An idiom is a phrase or expression that means something completely different from the literal meanings of its individual words. When someone says ‘It’s raining cats and dogs’, for instance, it’s not a reference to pet animals falling out of the sky. The phrase simply means it’s raining heavily!
As modes of expression, idioms are unique to each language. By definition, therefore, they do not retain their meaning when translated into another language.
As such, idioms are particularly challenging for non-native speakers to understand or pick up.
That challenge is very true of Spanish speakers learning to speak English. Beyond the irregular spellings and pronunciation, the complex grammar, and phrasal verbs, English idioms are often the final hurdle for Spanish learners eager to speak the language naturally and confidently.
This article has all you need to tackle English idioms. Besides an extensive list of common idioms, their meanings, and use cases, we also have pointers on things to be mindful of when using idioms and steps you can take to become fluent in their use.
Native Spanish speakers learning English need to keep four things in mind while practicing or using idioms.
Here are 15 common English idioms that don’t translate to Spanish:
1. Break the ice.
Meaning: Say or do something to initiate a social interaction or make people feel comfortable with each other.
Use: We broke the ice with our new neighbors by inviting them over for dinner.
2. The ball is in your court.
Meaning: It’s up to the other party to make the next move.
Use: We offered them a perfectly reasonable settlement. The ball is in their court now.
3. Face the music.
Meaning: To accept the (usually unpleasant) consequence.
Use: If you lied to me, get ready to face the music.
4. Let the cat out of the bag.
Meaning: To reveal a secret, either deliberately or inadvertently.
Use: We were planning a surprise party but Harry let the cat out of the bag.
5. Read between the lines.
Meaning: To understand something that is not overtly stated.
Use: As a beat cop, he’s really good at reading between the lines when it comes to judging people.
6. Once in a blue moon.
Meaning: Rarely; not often.
Use: It’s only once in a blue moon that I get to visit my grandparents.
7. Up for grabs.
Meaning: Available; ready to be won or taken.
Use: Now that she has withdrawn her application, the senior manager position is up for grabs once more.
8. Back to square one.
Meaning: Back to the starting point, with no progress having been made.
Use: His business idea didn’t work out and now he’s back to square one.
9. Have an ace up your sleeve.
Meaning: Have a secret advantage, resource, or tactic.
Use: When you are competing with the best, you need an ace up your sleeve to win.
10. Egg on your face.
Meaning: To be embarrassed or look foolish because of something one had done.
Use: The news turned out to be false and now the reporter has egg on his face.
11. Right off the bat.
Meaning: Immediately; at the very beginning.
Use: There is no room for discrimination in this organization, let me say that right off the bat.
12. Beat around the bush.
Meaning: To avoid answering a question or coming to the point directly.
Use: Stop beating around the bush and tell us exactly what happened at the meeting.
13. At the eleventh hour.
Meaning: At the very last moment.
Use: You would have reached the airport on time if you hadn’t waited to pack your bags at the eleventh hour.
14. Take it with a grain of salt.
Meaning: Consider something exaggerated or not worth believing outright.
Use: Take whatever he says with a grain of salt; he’s not the most honest of guys.
15. Straight from the horse’s mouth.
Meaning: (Of information) derived from an authoritative source or someone with direct knowledge.
Use: I have it straight from the horse’s mouth - talks between the two parties have broken down.
English idioms can be uniquely challenging for Spanish speakers, and not just because they don’t translate to their native language. As mentioned earlier, every idiom has a contextual significance and social or historical roots that give it meaning.
With that in mind, here are a few pointers to help you become confident with English idioms:
At Immigo, we understand the challenges Spanish speakers face when learning English. That’s why our courses go way beyond traditional classroom teaching methods.
Our immersive courses are designed to help you pick up the language fast and accurately, whether it be grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, or idioms.
Immigo helps you master the nuances of English speaking with real feedback from real people.
Reach out today to start speaking English like a native.
