Top 10 Spanish idioms and what they mean 🌟🎈

Spanish language idioms are a fun and essential part of mastering real-life Spanish. In this article, you'll discover the top 10 Spanish idiomatic expressions and what they really mean. Whether you're preparing for a trip or just love languages, this list of Spanish language idioms will help you sound more natural. 😎💬

If you're learning Spanish, you've probably come across phrases that just don’t make sense when translated word for word. These are idiomatic expressions—phrases whose meanings go beyond their literal words. They add colour, humour, and authenticity to everyday Spanish. Mastering them is a brilliant way to sound more like a native speaker. 🧠🚀🎯

spanish idioms

🤔🗣️What are idiomatic expressions in Spanish? 

Idioms are everywhere in Spanish. They can be funny, poetic, or just plain confusing if you don't know what they mean. Luckily, we've prepared a list of the top 10 idiomatic expressions to help you understand Spanish a bit better (and impress your teacher while you're at it). Let’s go! 🎉🌟

🏆🇪🇸 Top 10 Spanish idioms you need to know 

1. Ser pan comido 🍞😋

🔹 Literal meaning: To be eaten bread
🔹 Real meaning: To be a piece of cake / super easy
Example: El examen fue pan comido. (The exam was a piece of cake.)

👂Ser pan comido
0:03

 

2. En menos que canta un gallo 🐔

🔹 Literal meaning: In less time than a rooster crows
🔹 Real meaning: In a jiffy
Example: Preparé la cena en menos que canta un gallo. (I prepared dinner in a jiffy.)

👂 En menos que canta un gallo
0:04

 

3. No tener pelos en la lengua 👅🚫

🔹 Literal meaning: To have no hairs on your tongue
🔹 Real meaning: To speak your mind / be blunt
Example: Juan no tiene pelos en la lengua. (Juan always speaks his mind.)

👂 No tener pelos en la lengua
0:04

 

4. Tomar el pelo 😂👱

🔹 Literal meaning: To take the hair
🔹 Real meaning: To pull someone's leg / have a laugh
Example: ¡Te estaba tomando el pelo! (I was just pulling your leg!)

 

👂 Tomar el pelo a alguien
0:03

5. Dar en el clavo 🔨🎯

🔹 Literal meaning: To hit the nail
🔹 Real meaning: To get it spot on / hit the nail on the head
Example: Tu comentario dio en el clavo. (Your comment hit the nail on the head.)

👂 Dar en el clavo
0:03

 

6. Darle la vuelta a la tortilla 🍳🔁

🔹 Literal meaning: To flip the omelette
🔹 Real meaning: To turn the situation around
Example: Le dimos la vuelta a la tortilla. (We turned things around.)

👂 Darle la vuelta a la tortilla
0:03

7. Echar agua al mar 🌊💧

🔹 Literal meaning: To throw water into the sea
🔹 Real meaning: To do something pointless
Example: Intentar convencerlo es como echar agua al mar. (Trying to convince him is pointless.)

👂 Echar agua al mar
0:05

8. Estar como una cabra 🐐😜

🔹 Literal meaning: To be like a goat
🔹 Real meaning: To be a bit crazy (in a fun way!)
Example: Mi primo está como una cabra. (My cousin is a bit nuts!)

👂 Estar como una cabra
0:03

 

9. Estar en las nubes ☁️🤯

🔹 Literal meaning: To be in the clouds
🔹 Real meaning: To daydream / be spaced out
Example: Estabas en las nubes. (You were daydreaming!)

👂 Estar en las nubes
0:02

 

10. Tener la sartén por el mango 🍳✋

🔹 Literal meaning: To have the frying pan by the handle
🔹 Real meaning: To be in control of the situation
Example: Ella tiene la sartén por el mango. (She’s calling the shots.)

👂 Tener la sartén por el mango
0:03

 

test + free lesson

🎯 How to learn Spanish idioms effectively 🎓🧩

Here are some fun ways to remember these expressions:

📖 Use them in context: Write silly dialogues or jokes using them.

🖼️ Visual memory: Draw cartoons or use memes to connect meaning.

🎧 Listen out for them in films, TV shows or Spanish podcasts.

🙋 Practise out loud: Say them with a friend, your dog, or in front of the mirror!


💡 The more you play with these expressions, the more natural they’ll feel! 🎲💬

test + free lesson - simple

Let's practice!

Idiomatic Expressions Activity

📝 Complete the sentences with the correct idiomatic expression:

1️⃣ Marta siempre dice lo que piensa, no le importa si molesta a alguien. Ella .

2️⃣ Intentar explicarle a Carlos que se equivocó es como . No sirve para nada.

3️⃣ Ayer Juan terminó el informe , a las 10:30 ya lo tenía listo.

4️⃣ ¡Esa pregunta del examen fue ! Muy fácil.

5️⃣ Me dijiste que habías visto un OVNI, pero luego me confesaste que me estabas .

6️⃣ Pedro , siempre hace cosas raras y divertidas.

7️⃣ Después de una mala racha, conseguimos y ahora nos va genial.

8️⃣ Ana cuando propuso esa idea, era exactamente lo que necesitábamos.

9️⃣ Hoy en clase , no me enteré de nada porque estaba distraída.

🔟 En esa empresa, el jefe siempre y decide todo.

 

Keep learning Spanish:

💬 What's your favourite Spanish idiom from this list? Or do you know any other funny ones? Share them with us in the comments! 👇😉

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