Ever heard a Spanish speaker say someone “doesn’t have hairs on their tongue”? Your first thought might be, “Well, I certainly hope not!” But before you get tangled in a bizarre mental image, take a breath. You’ve just stumbled into the wild, wonderful world of idioms—phrases where the whole is much, much different from the sum of its parts.
Idioms are the secret spice of any language. They separate the textbook learners from the truly fluent speakers. Using them correctly shows a deep understanding not just of the vocabulary, but of the culture itself. They are windows into a collective mindset, revealing what a culture values, fears, or finds funny.
So, if you’re ready to sound less like a grammar guide and more like a native speaker, let’s decode five common Spanish idioms that make absolutely no sense when translated literally into English.
1. No tener pelos en la lengua
Let’s start with the phrase that inspired it all. If you tried to translate this one word-for-word, you’d get a confusing, and slightly gross, picture.
Literal Translation: To not have hairs on the tongue.
Actual Meaning: To be straightforward, blunt, or to speak one’s mind without filtering. It’s the equivalent of saying someone “doesn’t mince words” or “tells it like it is.” The imagery here is surprisingly logical: imagine trying to speak clearly with a mouthful of hair. It would be difficult, forcing you to mumble or hold back. Someone without this impediment can speak freely and directly.
“Si no te gusta mi idea, dímelo. Ya sabes que yo no tengo pelos en la lengua.”
“If you don’t like my idea, tell me. You know I don’t mince words.”
2. Tomar el pelo
This is a classic phrase you’ll hear in casual, friendly situations. But if you’re not in on the joke, the literal meaning might have you protecting your scalp.
Literal Translation: To take the hair.
Actual Meaning: This idiom means to tease someone, to kid, or to “pull someone’s leg.” It’s used when you’re joking around and want to make it clear that what you said isn’t serious. While the exact origin is debated, one popular theory suggests it dates back to a time when tricking or fooling someone was seen as a small victory, and the symbolic “trophy” was a lock of the victim’s hair. Whether true or not, it’s a playful way to admit you’re just having a bit of fun.
“¿En serio te creíste que me mudo a Japón? ¡Tranquilo, te estoy tomando el pelo!”
“Did you really believe I’m moving to Japan? Relax, I’m just pulling your leg!”
3. Estar como una cabra
Animal comparisons are a rich source of idioms in every language, and Spanish is no exception. While being called a GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) is a high compliment in English, being compared to a goat in Spanish means something entirely different.
Literal Translation: To be like a goat.
Actual Meaning: To be a little crazy, bonkers, or eccentric. This isn’t necessarily a harsh insult; it’s often used in an affectionate or exasperated way to describe someone’s wild or unpredictable behavior. If you’ve ever watched goats, this idiom makes perfect sense. They leap, headbutt, and climb on things for no apparent reason. Their energetic and seemingly erratic nature is perfectly captured in this phrase to describe a person who is acting a bit nuts.
“Se puso a bailar encima de la mesa en la fiesta. Te juro que mi tío está como una cabra.”
“He started dancing on the table at the party. I swear my uncle is as mad as a hatter.”
4. Tirar la casa por la ventana
This is one of the most wonderfully visual idioms in the Spanish language. It conjures an image of pure chaos and extravagance, and its meaning isn’t far off.
Literal Translation: To throw the house out the window.
Actual Meaning: To go all out, to spare no expense, or to spend a huge amount of money, usually on a party or celebration. Think of the English phrase “to splash out”, but magnified. This idiom has a fantastic origin story. It’s believed to have emerged in 19th-century Spain, when people who won the national lottery would get so excited about buying brand new, luxurious furniture that they would literally throw their old, worthless belongings out the window to make space.
“Para celebrar su 50 aniversario, mis abuelos tiraron la casa por la ventana y nos invitaron a todos a un crucero.”
“To celebrate their 50th anniversary, my grandparents spared no expense and invited us all on a cruise.”
5. Ser pan comido
Where English speakers might talk about cake, Spanish speakers turn to a more fundamental staple: bread. This phrase is the perfect example of how different cultures use different everyday concepts to express the same idea.
Literal Translation: To be eaten bread.
Actual Meaning: It’s a piece of cake; it’s a breeze; it’s very easy to do. The logic is simple: bread is a basic food that is easy to eat. It doesn’t require special effort or complicated steps to consume. Therefore, if a task is “eaten bread”, it’s something that can be accomplished with minimal difficulty. It’s a comforting, common phrase that you’ll hear everywhere.
“Al principio, la clase de salsa me parecía difícil, pero ahora es pan comido.”
“At first, the salsa class seemed difficult, but now it’s a piece of cake.”
From Confusing to Confident
Idioms are more than just quirky phrases; they’re a key that unlocks a more natural, expressive, and culturally-attuned way of speaking. The next time you hear someone talking about goats, hair, or throwing furniture out of a window, you won’t be confused. You’ll be in on the secret.
So go ahead, try dropping a “ser pan comido” into your next conversation. It’s easier than you think!