inch ceder un centímetro
All this corruption gives a bad name to the government and the country. One of the kids at school gave Joey a black eye during the break! Fine! Go and do whatever you like! I don't give a damn! Emily gave a good account of herself playing Ophelia. I can give you a hand with your homework if you want. The workers aren't willing to give an inch and the strike continues.
to give and take dar y recibir
to give birth to dar a luz
to give chase to someone
salir en busca de alguien
to give ground ceder terreno
to give it all you've got darle a algo con todas tus fuerzas
to give it a rest terminar con el asunto
If you want our relationship to work, you have to give and take. Sheena, our dog, gave birth to seven puppies! A man snatched Martha's purse and she gave chase to him. Are you willing to give ground on your demands? Grab the hammer with both hands and give it all you've got! Will you give it a rest? I've heard you, now shut up!
to give it a shot/whirl intentar algo
to give it to someone straight
decirle algo a alguien de una vez
to give one's eye teeth/right arm
dar lo que fuera, dar un ojo de la cara
to give one's word dar el verbo, prometer
to give pause (for thought)
dar que pensar
to give rise to something dar lugar a algo
I'd never surfed before so I decided to give it a shot. Don't keep me in suspense and give it to me straight! What happened? Oh, I'd give my right arm to see Led Zeppelin in concert! Peter gave me his word that he would be here for my birthday. Dr. Green's speech on global warming gave us pause. The new tax policy gave rise to harsh criticism from the opposition.
to give someone a bad/hard/rough time
mortificar a alguien
to give someone a break dejar a alguien en paz
to give someone a call/ring llamar por teléfono a alguien
to give someone a hint lanzar una indirecta
to give someone a lift llevar en auto a alguien
to give someone a run for his money
hacerle sudar tinta a alguien
My boss gave me a harsh time today because I was two minutes late. Ellen, give the poor girl a break! She only made a little mistake! Fred said he'd give me a call if he had any news about Chris. Joe gave me a hint about Mike's secret party but I didn't get it. Hank gave me a ilft home in his new car. The coach gave me a run for my money on the field but he beat me.
to give someone a taste of their own medicine
darle a alguien una cucharada de su propia medicina
to give someone a wide berth
evitar a alguien
to give someone hell echarle una bronca a alguien
to give someone his head dejar a alguien obrar a su antojo
to give someone the third degree
acribillar a alguien a preguntas
to give someone the ax/boot
despedir a alguien
Tom cheated on Ann but she cheated on him and gave him a taste of his own medicine.
Sue's terrified of cats. Whenever she sees one she gives a wide berth to it. The other driver gave Kate hell because she stopped at the yellow light. Many parents give their children their head and they become spoiled. When my dad met my first boyfriend he gave the poor boy the third degree. Mr. Daniels gave me the ax but he never gave me a good reason.
to give someone the benefit darle a alguien elbeneficio de
of the doubt la duda
to give someone the cold shoulder
ignorar completamente a alguien
to give someone the creeps darle escalofríos a alguien
to give someone the evil eye fulminar con la mirada
to give someone the slip lograr escaparse de alguien
to give someone the runaround
jugar con alguien, tomarle el pelo
I phoned Henry and he didn't sound sick but I just gave him the benefit of the doubt.
You should've seen them! I was all alone at the party, they all gave me the cold shoulder!
I can't watch horror movies. They give me the creeps! When Greg spilt coffe on the new carpet Mary gave him the evil eye. A man was following me in a black car but I gave him the slip turning on 5th
Avenue. It's true then! Ian told me he was gay and he wasn't giving me the runaround!
to give something a once-over
dar un vistazo a algo
to give the lie to something
desmentir algo
to give the shirt off one's back
darle hasta la camiseta a alguien
to give to understand dar a entender
to give up the ghost darse por vencido
to give vent to something dar rienda suelta a algo
Once you finish the sketch, give it to me so I can give it a once-over. These facts give the lie to the Governor's claim that crime is going down. Phil gave Bob the shirt off his back when he had no job and no home.
I was given to understand that the conference was in the main hall but apparently it wasn't.
My old bike gave up the ghost and now I have to buy a new one. Teachers should give vent to the children's imagination in class.
to give voice to something expresar algo
to give way dar paso, ceder
It would be good for you if you gave voice to what you're feeling. The old wooden beam is going to give way if you don't fix it.
To go
to go against the grain ir contra de los principios de uno
to go a long way llegar lejos
to go along for the ride aprovechar el aventón
to go ape/bonkers/crazy/nuts/wild volverse loco
to go around in circles dar vueltas
to go around the bend/ballistic/bananas/berserk
enfurecerse, volverse loco
John thinks it goes against the grain to walk if you have a car. Keep up the good work, son, and you'll go a long way. The kids were playing cards and they invited me to join them so I went along
for the ride. My dog loves kids, he goes bonkers whenever he seees my 7-year-old niece.
We've been going around in circles, we need to find a solution now! My mom went berserk when she saw the mess we'd made in the kitchen.
to go astray extraviarse, descarriarse
to go at a good clip a toda velocidad
to go at it trabajar mucho
to go bad echarse a perder
to go belly up/bust quebrar
to go broke arruinarse
This month's report has misteriously gone astray. We saw a car going at a good clip a few minutes ago. When Peter likes doing something he really goes at it. The milk's been in the fridge for ages, no wonder it's gone bad. I had a small business but it went belly-up in 2001. If you keep spending all your money like that you'll go broke.
to go by the board dejar a un lado, irse por la borda
to go by the name of hacerse llamar
to go downhill ir cuesta abajo
to go easy on someone no ser muy severo con alguien
to go fly a kite/jump in the lake
irse a freír espárragos
to go for a spin ir a dar un paseo (en auto)
All the efforts to keep the peace went by the board with the last terrorist attack.
Here's a picture of the man we're looking for. He goes by the name of Thomas Hansen.
Things just went downhill after I lost my job. Go easy on Sally, the accident wasn't her fault.
Jen didin't stop talking and I needed to study so I told her to go fly a kite. Simon and I are going for a spin, we'll be back in an hour!
to go for broke jugarse el todo por el todo
to go for the jugular tirar a matar
to go great guns ir viento en popa
to go haywire desbaratarse, volverse loco
to go into a huddle hacer grupo aparte
to go into detail entrar en detalles
I couldn't study much for the test but I went for broke and sat for it. During the debate, one of the candidates went for the jugular and talked
about the bribes. My business is going great guns. I already have a lot of clients. I don't know what happened, the machine was working perfectly but then it
went haywire! They were talking about me because they went into a huddle as soon as I
came in. Just give me the most important facts, you don't have to go into details.
to go it alone hacer algo por su cuenta
to go native adoptar las costumbres de un país
to go on record anunciar públicamente
to go one's own way irse por su lado
to go overboard entusiasmarse locamente
to go places llegar lejos
After ten years as a band, each member decided to go it alone. You've only lived here for two months and you've already gone native! The President's opinion on the matter will go on the record tomorrow. It'll be better for both of us if we go our own way. When we told the kids we were going to Disneyland they went overboard.
You have to work if you want to go places.
to go public revelar algo
to go steady formalizar una relación
to go strong ir bien
to go the distance llegar hasta el final
to go the extra mile ir más allá
to go the whole hog no quedarse a medio camino
It took some years for the whole affair to go public. We've been going out for six months! It's about time we go steady! Our company's stock is going strong, we're very pleased. The blue team was losing but they didn't give up and went the distance. You can't just do an average job to get promoted, you have to go the extra
mile. I was just going to get a nose job but I decided to go the whole hog and get a
liposuction.
to go through the motions cumplir con las formalidades
to go through the roof irse por las nubes
to go to any/great lengths hacer todo lo posible
to go to any trouble tomarse la molestia
to go to bat for someone darle una mano a alguien
to go to bed with someone irse a la cama con alguien
All this paperwork is just part of the procedure, just to go through the motions.
Prices went through the roof due to inflation during the 80's. I am willing to go to any lengths to find my daughter. Please, don't go to any trouble, I can sleep on the floor. Helen's going through a difficult time and I'm going to go to bat for her. A millionaire offers him a lot of money to let him go to bed with his wife.
to go to hell irse al infierno/demonio
to go to hell in a handbasket/the dogs
ir de mal en peor
to go to one's head subírsele a la cabeza
to go to pieces sufrir un ataque de nervios, venirse abajo
to go to pot echarse a perder, venirse abajo
to go to the wall fracasar
to go to town on something
tirar la casa por la ventana, no escatimar en nada
If Marty comes bothering you again just tell him to go to hell. The business wasn't doing well but it went to hell in a handbasket after the
crisis. Nobody stands Sheryl now that she's famous because fame has gone to her
head. Mrs. Cook went to pieces when they told her about the accident. If we don't take this project seriously, it'll go to pot. The company went to the wall because of a lack of investment. My dad's turning fifty and he's going to town on his birthday. He wants a big
party!
to go to show demostrar
to go to waste echarse a perder
to go too far ir demasiado lejos
to go up in smoke quedar en la nada
to go with the flow seguir la corriente
to go without saying demás está decir
to go wrong equivocarse, salir mal
That witch won the pageant? This goes to show that you don't have to be pretty to be a beauty queen.
We have to eat all this rice or it will go to waste. The interviewer went too far when he asked her about her drug problem. We always talk about going to Greece but all our plans go up in smoke. I used to get very upset when my parents had a fight but then I just went
with the flow. I'm dropping out of Med school. It goes without saying that my parents are
furious. Everything was going according to plan but something went wrong and the
plan failed.
To hang
to hang fire suspender las operaciones
to hang a left/right doblar a la izquierda/derecha
to hang by a thread/in the balance
pender de un hilo
to hang loose quedarse tranquilo
When you get to the corner of Washington Road and Maple Street, hang a left.
My job as an accountant at the company is hanging by a thread! The Chinese course hung fire because not enough people signed up for it. Don't worry, I'll take care of your dog. You go to Hawaii and hang loose.
to hang on every/someone's word
estar pendiente de la palabra de alguien
to hang on like grim death
no soltar la presa
to hang tough on mantenerse firme en algo
something
to hang up one's hat colgar los botines, retirarse
Every time my grandfather tells one of his stories, we all hang on his every word.
The thief had already gone away but I was still hanging on to my mom's arm like grim death.
If you both hang tough on your attitude, you'll never get to an agreement. After almost fifty years working as a surgeon, doctor Reynolds decided to
hang up his hat.
To have
to have a ball/fun divertirse
to have a clear conscience tener la conciencia tranquila
to have a clue tener idea
to have a fit tener un ataque de histeria
to have a crack/go/shot at something
intentar algo
to have a crush on someone estar encaprichado con alguien
The party was great, we all had a ball! I have a clear conscience, I've done nothing wrong. We asked the receptionist where Mr. Stone's office was but she didn't have a
clue. Every time my daughter leaves her grandmother's house, she has a fit.
Terry had never done radio before so she wanted to have a go at it. Peter had a crush on his English teacher when he was fifteen.
to have a good mind to tener ganas de
to have a hand in something
tener algo que ver
to have a a head for something
tener cabeza para algo
to have a hold over someone
tener a alguien a los pies
to have a leak hacer pis
to have a lot on one's plate
tener muchos asuntos entre manos
Susan has a good mind to take up tango lessons. Jo can't have done it all by herself, Tim must have had a hand in all this. You should study Medicine, you've always had a head for science. Beth really has a hold of Mick, that's not real love. You go buy something to eat and I'll go have a leak. I'll see you in the car. We haven't seen Sean lately, he must have a lot on his plate right now.
to have a say in something tener voz y voto en un asunto
to have a screw loose faltarle un tornillo a alguien
to have a soft spot/weakness for
tener debilidad por
to have a way with something
tener mano, saber tratar
to have an eye for something tener ojo para algo
to have deep pockets estar forrado en dinero
I'd love to help you but I'm afraid I don't have a say in the matter.
Our Chemistry teacher has a screw loose. She yells at us for nothing. Jimmy has always had a soft spot for my chocolate pudding. Liz has a way with my daughter, she's the only one little Emma pays
attention to. I've never had an eye for abstract art. It all looks like a bunch of doodles to
me. Tom Gunn has deep pockets. He's the president of a very important company.
to have designs for something
pretender algo
to have had enough of something
estar harto de algo
to have had it with something
haber tenido más que suficiente de algo
to have it both ways querer la chancha y los cinco reales
to have it coming vérselas venir
to have it in for someone tenérsela jurada a alguien
You'd better watch out for Mary, she's got designs on your fiancé. I've had enough of this attitude of yours! Go to your room! You're grounded! This printer has had it. It's beyond repair. You should get a new one. Make up your mind! You either stay with Tom or with Joe. You can't have it
both ways! Pete had it coming. He knew Janet would get mad if he bought that car. Harry has had it in for Jack ever since he betrayed him.
to have it in one ser capaz de hacer algo
to have it one's way hacer las cosas a su manera
to have nothing to do with no tener nada que ver con
to have one's eye on something
tener la mira en algo
to have one's hands full estar muyocupado
to have one's moments tener buenos momentos
I could never join the army, I don't have it in me to be a soldier. If you don't want to wear a helmet, fine, have it your way, but don't come
crying when you fall off. Don't look at me! I had nothing to do with that broken window pane. When Will has his eye on something, he'll stop at nothing to get it. Could you come back a little later? I have my hands full right now. Greg's never been a genius but he's had his moments.
to have one's wits about one
andar con mucho ojo, estar alerta
to have someone by the balls
tener a alguien bien agarrado
to have someone's ear tener la atención de alguien
to have something against someone
tener algo en contra de alguien
to have the balls/guts tener las pelotas/agallas
to have the blues estar melancólico
Joan's sucking up to the boss to get promoted, I've got her number. When I worked as a nightwatchman I had to have my wits about me. Jen told Ken she was pregnant and that the baby was his, she has him by the
balls now! Kurt has the boss's ear, he's the only one Mr. Jackson trusts. Brian will never confront his father. He just doesn't have the guts. Grace has the blues because her boyfriend has gone to live in Australia.
to have the final say tener la última palabra
to have the floor tener la palabra
to have to go tener que irse
to have to hand it to someone
tener que reconocerle algo a alguien
to have what it takes tener lo que hace falta
We can plan all the trips to Miami you want, but my dad has the final say. Mr. Thompson, please, don't interrupt me, I have the floor. Wait for your
turn. This guy has the makings of a rock star. He's going to be huge! Jimmy, I have to hand it to you, you're an amazing tennis player. Are you sure you have what it takes to be a high school teacher?
To hold
to hold a candle to someone
llegarle a los talones a alguien
to hold a grudge against someone
guardarle rencor a alguien
to hold a gun to someone's head
ponerle un arma a la cabeza a alguien
to hold all the aces tener todas las de ganar
to hold brief for something
abogar por algo
to hold court acaparar la atención
These new rock'n'roll bands don't hold a candle to those of the 60's and 70's. Bess has held a grudge against Kim ever since Kim stole her boyfriend from
her. Jake wouldn't lend you his car even if you held a gun to his head. Just becausse you're better prepared than the other candidates doesn't
mean you hold all the aces. Susan likes fur coats so she really holds no brief for animal rights. Adam's a really funny guy. He holds court with everyone at every party.
to hold good ser cierto
to hold it parar
to hold one's breath contener la respiración
To hold one's drink/liquor saber tomar
to hold one's head (up) high ir con la cabeza en alto
to hold one's horses parar el carro
The man's alibi didn't hold good, the surveilance tape showed him at the crime scene.
Hold it a minute, there's someone at the door, I'll go see who it is. How long can you hold your breath under water? Rose can hold her liquor! She had three pints, a gin and tonic, whiskey and
she was absolutely OK. Andrea always held her head up high no matter what the others said about
her. Hold your horses! Are you sure you want to move to New York?
to hold one's own saber defenderse
to hold one's tongue quedarse callado
to hold out an olive branch tender la mano en son de paz
to hold the fort hacerse cargo de algo
to hold the purse strings administrar el dinero
to hold water ser consistente
I thought Julia wouldn't hold her own against all the criticism. Martha will always tell you what you think even if it upsets you, she can't
hold her tongue. After not talking to Jim for a week, Amy held out an olive branch to him. Carol is holding the fort while the boss is away. You should ask her. My dad's the one who holds the purse strings at home. This new theory doesn't hold water. It's too far-fetched.
To jump
to jump a queue colarse
to jump down someone's throat
arremeter contra alguien
to jump out of one's skin llevarse un susto tremendo
to jump ship desertar
to jump the gun adelantarse a los hechos
to jump through hoops vérselas negras
to jump to comclusions precipitarse a sacar conclusiones
I really hate it when people jump the queue. It's rude! Kelly jumped down Mel's throat and told him he was a filthy liar. It was all quiet and suddenly there was such a bang that I jumped out of my
skin. Anna was doing a great job at the office, nobody knows why she jumped
ship. You're jumping the gun! You haven't even asked her out and you're planning
the wedding! Peter will have to jump through hoops if he wants Tracy to forgive him. We're jumping to conclusions. Just because he's a ballet dancer doesn't
mean he's gay!
To keep
to keep a civil tongue in one's head
ser respetuoso
to keep a lid on something mantener algo tapado
to keep a low profile tener perfil bajo
to keep a stiff upper lip mantener la compostura
to keep a straight face mantenerse serio
to keep a (weather) eye on something
vigilar algo (muy de cerca)
My mom always told me to keep a civil tongue in front of my elders. The Democrats kept a lid on the tax reform during the campaign. Johnny was the one from the four of us who kept a low profile. Mr. Jones always kept a stiff upper lip, even at his son's funeral. It was hard for me to keep a straight face in class when you said something
funny. Would you keep an eye on the kids while I take a shower?
to keep abreast/an ear to the ground
mantenerse al corriente
to keep an open mind tener una actitud abierta
to keep body and soul together sobrevivir
to keep company hacer compañía
to keep house ocuparse de la casa
to keep in mind recordar
As a journalist, you have to keep abreast of everything that happens in the world.
Jerry's grandad has always kept an open mind about new kinds of music. We were very poor and we could barely keep body and soul together. James stayed with Emma at the hospital to keep her company. I'm looking for a housekeeper since I work all day and don't have time to
keep house. Finding a present for Jess isn't hard if you keep in mind what she likes.
to keep (it) quiet hacer silencio
to keep long hours hacer algo durante horas
to keep one's chin up no desanimarse
to keep one's cool/head mantener la calma
to keep one's distance mantener distancia
to keep one's eye on the ball estar concentrado
Dan's going to propose to Amy but keep quiet, it's a secret! I'm worried about Ted, he keeps long hours in front of the computer. Keep your chin up, Frank! You'll find a job sooner or later. I can never keep my cool when I have an oral exam. It is always best to keep your distance from wild animals. Don't let anything else distract you, just keep your eye on the ball.
to keep one's eyes open tener los ojos abiertos
to keep one's fingers crossed tener los dedos cruzados
to keep one's head above water mantenerse a flote
to keep one's mouth shut mantener la boca cerrada
to keep one's nose clean no meterse en líos
to keep one's nose to the grindstone
trabajar como un enano
Keep your eyes open and tell me if something unusual happens. I hope you pass your test. I'll keep my fingers crossed! The company's not doing too well. We can barely keep our head above
water. This whole thing is supposed to be a secret so please, keep your mouth shut! I've been in jail before, that's why I'm trying to keep my nose clean. Jerry keeps his nose to the grindstone. He lives to work!
to keep one's own counsel guardar silencio
to keep one's powder dry estar al pie del cañón
to keep one's shirt on no sulfurarse
to keep pace llevar el mismo paso
to keep posted mantener al tanto
to keep tabs on no perder de vista
In this situation, sir, I think it would be advisable to keep your own counsel. James is a good friend. He has always kept his powder dry. Keep your shirt on, man! Perhaps you misunderstood what she said. I can't keep pace with you! You've got long legs! Mine are short! Will you please keep me posted on anything that happens? Lisa is insane. She wants to keep tabs on everything her boyfriend does.
to keep the ball rolling mantener las cosas en marcha
to keep the faith cumplir una promesa
to keep track llevar la cuenta, seguir la pista/el hilo
to keep under one's hat no decir una palabra
to keep up with the Joneses
no ser menos que los demás
to keep up with the times
no quedarse atrás, modernizarse
It doesn't matter if your partner isn't here, you have to keep the ball rolling. Why did you tell Billy you'd buy him a bike if you couldn't keep the faith with
him? The doctor keeps track of the progress of all of his patients. I'm not allowed to have pets at home so I kept the puppy under my hat. My neighbor likes to keep up with the Joneses. If we buy a grill, he buys one
too.
We have to keep up with the times if we want to attract the younger generations.
To lay
to lay a finger/hand on someone
ponerle un dedo encima a algiuen
to lay claim to something reclamar algo
to lay down the law dar órdenes
to lay eyes on something ver algo por primera ve
to lay it on the line no andarse con rodeos
to lay it on thick exagerar
If you lay a finger on my sister again, I'll kill you! When Mr. Lee died, everyone laid claim to his fortune. Nobody can stand Al. As soon as he gets to the office he lays down the law. I knew that boy would be trouble the moment I laid eyes on him. Listen, I'm just going to lay it on the line: I was expelled from school. I thought you'd lost your leg but it's only a scratch! Kim sure laid it on thick!
to lay one's cards on the table poner las cartas sobre la mesa
to lay someone low tirar a alguien abajo
to lay something at someone's door
echarle la culpa a alguien
to lay the blame on someone echarle la culpa a alguien
to lay waste devastar
We should all lay our cards on the table and decide who's got the best plan. Chris was laid low by a really strong flu. Every time I did something naughty I laid it at my older brother's door. We should first find out who did this instead of laying the blame on the first
man who appears. The earthquake has laid waste to the entire state of California.
To let
to let go of soltar
to let it all hang out/one's hair down
soltarse la melena, relajarse
to let it be dejar en paz
to let it drop that decir algo como si nada
to let nature take its course dejar que la naturaleza siga su curso
to let off steam desahogarse
Don't worry, I'll catch you, let go of the rail. When I get home from work, I put some music on and let it all hang out. Just tell the boy never to do it again and let it be. Andy suddenly let it drop that she was moving to Germany. I think we should let nature take its course, there's nothing we can do. Sometimes it's good to have a good cry, it helps you let off steam.
to let oneself go dejarse llevar
to let ride dejar pasar
to let rip at someone montar en cólera
to let sleeping dogs lie no empeorar las cosas
to let the cat out of the bag levantar la perdiz
You can't always think and calculate everything you do! You need to let yourself go!
This time I decided to let the incident ride but next time you won't be so lucky, understood?
My mom let rip at me because I failed all my exams. The boss is really angry, we should let sleeping dogs lie and not say a word. The bike was going to be a surprise for our son but John let the cat out of the
bag.
To lose
to lose count perder la cuenta
to lose face quedar mal
to lose ground perder terreno
to lose heart desanimarse
to lose one's cool perder la calma
to lose one's grip perder el control
to lose one's marbles perder la cabeza
I've lost count of the times I've seen this movie. I love it! Ed lost face before his mother-in-law when he yelled at his wife in front of
her. We can't lose ground on our demand when we're this close to win. After failing the test for the third time, Tim started to lose heart. Every time her son gets annoying Sarah loses her cool and shouts at him. Rob had too much to drink last night and he lost his grip. Lou came down to diner dreesed up as a baby. He's lost his marbles!
to lose one's mind/head volverse loco
to lose one's touch perder la habilidad
to lose one's train of thought perder el hilo de
to lose sight/track of perder de vista
to lose sleep over something desvelarse por algo
to lose touch perder contacto
Will says he talks to Jimi Hendrix everyday. He's losing his mind. Hank used to have all the girls at his feet but now he's lost his touch. I'm sorry, I lost my train of thought, what was I saying? Dina was talking to Jimmy's mom at the park and she lost sight of her son. If Ann doesn't want to talk to me it's her problem, I won't lose sleep over her. Most people lose touch with their high school classmates after leaving
school.
To make
to make a beeline for something
ir derechito a algo
to make a clean breast of it confesar algo
to make a clean sweep arrasar con todo
to make a dent in something llevarse buena parte, reducir
to make a difference importar, contribuir con algo
to make a face hacer una mueca
All the kids were making a beeline for the ice-cream truck. I used to watch Barney when I was 16. I had to make a clean breast out of it.
Green Day made a clean sweep of the awards last night. All these expensive shoes are making a dent in your budget. Some say the demonstrations against the war make no difference. There was an awful smell and we all started to make faces.
to make a fool of someone hacer quedar a alguien en ridículo
to make a fuss armar un escándalo
to make a killing hacer un buen negocio
to make a long story short hacerla corta
to make a mountain out of a molehill
ahogarse en un vaso de agua
to make a name for oneself hacerse de un nombre
Jane is always making a fool of her brother. I feel sorry for him. Do you always have to make such a fuss about everything? Stu made a killing on that BMW. Brand new for only 10,000 dollars. Paul met Beth at a party. To make a long story short, they fell in love and
they married. Stop it! You're making a mountain out of a molehill! It's only a button, I'll sew
it up! Frank is a big TV star but he really made a name for himself on the radio.
to make a pass at/play for someone
Insinuársele a alguien
to make a point of doing something
Procurar hacer algo
to make a splash Causar sensación
to make a stand Entrar en acción
to make a virtue of necessity Hacer de la necesidad una virtud
to make allowance for Tolerar algo
something
Deb looked so good that the guys tried to make a pass at her all the time. Don't worry, I'll make a point of sending the invitations tomorrow. Our new song is making a splash all over the world. How much longer do we have to wait before we make a stand? I had a free hour in between classes and I made a virtue of necessity and did
my homework then. We have to make allowance for Pedro's work . He doesn't speak our language.
to make amends compensar
to make an exhibition of oneself
ponerse en ridículo
to make capital out of something
sacar partido de algo
to make do arreglárselas
to make ends meet llegar a fin de mes
to make eyes at someone echar miraditas a alguien
Helen tried to make amends to Claire for ripping her dress and bought her a new one.
Every time Jeff gets drunk he makes an exhibition of himself. Sometimes employers make capital out of people's need to work and pay
them very little. The supermarket was closed so we had to make do with what little we had
that night. How do yo make ends meet with such low salaries? Bob was making eyes at Grace the other night but she wasn't interested.
to make free with something
usar algo como si fuera propio
to make fun of burlarse de
to make (it) good tener éxito
to make headway progresar
to make it lograrlo
to make it big triunfar a lo grande
Dan has been at my house for two days and he's already making free with my clothes!
Lilly! What did I tell you about making fun of other children? My car was completely destroyed by a tree but the insurance will make it
good. Tommy has difficulty in Maths but he is making headway little by little. This is great! I never thought I'd make it to the top of the mountain! Tony made it big with his invention. He's become rich!
to make it snappy darse prisa
to make light of something minimizar algo
to make love hacer el amor
to make mincemeat of someone
hacer picadillo a alguien
to make no bones about something
no ocultar algo, no andar con rodeos
to make one's blood boil hacerle hervir a alguien la sangre
Make it snappy, Louise! Everybody's waiting for us at the club! Politicians often make light of this issue but it's no laughing-matter. The other night, Danny and her girlfriend made love for the first time! Brazil made mincemeat of Italy at the friendly match. Alice makes no bones of speaking her mind. If she doen't like something
she'll tell you. Every time I hear the President talk it makes my blood boil!
to make one's blood run cold
hacer que a alguien se le hiele la sangre
to make one's day alegrarle el día a alguien
to make one's flesh crawl/creep
ponérsele la piel de gallina a alguien
to make one's hair stand on end
ponérsele los pelos de punta a alguien
to make one's mark dejar su impronta
to make one's mouth water
hacérsele a uno agua la boca
What I saw that day after the bombing made my blood run cold. Jack's visit made my day! I hadn't seen him for a long time. I don't like hospitals, they make my flesh crawl. This movie will make your hair stand on end. It's terrifying! The Beatles and the Rolling Stones made their mark on rock'n'roll history. The smell of that stew is making my mouth water!
to make one's peace with someone
hacer las paces con alguien
to make one's point expresar su opinión
to make oneself at home sentirse como en casa
to make sense tener sentido
to make short work of someone
hacer trizas a alguien
to make something of oneself hacer algo de su vida
Amy was mad at Jess for not inviting her to her wedding but they've made their peace with each other.
Ok, you've made your point and I respect it. Welcome! I hope you enjoy your stay here, make yourselves at home. Did you hear what he said? It din't make any sense! Sharapova made short work of Davenport at Wimbledon. Why don't you study and make something of yourself?
to make sure asegurarse
to make the best of it ponerle al mal tiempo buena cara
to make the grade dar la talla
to make the most of it sacar el mayor partido a algo
to make the rounds hacer las visitas
to make tracks largarse
Sammy made sure that Carol got the best doctor in the city. It was raining but we were on holiday so we decided to make the best of it. Our team really made the grade tonight by winning 5-0. It's hard to get an interview with this actor so I'll make the most of it! Doctor Cohen is making the rounds right now, you can wait for him over
here. The party was great but I had to get up early the following day and I made tracks
at 11.
to make up for lost time recuperar el tiempo perdido
to make up one's mind decidirse
to make waves causar problemas
to make whoopee armar jolgorio
Jay didn't like chocolate and now he loves it, he eats lots of it, he's making up for lost time!
What are you going to study? I haven't made up my mind yet. The workers want better working conditions and are starting to make waves. The whole class made whoopee when I told them we were going to a farm.
To pay
to pay one's respects to someone
presentarle sus respetos a alguien
to pay the price pagar el precio
to pay through the nose pagar un ojo de la cara
We're here to honor and pay our respects to this brilliant man. Carmen has lung cancer. She's paying the price for all the cigarettes she
smokes. Be careful with that vase! I paid through the nose for it!
To play
to play a waiting game dejar pasar el tiempo
to play ball cooperar
to play by ear tocar de oído
to play cat and mouse jugar al gato y al ratón
to play dirty jugar sucio
to play footsie acariciar con el pie
The doctors are playing a waiting game and my husband is getting worse! Everybody's willing to play ball for the good of the company. My son's a genius! He can play Beethoven by ear! The serial killer sends letters to the police, as if he were playing cat and
mouse. I don't like playing with Stan, he plays dirty. We were having dinner at this fancy restaurant and Susan started to play footsie
with me!
to play games ugar, engañar
to play hard to get hacerse el/la difícil
to play hooky hacerse la rabona, faltar a
clase
to play into someone's game seguirle el juego a alguien
to play it cool hacer como si nada
to play it safe ir a lo seguro
to play one's cards close to one's chest
no soltar prenda
Rob never loved Kelly, he was just playing games with her. Don't give yourself to him so easily! You have to play hard to get! Chris and I played hooky today and went to play video games. If we want to know what he's up to, we'll have to play into his game. When other kids made fun of me at school I just played it cool. Your previous essay was great but in this one you're just playing it safe. All we can do is wait and see what they do because they'll play their cards colse
to their chest.
to play one's cards right hacer una buena jugada
to play possum hacerse el dormido
to play second fiddle to someone
desempeñar un papel secundario
to play the field tantear el terreno
to play the fool hacer el tonto
to play to the gallery jugar para la galería
to play with fire jugar con fuego
If you play your cards right, you'll win the next presidential election. A pregnant woman got on the bus and everybody played possum not to give
her a seat. Ken thinks he's the boss at the office but he just plays second fiddle to Mr.
Peters. Kate played the field for some time before she got married. Melissa, stop playing the fool and start doing your homework!
If you want to sell your product, you'll have to play to the gallery. The judge is playing with fire trying to stop drug dealers.
To pull
to pull a fast one hacer una jugarreta
to pull a face hacer una mueca
to pull (a few) strings mover (algunos) hilos
to pull a rabbit out of the hat sacar algo de la galera
to pull no punches no andarse con chiquitas
to pull one's socks up ponerse las pilas
The guy told me this was genuine leather but he pulled a fast one on me! It's imitation!
The baby sucked on half a lemon and pulled faces. My dad pulled a few strings and got me a job at Microsoft. We thought there was nothing else we could do but Tom pulled a rabbit out
of the hat. Dave pulls no punches when he writes a complaint letter. You'll have to pull your socks up if you want to improve your grades.
to pull one's weight poner de su parte
to pull oneself up by the bootstraps
salir adelante sin ayuda de nadie
to pull someone's leg tomarle el pelo a alguien
to pull the plug on something cancelar algo
to pull the rug from under someone
fastidiarle los planes a alguien
to pull up stakes levantar campamento
to pull the wool over someone's eyes
engañar a alguien
What? I do pull my weight! I work as hard as anybody else around here! Al never had anyone, no family, he pulled himself up by the bootstraps. Come on! Seriously? Joe can't be 40. You're pulling my leg! The boss pulled the plug on the project because it wasn't profitable. They've taken away my scholarship and they've pulled the rug from under
my feet! After living in the city for five years, we pulled up stakes and moved to the
countryside. Adam said he would pay our bills if we gave him the money. He was pulling
the wool over our eyes!
To put
to put a damper on something
aguar la fiesta
to put a lid on it callarse
to put all your eggs in one basket
jugárselo todo a una carta
to put an end to poner punto final
to put down roots echar raíces
to put ideas into someone's head
meterle ideas a alguien en la cabeza
Two guys started to fight, and that put a damper on the party. His wife decided to put a lid on her husband's affair for the sake of the kids.
Don't put all your eggs in one basket. You should apply for other universities. Joe was too overcome with grief for his wife's death and he put an end to
himself. After spending years going here and there, Deb put down roots in France. Sam's been putting ideas into Tom's head about quitting school and starting a
rock band!
to put in a good word for someone
interceder por alguien
to put a lead in one's pencil ser un afrodisíaco
to put on airs/the dog darse tono
to put on the map poner en el mapa
to put one's back into it poner empeño en algo
to put one's best foot forward apretar el paso
A friend of Bob's put in a good word for me at the English Department in Oxford.
I took Pam to this restaurant and I ordered shrimp to put a lead on my pencil.
Jen puts on airs because she's moved to L.A. but she's no better than us! It was their second album, 'Morning Glory', that put Oasis on the map. I can finish the house by next month if I put my back into it. We were already ten minutes late for the meeting so we put our best foot
forward.
to put one's finger on it decir exactamente qué es
to put one's foot down imponerse, no ceder
to put one's foot in it meter la pata
to put one's house in order poner sus asuntos en orden
to put one's shoulder to the wheel
arrimar el hombro
To put one's thinking cap on usar la materia gris
Sometghing's going on with Sarah but I can't put my finger on it. The man insisted on going to Miss Hilton's room but the receptionist put his
foot down. Jake really put his foot in it when he told the boss his daughter was hot. Why doesn't Eric put his own house in order before telling me what to do? The project doesn't go forward because you don't put your shoulder to the
wheel. If you put your thinking cap on you'll do the test in twenty minutes.
to put out feelers tantear el terreno
to put someone at ease hacer que alguien se relaje
to put someone in his place poner a alguien en su lugar
to put someone out of his misery
acabar con el sufrimiento de alguien
to put someone off their stride
distraer a alguien
to put someone through the mill/his paces
someter a alguien a duras pruebas
We have to put out a few feelers before launching the product into the market.
The teacher told us what the test would be like and she put us at ease. Tommy was acting like a spoiled little brat so I put him in his place. The poor dog was dying and there was nothing we could do but to put him
out of his misery. I can't study with music or the TV turned on, it puts me off my stride. Joe was put through the mill to get that job at the hospital.
to put that in your pipe and smoke it
¡chúpate eso!
to put the cart before the horse
hacer las cosas al revés
to put the fear of God into someone
darle un susto de muerte a alguien
to put the heat on someone presionar a alguien
to put the skids under something
hacer fracasar algo
to put to death ejecutar
Our team beat yours! Put that in your pipe and smoke it! Ann's putting the cart before the horse, tha race hasn't even begun and
she's already celebrating. You shoud've seen Mary's face when she saw us on the window! We put the
fear of God into her! The workers have been putting the heat on the owner to raise the salaries. The neighbors got together to put the skids under the plans to build a new
tower. My brother was put to death for a crime he did not commit!
to put to the test poner a prueba
to put two and two together atar cabos
to put two and two together and get five
sacar conclusiones erróneas
to put up or shut up aguantarse o callarse
to put words in someone's mouth
atribuirle a alguien algo que no dijo
to put your money where your mouth is
dar el ejemplo
All the candidates will be put to the test during the week. Liz didn't tell me she failed the exam, I saw her crying and put two and two
together. No! I'm not doing drugs! You see me go out at night and put two and two
together to make five! Phil says he's unemployed but does nothing to get a job. He should put up or
shut up. I never said I wanted to leave! Don't put words in my mouth! If people want clean streets they should put their money where their mouth
is!
To run
to run a risk of correr el riesgo de
to run amok/amuck descontrolarse
to run rings around someone darle mil vueltas a alguien
to run someone ragged agotar a alguien
to run the gauntlet of hacer frente al acoso
If you don't go to class again you'll run the risk of flunking. When the band came out of the plane, the whole place ran amok with
euphoria. My five year old grandson runs rings around me as regards computers. The kids have been run ragged with school, piano, tennis and karate lessons. The couple had to run the gauntlet of the yellow press when they separated.
To set
to set foot poner un pie en un lugar
to set one's heart on something
estar decidido a hacer algo
to set sail zarpar
to set store by something dar valor a algo
to set the pace marcar el paso
to set the scene crear un ambiente
to set the record straight aclarar las cosas
I didn't like that woman from the very first moment she set foot in this house.
Emily has set her heart on going to Harvard to study Law. The Titanic set sail from Southampton for New York on April 10, 1912. My parents have always set great store by studying. The US declaration of independence set the pace for the independence of
the rest of the continent. The constant disagreements and the people's discontent set the scene for
war. Miss Harris will give a press conference next Tuesday to set the record
straight.
To stand
to stand a chance of tener probabilidades de
to stand in good stead ser útil
to stand on ceremony ser muy ceremonioso
to stand pat mantenerse en sus trece
to stand to reason ser lógico
to stand up and be counted dar la cara por sus principios
The Dodgers don't stand a chance of winning the world series! Having been in the Red Cross stood her in good stead for her job at the
hospital. Peter is so boring! He stands on ceremony all the time! You should stand pat, you'll see your mother will understand and give in in
the end. It stands to reason that the man wears those clothes because they make him
feel young. Think for yourself, stand up and be counted. It's the best thing you can do.
To take
to take a back seat poner en segundo plano
to take a bow hacer una reverencia
to take a chance arriesgarse
to take a dim view on something
ver algo con malos ojos
to take a fancy to quedarse prendado de
to take a hike irse a freír espárragos
When I started to work as a doctor, my personal life kind of took a back seat. The actor who played Macbeth received a standing ovation and he took a
bow. Sam wasn't sure which way to turn so he took a chance and turned left. My parents took a dim view on my marriage because I was too young. Al never liked jazz but all of a sudden he took a fancy to swing music. This drunkard kept asking me for a dime so I told him to take a hike.
to take a hint captar una indirecta
to take a joke aceptar una broma
to take a leaf out of someone's book
seguir el ejemplo de alguien
to take a powder salir corriendo
to take a shine to sentir simpatía por
to take a stand adoptar una postura
I said I was tired, Peter took the hint and we went home. Frank, don't get so angry! Can't you take a joke? He was just kidding. You should take a leaf out of your brother's book and study hard. We were writing grafitti on a wall but we took a powder when a teacher
came. Our son took a shine to our neighbors' children. They play together all the
time. The Mayor has to take a stand on the matter and settle it.
to take advantage of aprovecharse de
to take as gospel tomar por cierto
to take by storm tomar por asalto
to take by surprise tomar por sorpresa
to take effect entrar en vigor
to take exception to ofenderse por
Taxi drivers often take advantage of tourists. When I was a boy, I took everything my dad said as gospel. Our band is taking Europe by storm but can't seem to make it at home. The President's sudden death took the whole world by surprise. This is an old law, it took effect in 1963. Aunt Ruth took exception to your forgetting her birthday.
to take five tomarse sinco minutos de descanso
to take flight darse a la fuga
to take for granted dar por sentado
to take heart animarse
to take into account tener en cuenta
to take issue with someone
discrepar con alguien
All right, take five and then come back, we still have a lot to do. The robbers took all the money they could and then took flight. I used to take my parents for granted but now they're far away I need them. Joe was afraid of flying but one day he took heart and took a plane to New
York. Beth got the job because they took into account that she speaks five
languages. Ed's friend took issue with him on the war on terrorism.
to take it easy tomárselo con calma
to take it on the chin aguantar algo con resignación
to take it or leave it tomarlo o dejarlo
to take it personally/to heart
ofenderse por algo
to take it with a pinch of salt
tomárselo con pinzas
to take its toll afectar
After the heart attack, my father had to take it easy and stay home for a while.
Robert's going through a lot of bad things but he's taking it on the chin. Either you come with us or you stay at your aunt's. Take it or leave it. I only said she looked a little tired but she took it to heart! Stan lies a lot, you should take what he says with a pinch of salt. Sitting in the sun at the wrong hours will really take its toll on your skin.
to take kindly to gustar
to take leave of your senses
perder completamente la cabeza
to take one's cue from someone
seguir el ejemplo de alguien
to take one's hat off to someone
quitarse el sombrero ante alguien
to take one's lumps llevarse los palos
to take pains tomarse la molestia
Mr. Jefferson does not take kindly to being late for work. Is that Joan rolling in the mud? Has she taken leave of her senses? Mike took his cue from his father and went to Med school. I take my hat off to the people who get up at 5 in the morning to go to work. Kate knows what she did was wrong, she takes her lumps. Hank took great pains to find a drugstore open last night and buy your medicine.
to take place tener lugar, suceder
to take pot luck tomar lo que haya
to take root arraigar
to take someone at their word decidir creerle a alguien
to take someone for a ride tomarle el pelo a alguien
to take someone into one's confidence
confiar en alguien
The press conference will take place tomorrow at 9 o'clock at the Four Seasons hotel.
There were only two discos in town so we took pot luck and went to the first one we found.
Communism never really took root in the rest of the world. Eva promised she would come to dinner so I took her at her word and made
lasagne. The guy told me he came from an aristocratic family but he was taking me
for a ride. Mr. Welsh took me into his confidence and told me the company was in trouble.
to take someone to task criticar a alguien
to take someone's name in vain
hablar (mal) de alguien
to take someone's part tomar partido por alguien
to take something in one's stride
tomarse algo con calma
to take something lying down aceptar algo sin protestar
to take the bull by the horns tomar el toro por las astas
Miss Harrison took Jimmy and Benny to task for talking in class. We were taking your name in vain and telling nasty things about you. No one ever takes my part at home, everything is always my fault! The critics were fierce towards her performance but she took it in her stride. When I was a kid and my parents told me off I never took anything lying
down! Martha finally took the bull by the horns and went to a rehab clinic.
to take the biscuit/cake llevarse el premio
to take the edge off/sting out of something
suavizar algo
to take the heat off someone darle un respiro a alguien
to take the law into one's own hands
hacer justicia por mano propia
to take the plunge tirarse a la pileta
to take the rap pagar el pato
Pam's husband is lazy but he also beats her. That really takes the biscuit. The birth of Susan's grandson took the edge off her husband's recent death. Fred's illness has taken the heat off his infamous brother. If the state doesn't protect the citizens, they'll take the law into their own
hands. William took the plunge and asked Paula to marry him! At last! The girl's mother takes the rap for the boy's murder and goes to jail.
to take the rough with the smooth
estar a las duras y a las maduras
to take the words out of someone's moouth
sacarle la palabra de la boca a alguien
to take the wind outof someone's sails
desanimar a alguien
to take to one's heels salir corriendo
to take umbrage ofenderse por algo
to take up the cudgels for something
romper una lanza por algo
Living together isn't easy, Meg. You have to take the rough with the smooth. How did you know I was going to say that? You took the words out of my
mouth! I was going to tell the boss I quit but he told me I was promoted and it took
the wind out of my sails. We were having lunch by our tent when we saw a snake and we took to our
heels. Father O'Connor took umbrage when some people fell asleep during the
sermon. The government has taken up the cudgels against piracy.
To throw
to throw in a curve agarrar desprevenido
to throw a fit darle a alguien un ataque
to throw caution to the wind jugársela
to throw down the gauntlet arrojar el guante
The teacher threw in a curve with a surprise Maths test. My dad threw a fit when he saw the piercing on my eyebrow. Why don't you throw caution to the wind and bet all your chips on 13? Mike threw down the gauntlet to Tom and said he'd beat him at anything.
to throw in the towel tirar la toalla
to throw money at something malgastar dinero en algo
to throw someone for a loop dejar a alguien pasmado
to throw someone to the wolves
arrojar a alguien a los lobos
We had no chance of winning the contest so we threw in the towel. If we don't invest on education as well as on security, we're throwing money
at the problem. Eddie's girlfriend threw him for a loop when she told him she was pregnant. Many girls are being thrown to the wolves when they are made to marry old
men.
To turn
to turn a blind eye hacer la vista gorda
to turn a deaf ear hacer oídos sordos
to not turn a hair no movérsele a alguien un pelo
to turn in one's grave revolcarse en la tumba
to turn on the waterworks
echarse a llorar como una magdalena
to turn one's back on dar la espalda
to turn over a new leaf hacer borrón y vuenta nueva
Dan's parents turn a blind eye on his drug problem and it only makes it worse.
The workers demand better working conditions but the management turns a deaf ear.
I told my father I was leaving home at 15 but he didn't turn a hair. Shakespeare would turn in his grave if he saw her performance of Lady
Macbeth! Every time I wanted something I turned on the waterworks and my dad gave
it to me. My so-called best friend turned her back on me when I needed her most. Joe has decided to turn over a new leaf and checked into rehab.