a (la) merced de

at the mercy of (n.b.: the “la” is often omitted)

a altas horas de la madrugada
in the small hours of the morning
a cargo de
in charge of; responsible for; by
a causa de
because of; as a result of (lit.: at the cause of)
a chorros
in abundance; plenty; lots
a contrapelo
wrong way; backwards; backassed
a corto plazo
in the short run; short-term; in the short term (lit.: at short place)
a deshora
at an inconvenient time
a diario
daily; every day
a disgusto
reluctantly
a duras penas
hardly; barely; with difficulty
a eso de
around, about (time) (lit.: a this of)
a estas alturas
at this point; in this situation
a fin de cuentas
in the end; after all
a fondo
in depth; deeply; fully
a gatas
crawling (lit.: on legs/feet; used with the verbs estar or andar)
a juro
no matter what (used in Venezuela)
a la altura
at the level; up to (lit.: at the height)
a la intemperie
in the open (lit.: at/on the elements. Intemperie refers to the weather and other forces in the
physical, natural world, particularly as experienced without the benefits of technology, particularly
modern technology)
a la par de
on the same level as
a la salida del sol
sunrise (lit.: at the appearance of the sun)
a la vez
at once; at the same time (lit.: at the time)
a la vista
in view; in sight (lit.: at the sight)
a la vuelta
on the way back (lit: at the turn)
a la vuelta de
just around the corner (lit.: at the turn of). 1. Mi restaurante favorito está justo a la vuelta de mi
oficina.
a largo plazo
in the long run; long-term; in the long term (lit.: at long place)
a lo largo (de)
along; at the other end (lit.: at the far/long)
a lo lejos
from afar; at a distance (lit.: at the distant; allso in the form “a los lejos.”)
a lo mejor
probably; most likely (lit.: to the better)
a manos de
at the hands of
a manos llenas
generously; lavishly (lit.: with full hands)
a medida que
as (something happens or happened); in the process of (something happening)
a medio plazo
medium-term; in the medium term
a menudo
often, frequently (lit.: of often)
a mi modo de pensar
in my view; the way I see it
a mi modo de ver
in my view; the way I see it
a otro perro con ese hueso
go tell it to the marines (lit.: [give] this bone to another dog)
a palo seco
on its own; with nothing else
a partir de ahora
from now one (lit.: at the start of now)
a pesar de
despite; in spite of
a plazo
on credit
a plena luz
in broad daylight
a primera hora
at the earliest moment
a primera vista
at first sight; at first blush (lit.: at first sight)
a propósito
on purpose; deliberately
a propósito
by the way; speaking of which
a punto de
on the verge of, about to (lit.: at point of)
a que
I bet (lit.: to what)
a ratos
from time to time
a sus espaldas
behind someone's back
a tientas
by touch, by feel
a toda costa
at all costs (lit.: at all cost)
a toda máquina
quickly, fast (lit.: at all machine)
a toda prisa
with all speed, hastily, quickly (lit.: at all haste)
a todas luces
by any reckoning
a todo correr
with all speed, hastily, quickly (lit.: at full running (run))
a toro pasado
in retrospect; in hindsight (lit.: by the bull gone past)
a trabajar
to work (n.b.: said when encouraging yourself or others to start working)
a tráves de
through
a veces
sometimes; at times
a ver
now then; let's see; hm-m
a verga
by hook or by crook
a(l) fin de cuentas
when all’s said and done; when it comes down to it (lit.: at (the) end of accounts)
ahora mismo
right now; this minute
al azar
at random; randomly (lit.: to chance)
al cabo de
after, since (lit.: at the finish of)
al fin y al cabo
in the end; ultimately (lit.: at (the) end and at (the) finish)
al final
in the end, finally (lit.: at (the) end)
al menos
at least, at a minimum (lit.: at the least)
al oro
good; well done (used in Venezuela)
al parecer
apparently; apparent; by appearances
al pelo
just what is wanted or needed
al poco rato
after a little while
al rape
closely-cropped; close cut (lit.: to the monkfish)
al revés
backwards; the other way around; the opposite
alcornoque
blockhead; dunderhead; nincompoop (lit.: cork oak)
almas gemelas
soulmates (lit.: twin souls)
andar a palos
be fighting or squabbling all the time
andar como burro sin mecate
be wild; be out of control (lit.: to walk like a donkey wihout a leash)
año nuevo, vida nueva
Happy New Year (lit.: new year, new life; used as a greeting or statement around Jan. 1)
apalear oro
be rolling in dough; be made of money
apretarse el cinturón
tighten one's belt; economize
armar un jaleo
make a fuss, commotion (lit.: to arm or raise a fuss)
armar una bronca
kick up a fuss
armarse la gorda
cause a ruckus; have all hell break loose (lit.: to arm oneself the fat one)
armarse un lio
raise hell; make a fuss (lit.: to arm or raise a fight)
arrimar el ascua a su sardina
put one’s own interests first; work things to one’s advantage (lit.: to bring coals or embers to one’s
sardine)
así que
so that, which means that (lit.: thus that)
atar corto a alg
keep someone on a short leash; keep someone under tight rein (lit.: tie someone close)
ausente sin culpa ni presente sin disculpa
the absentee is always in the wrong (lit.: absent without blame and no present without excuses)
Ave María Purísima
for heaven’s sake (lit.: hail most pure Mary; n.b.: used in religious services, and as an exclamation

bar de ligar
singles' bar; pickup joint (used in Spain)
bicho raro
oddball (lit.: rare bug)
brillar por su ausencia
be conspicuous by one’s absence
buscar bronca
be spoiling for a fight; be looking for a fight
cada hijo de vecino
every Tom, Dick, and Harry; everyone
cada muerte de obispo
once in a blue moon; very rarely (lit.: each time a bishop dies)
caer en la cuenta
realize
caer mal
dislike; not like. 1. Me cae mal este tipo.
caerle bien a alguien
look good; feel good; seem pleasant (lit.: to fall well to someone)
caérsele a alg la baba con/por algo
drool over someone or something; dote on someone; be crazy about someone or something (lit.: to left fall slobber
over someone or something)
caérsele los anillos a algn
be beneath one; be beneath one’s dignity (lit.: to have one’s rings fall off)
cambiar de idea
change one’s mind (lit.: to change idea)
cambiar de tema
change a/the subject
camino de
along the way, on the way (lit.: road/path of)
canta a pelo
sing unaccompanied
carne de gallina
gooseflesh
cerrar algo a cal y canto
shut something tight, firmly, securely
chiflar el moño a algn
be nuts; be crazy
cielos
heavens; oh my gosh (lit.: heavens; n.b.: used when surprised, often in place of something vulgar)
cien por cien
100%; with certainty; precisely (lit.: one-hundred by one-hundred)
claro que sí
of course; yes; indeed
cocerse en un propia salsa
stew in one's (own) juice
coger el toro por los cuernos
grab the bull by the horns (n.b.: coger is used only in Spain)
comer a deshora
eat at odd times
como agua para chocolate
furious; enraged (lit.: like water for chocolate)
como de costumbre
as usual (lit.: as of custom)
como Dios manda
the way it's supposed to be
como perro en barrio ajeno
out of place; in the wrong neighborhood (lit.: like a dog in a distant neighborhood; i.e.: people who try to enter
other parts of society may be attacked or ostracized)
como quitarle un pelo al gato
a victimless crime (lit.: like removing a hair from a cat; i.e.: the quantity in question is so small that it has no
significant effect and goes unnoticed)
como si no fuera poco
as if it were not enough
como siempre
as usual; as always
como un oro
like new (lit.: like a gold [coin])
como un perro
like a dog; like scum; in the gutter (lit.: like a dog)
como una balsa de aceite
smoothly; swimmingly; peacefully (lit.: like a pool of oil)
como una rosa
fresh as a daisy; soft as silk (lit.: like a rose)
con anticipación
in advance; ahead of time
con apuros
with difficulty
con pelos y señales
in minute detail; precisely
con permiso
with (your) permission
con seguridad
surely; certainly; absolutely
con toda la barba
real; the real deal; honest to goodness; true (lit.: with all the beard)
con todo respeto
with all due respect. 1. Con todo respeto, no me parece tan importante.
consultarlo con la almohada
sleep on it (lit.: consult about something with the pillow)
contar con
count on
correr la bola
spread the word; put out the word
cortar el bacalao
call the shots (lit.: to cut the codfish; n.b.: Spain usage)
cortar las alas a alg.
clip someone’s wings; nip something in the bud (lit.: cut the wings of someone or something)
cortar un pelo en el aire
be smart
corto de luces
dim; dull; stupid
cuando pueda
when you can; when you have a moment
cuanto antes
as soon as possible (lit.: as much before)
cuatro gatos
a handful of people; half a dozen people; a small group of people (lit.: four cats)
dar a algn para el pelo
be the living daylights out of someone; wipe the floor with someone
dar a entender
let someone know
dar a la luz
give birth (lit.: to give to the light)
dar la bienvenida
welcome (lit.: to give the welcome)
dar la lata
be a nuisance; annoy (lit.: to give the tin)
dar lástima
make someone sad (to) (lit.: to give pain/sadness)
dar luz verde
give a green light to; permit; allow; clear
dar muerte a
kill someone
dar nacimiento a
give rise to
dar palo
hate; dislike; be unfortunate
dar permiso
permit; allow; give permission
dar risa
make one laugh; make one smile
dar un paseo a caballo
go horseback riding; ride a horse
dar un patatús a alguien
make someone have a fit (lit.: to give someone a fit)
dar un salto
jump; give a start; start (lit.: to give a jump)
dar un vergajo
screw; fuck; have sex with; shag
dar una de cal y otra de arena
use a carrot-and-stick policy
dar una fiesta
give a party
dar una vuelta
go for a ride
dar vida a
portray; play (i.e.: an actor playing a role)
darle a alguien mala espina
make someone feel uneasy (lit.: to give bad thorns to someone)
darse cuenta de
be aware; realize (lit.: to give oneself account of). 1. ¿Te has dado cuenta de que en el supermercado tenemos
hasta nueve tipos diferentes de papel higiénico para elegir?
darse por vencido
give up; give in (lit.: to give oneself as defeated)
darse prisa
hurry; rush; do (something) fast (lit.: to give one urgency)
de abrigo
a handful; someone to watch out for (lit.: coat, overcoat)
de ahí en adelante
from now on; from here onward (lit.: from here in forward)
de ahora en adelante
from now on; henceforth; from this moment forward (lit.: from now in advance)
de armas tomar
formidable; tough; redoubtable (lit.: for taking up arms)
de buena gana
willingly; with ease; with pleasure (lit.: of good desire)
de buenas a primeras
suddenly; without warning
de cal y canto
strong; firm
de costumbre
as usual; normally
de cuando en cuando
from time to time; sometimes; once in a while (lit.:  of when in when)
de diario
everyday
de golpe
suddenly; abruptly; at once; all at once (lit.: of a blow or strike)
de hecho
in fact, in reality (lit.: of fact). 1. De hecho, qiuero ir contigo.
de inmediato
right now, immediately (lit.: from immediately)
de medio pelo
second-rate
de miedo
fantastic(ally); wonderful(ly); brilliant(ly) (used in Spain)
de moda
in fashion; in style
de modo que
so; so that
de mucho cuidado
big; terrible; real (used adverbially)
de nada
not at all; you’re welcome; don’t mention it (n.b.: often said in response to “gracías”)
de nuevo
again; once again; anew (lit.: of new)
de oro
great; good; very good; wonderful. 1. Ella tiene una voz de oro.
de par en par
wide open (lit.: from rafter to rafter)
de pelo en pecho
manly; masculine
de perlas
just what someone needs; just right; go/fit perfectly (lit.: of pearls)
de perros
foul; horrible; dirty
de pocas luces
dim; dull; stupid
de pronto
suddenly; at once; all at once (lit.: of soon)
de repente
abruptly, suddenly (lit.: of soon)
de tal palo, tal astilla
like father, like son (lit.: of such a broom, such a splinter)
de todas maneras
in any case; anyway
de todos modos
anyway; at any rate (lit.: to the monkfish)
de un modo u otro
one way or another
de un momento a otro
at any moment
de una vez
now
de veras
really, truly (lit.: of fact, truth)
de vez en cuando
sometimes; now and then (lit.: from once in when)
decir amén a todo
say yes to everything; agree to everything (lit.: to say amen to everything)
decir en broma
kid; joke; tease (lit.: to say (as a) joke)
dejar a alg en las astas del toro
leave someone high and dry; leave someone in the lurch (lit.: to leave someone on the horns of the bull)
dejar de lado
set aside; put aside (lit.: to leave from (the) side)
dejar en paz
leave alone; leave be; let it be (lit.: to leave in peace)
desde hacía rato
for some time
desde luego
of course; certainly (lit.: after then/later)
día a día
day after day.  1. La economía real, la que cada uno de nosotros maneja día a día es otra cosa.
di que sí
go for it (lit.: say yes)
dormir el vino
sleep off a hangover
dormir juntos
sleep together (n.b.: in the sexual sense)
echar agua al vino
water down
echar ajos y cebollas
swear; curse; rant and rave (lit.: throw garlic and onions)
echar de menos
miss; feel the absence of (lit.: to throw less). 1. Puedes pasar una temporada en un país extranjero sin echar de
menos tu comida, tu ropa o tú café favorito.
echar el pelo
waste time (used in Cono del Sur)
echar el toro a algn
scold somebody severely (lit.: throw the bull to somebody)
echar mano a
lay hands on; get one's hands on
echar mano de
make use of; resort to
echar por el atajo
take the easy way out (lit.: throw for the shortcut)
echar un mano
help; assist (lit.: to throw less)
echar un ojo a
have one’s eye on; covet (lit.: to throw an eye at)
echar un vistazo
look around; glance; take a look (lit.: to throw less)
echar una bronca
hit hard; come down on
echar una furia
throw a fit
echar una mano a algn
let someone a hand; give someone a hand; help someone (lit.: throw a hand to someone)
echarle los perros a algn
come down hard on someone (lit.: throw dogs at someone)
echarlo todo a rodar
mess it all up; make a mess of everything
echarse un novio/-a
get a boy/girlfriend (used in Spain)
el cuatro es nota, el resto es lugo
four is passing, anything else is a luxury (used in Argentina)
el pensamiento no tiene/conoce barreras
you can think whatever you like (lit.: thought does not have/know barriers)
el que se pica, ajos come
if the shoe fits, wear it
el último grito
the latest thing (lit.: the latest cry)
en absoluto
at all; (not) at all (usually used with a negative verb). 1. No, en absoluto.
en adelante
from now on
en bolas
naked; nude; in the buff (Spain usage; lit: in balls)
en bolas
in a group; together (Mexican usage; lit.: in balls)
en cambio
on the other hand
en carne viva
in the flesh (lit.: in living meat)
en carne viva
raw; full; complete
en carne y hueso
in the flesh
en caso de
in case of; in case
en cuanto a
as for; when it comes to (lit.: in how much to). 1. En cuanto a la comida, todo lo que preparan es riquísimo.
en cuerpo y alma
body and soul
en definitiva
in short; in brief
en el acto
in the act; red-handed
en el medio de la nada
in the middle of nowhere (lit.: in the middle of (the) nothing)
en fin
in short; in brief
en lo más mínimo
in the least bit
en lugar de
insted of, in place of (lit.: in place of)
en manos de
in the hands of
en pie de
on the verge of (lit.: at (the) foot of)
en pos de
in pursuit of; after
en realidad
actually; really; in reality
en resumen
in sum; in brief; briefly
en seguida
right away; at once; immediately
en serio
really, truly, seriously (lit.: in serious)
en todo caso
in any case; in any event; anyway
en tu/su lugar
in your/his/her place (lit.: in your/his/her place)
en un abrir y cerrar de ojos
very quickly; in a flash; in the blink of an eye (lit.: in the opening and closing of eyes.
en un decir amén
in a flash; in a jiffy; in next to no time (lit.: in the saying of amen)
en vez de
instead of (lit.: in time of)
entrar a hurtadillas
sneak in
entrar a saco
burst in; storm in (lit.: to enter at sack)
entrar bien
go down well
entrar de maravilla
go down well
entre algodones
be pampered; be coddled (lit.: between cotton)
entre bromas y veras
half-joking(ly); half-serious(ly) (lit.: between jokes and truths)
entre manos
on hand; at hand; immediately available
es la salsa de la vida
it's the spice of life
estallar en vivas
burst into applause (lit.: to burst into lives)
estar a cargo
be in charge
estar a dieta
be on a diet (lit.: to be at diet)
estar a disgusto
be unhappy; be displeased
estar a la miseria
be in a bad way; be in a bad state
estar a salvo
be safe; be secure (lit.: to be at saved)
estar a tope
be very busy
estar abocado al frasco
be doomed to failure
estar al loro
be on the alert; know the score (lit.: be at the parrot)
estar al palo
have an erection; be hard
estar al tanto
be abreast; be up to date (lit.: to be at the such)
estar como agua para chocolate
be at the boiling point (lit.: like water for chocolate. Indicates a boiling point of anger or passion. Note that this
phrase was used as the title for a movie, translated into English as “Like Water for Chocolate.”)
estar como el burro del aguador; cargado de agua y muerto de sed
not to see what's right before one's eyes (lit.: be like the watercarrier's donkey; laden with water and dying of
thirst; n.b.: a Mexican expression)
estar como las propias rosas
feel entirely at ease
estar como tres en un zapato
be packed like sardines; be crammed in (lit.: be like three in one shoe)
estar con el agua al cuello
be up to one’s neck in problems; be over a barrel (lit.: be with water at one’s collar)
estar con el agua al cuello
be up to one's neck in something (lit.: have water up to one's neck; n.b.: a Mexican saying)
estar conforme
be satisfied
estar curtido en
be expert at; be skilled at (lit.: be tanned, hardened in)
estar de bromas
be in a jokeing mood (lit.: to be for jokes)
estar de buenas
be in a good mood
estar de juerga
go out on the town; party; go clubbing
estar de la cabeza
be nuts; be insane
estar de oferta
be on sale; be discounted
estar de Rodrígues
be left on one's own (lit.: be Rodrigues; used in Spain)
estar de siesta
be on break; be on siesta
estar de viaje
be on vacation; be away (on vacation)
estar de vuelta
be back; have returned. 1. Ya estamos de vuelta.
estar del tomate
be nuts; be insane (n.b.: not used much anymore)
estar en ascuas
be on pins and needles; be on tenerhooks (lit.: to be on coals)
estar en Babia
have one’s head in the clouds (lit.: to be in Babia)
estar en camino
be on the way; be coming
estar en el ajo
be involved in; be mixed up in; be in the know (lit.: to be in the garlic)
estar en el orno
be in a tight spot; be very anxious (used in Argentina)
estar en juego
be in play; be up for grabs (lit.: to be in play)
estar en juego
be at stake (lit.: to be in play)
estar en la buena
be in a good mood; be in luck (used in the Andes region)
estar en la luna
be on cloud nine; be out to lunch (lit.: to be on the moon)
estar en la miseria
be broke; be poor (used in Spain)
estar en su salsa
be in one's element
estar harto de
be fed up with; have had it with (lit.: to be exhausted). 1. Estoy harto de esto.
estar hasta el gorro
be fed up; have had it (used in Spain)
estar hasta el moño
be fed up; have had it (used in Spain)
estar hasta la coronilla
be fed up; have had it
estar hasta las narices
be fed up; have had it (used in Spain)
estar hasta los cojones
be fed up; have had it (vulgar)
estar hecho un palo
be as skinny as a rake; be very thin
estar hecho una flauta
be thin as a rake (lit.: be like a flute)
estar loco por algo
be crazy for something; be nuts about something
estar mal de dinero
be hard up; have money problems
estar mal de la azotea
be off one’s rocker; be nuts; be crazy (lit.: to be bad in the roof)
estar para el arrastre
be done in; be dead on one’s feet; have had it (lit.: to be for dragging)
estar pedo
be sloshed; be drunk; be pissed; be high
estar que arde
be fuming; be hopping mad; be seething (lit.: to be that which burns)
estar seguro (de que)
be sure; be certain (lit.: to be sure)
estar sin animo
be down; be in low spirits
estar sin pasta
be broke; be poor
estar sin plata
be broke; be poor
estar sin un duro
be broke; be poor (used in Spain)
esto es el colmo
that’s the last straw
felices sueños
sweet dreams (lit.: happy dreams)
florecer como rosa en mayo
blossom; flourish; bloom
fuera de control
out of control. 1. Nuestra casa está fuera de control.
fuera de duda
certain; without doubt (lit.: outside of doubt)
fuera de modo
out of style; out of fashion
fulano de tal
somebody or other
fulano, zutano y mengano
Tom, Dick, and Harry; everybody
ganarse de mano
beat someone to something (lit.: to win for oneself of/from a hand)
gastar una broma a algn
play a joke on; have fun at someone's expense
haberse de sentar
hit the spot; agree with (someone)
hablar de
talk about
hablar de bueyes perdidos
waste one's breath; chat about little things (n.b.: used in Cono del Sur)
hacer alharacas
make a fuss; make a big deal about (lit.: to make a fuss)
hacer caso
pay attention to (lit.: to make a case)
hacer chapuzas
do odd jobs; do occasional work
hacer compras
shop; do (the) shopping (lit.: to make/do purchases)
hacer coro a algn
back someone up
hacer del cuerpo
defecate; move one's bowels (n.b.: euphemism)
hacer el amor con
make love with someone
hacer el favor
do a favor (lit.: to do the favor. Note that this can, as in English, be used to give someone a command or order)
hacer el sol
the sun rises (lit.: to make the sun)
hacer falta
be necessary; must (lit.: to do the lack)
hacer fiaca
sleep in; stay home for the peace and quiet (used in Argentina)
hacer frente
confront (lit.: to do the front)
hacer la barba a alg
suck up to someone; butter someone up (lit.: to do the beard to someone)
hacer la compra
do the shopping; buy groceries
hacer la cusqui
bug; annoy; irritate
hacer la vista gorda
ignore; overlook (lit.: to do the fat look. The idea here being of indulgence, the way a parent or grandparent might
look at a misbehaving child)
hacer las compras
do the shopping
hacer las maletas
pack; pack a suitcase (lit.: to do the suitcases)
hacer las paces
make up; make peace (lit.: to make the peace(s))
hacer pucheros
pout; screw up one's face
hacer su agosto
make a killing; make serious coin; hit the jackpot (lit.: to make/do one’s August)
hacer toros
cut class; skip class (lit.: to the bulls)
hacer trampa(s)
cheat (lit.: to do traps)
hacer un papel
play a role; play a part
hacer un papelón
make a fool of oneself; embarras oneself (lit.: to make a large role)
hacer un simpa
leave a restaurant without paying
hacer un toro
stand in for somebody (in a theatrical production) (lit.: to do the bull)
hacerle frente a alguien
face someone (lit.: to make facing to someone)
hacer a pelo y pluma
be AC/DC
hacerse cargo de
take charge of; pay for; realize
hacerse ilusiones
get one's hopes up
hasta donde
as far as (lit.: up to when)
hecho una hiena
furious; enraged
hija de papá
rich kid; rich girl
hijo de papá
rich kid; rich boy
hoy mismo
today. 1. Hazlo hoy mismo
ir a golpe de alpargata
walk; hoof it; go on foot (lit.: go by slapping sandals)
ir a medias
go Dutch; go fifty-fifty (used in Spain)
ir a pelo
be naked
ir de compras
go shopping
ir de juerga
go out on the town; party; go clubbing
ir de marcha
go out partying
ir de tiendas
go shopping (used in Spain)
irse a la cabeza del toro
grab the bull by the horns
irse al otro barrio
kick the bucket (lit.: to go to another neighborhood)
justo a tiempo
just in time
la gran flauta
my God! (used to express surprise or disbelief)
ladrar a la luna
waste one’s breath; talk to a brick wall (lit.: to bark at the moon)
llegar a deshora
show up unexpectedly
llegar a tiempo
arrive on time; be on time
llegar a un acuerdo
come to an agreement; reach an agreement
llegar tarde
arrive late; be late
llevar a alguien en andas
carry someone on one’s shoulders (lit.: to carry someone on a portable platform. An “andas” literally refers to a
portable platform)
llevar a cabo
carry out; pull off; make happen (lit.: to carry to end). 1. Tendremos una reuníon esta tarde para discutir el tipo de
sociedad que formaríamos en el caso de que
decidamos llevarlo a cabo.
llevar juntos
be together; be involved; be a couple
llevarse bien
get along well
llevarse de miedo
get along famously; get along really well
lo antes possible
as soon as possible
los de arriba
the people on top; the upper crust (lit.: those above)
los pros y las contras
the pros and the cons
lotería
bingo; got it (n.b.: said when finding something or experiencing a stroke of good luck)

maldita sea
damn it; darn it (lit.: may it be damned)
mandar a paseo
tell someone to take a hike
mande
what; please; how's that (used in Mexico as we in English say "what" when we want someone to repeat or clarify
something)
mantener a raya
keep someone at bay; keep someone away
mantenerse en su sitio
stick to one's guns; stand one's ground (lit.: maintain oneself in one's position)
mantenerse en sus trece
stick to one's guns; stand one's ground (lit.: maintain oneself in one's thirteen)
mas o menos
more or less; roughly; approximately (lit.: more or less)
más tieso que un palo
straight; upright; bolt upright
mayor de edad
of age
media naranja
better half; spouse, wife, partner (lit.: half of an orange)
media pila
minimal effort; some effort; enough effort to accomplish something but no more (lit.: half a battery)
menor de edad
underage
menos mal
just as well, good thing, thank goodness (lit.: less bad)
meter en líos
get into trouble (lit.: to put into trouble)
meter palos en las ruedas
throw a (monkey) wrench in the works; throw a spanner in the works
meter(se) la pata
get involved; become a part of (lit.: to put in the leg (animal’s paw))
metete un pelo en el culo
stick it up your ass
mi/tu abuela
my foot (lit.: grandmother)
mientras tanto
meanwhile, in the meantime (lit.: to the monkfish)
mirar de reojo
look at out of the corner of the eye
mirar por encima
glance at; look quickly through
momento
wait; wait a second; wait a moment (used when asking someone to wait briefly)
montar a pelo
ride bareback
montar un negocio
set up a business; start a business (used in Spain)
morirse de risa
die laughing
mostrar tino
show good sense; be right (lit.: to show sound judgment, good sense)
nada del otro mundo
nothing special
nadar en la abundancia
be rolling in dough; be made of money (lit.: to swim in abundance)
necesitar como agua de mayo
absolutely need something; really need something; must have something
ni a palos
no way; not on your life
ni en broma
no way; not on your life (lit.: not even as a joke)
ni pizca de
not even a shred of (lit.: not even a pinch of)
ni rastro
no sign; no hint (of something)
no abrir la bolsa
be tight with money;
no caber ni un alfiler
be completely packed; be jammed; be stuffed (lit.: no even fit in a pin)
no caérsele los anillos a algn
not to be beneath one; not be beneath one’s dignity (lit.: to not have one’s rings fall off)
no dar ni golpe
do nothing; not do anything; be idle
no es cosa mía
it’s not my business; it’s not my affair
no estar para bromas
be in no mood for jokes (lit.: not to be for jokes)
no importar un ardite
could not care less; not give a hoot/damn (lit.: not be worth an “ardite,” an old coin of little value)
no llevar nada encima
not have any money with
no necesitar abuela
be full of oneself; blow one’s own horn (lit.: not to have a grandmother)
no pararse en barras
stop at nothing (lit.: not to stop at the bars [laws])
no pasa nada
no problem; not big deal
no poder con su alma
be exhausted; be fed up; be unable to take it anymore (lit.: not to be able with one’s soul)
no se oía ni una mosca
you could have heard a pin drop (lit.: no even a fly could be heard)
no ser ni carne ni pescado
be neither one thing nor the other (lit.: not be fish or fowl)
no tener abuela
be full of oneself; blow one’s own horn (lit.: not to have a grandmother)
no tener arte ni parte
have nothing to do with something at all (lit.: not to have art or part)
no tener pelos en la lengua
not mince words; be a straight shooter
no tiene caso
it is completely pointless; it is a waste of time
no ver el pelo a algn
not see hide or hair of someone
nunca se sabe
you never know; you never can tell
otra vez
again; once more

pagar a plazos
pay for something in installments
para colmo de desgracias
to top it all; to top it off (lit.: for the height of disgrace)
para colmo de males
to make matters worse
para diario
everyday
parecer otro/-a
look great; look fantastic
partirse el alma
make someone’s heart bleed (lit.: my soul is separated from me)
pasar a buscar
pick up; collect; get
pasar de la raya
cross the line (lit.: to pass over the line)
pasar el mono a pelo
go cold turky
pasar por alto
pass over; overlook; ignore (lit.: to pass by high)
pasarlo bomba
have a great time (lit.: to pass the bomb)
pedir la luna
ask the impossible (lit.: to ask for the moon)
pegar el ojo
fall asleep; sleep (lit.: to stick the eye)
perder la cabeza
fall madly in love with someone
pez gordo
fat cat; big cheese; big cheese (lit.: fat fish)
poner a salvo
save; rescue (lit.: to put to saving)
poner el dedo en la llaga
hit a raw nerve (lit.: to put the finger in the ulcer)
poner en camino
get underway; be underway (lit.: to put onself on road, on route)
poner en cintura
reign in (lit.: to put a belt on)
poner en marcha
start; begin; put into action
poner en su sitio a alguien
put someone in his/her place (lit.: to place someone in her/his site)
poner la mesa
set the table
poner mala cara
pout; grimace; give a dirty luck
poner toda la carne en el asador
pull out all the stops
ponerse a dieta
go on a diet
ponerse como una hiena
get pissed; be furious; hit the roof
ponerse de acuerdo
agree; come to an agreement
ponerse de novio
have a relationship; be serious with somebody
ponerse de pie
stand up (lit.: to put oneself on foot)
ponerse en contra
be against; protest; stand against
ponerse las pilas
force oneself; push oneself (lit.: put batteries in oneself)
ponerse pedo
get drunk; get sloshed; get pissed; get high
por (el) amor de Dios
for the love of God (n.b.: exclamation similar to the one in English in usage)
por adelantado
early, beforehand (lit.: by earliness)
por casualidad
by coincidence, by any chance (lit.: by coincidence)
por cierto
by the way; incidentally
por debajo de agua
under the table
por el contrario
on the contrary (lit.: by its sight)
por el momento
for now (lit.: by the moment)
por el otro lado
on the other hand
por eso
so; thus; then; next
por estos rumbos
in this neck of the woods; around here
por fin
finally
por fortuna
fortunately
por la buena
nicely; without being forced
por la flauta
oh dear! (used to express surprise or frustration)
por la mala
only when pushed; only when forced
por la verga grande
in the back of beyond; in the sticks; in the boonies (coarse, vulgar expression)
por lo general
generally; in general
por lo menos
at least; at a minimum (lit.: at/by the least)
por lo pronto
in the meantime; meanwhile. 1. Vea, por lo pronto existe una tercera opcíon.
por lo regular
normally
por lo tanto
thus; therefore (lit.: by its sight)
por lo visto
apparently; it seems (lit.: by its sight)
por los pelos
by the skin of one's teeth
por menos de nada
for nothing; for less than nothing
por otra parte
on the other hand
por pedido de
at the request of
por si acaso
just in case
por si fuera poco
to add insult to injury
por si las moscas
just in case
por siempre
forever (lit.: for always)
por suerte
luckily, fortunately (lit.: by luck)
por supuesto
of course (lit.: by supposed)
por todos los rincones
in every nook and cranny
por un lado
on the one hand
por un pelito
by very little; by a second
por un pelo
by a hair; just. 1. Me escapo por un pelo.
por un pelo de rana
by very little; by a second; by the skin of one's teeth
por una  parte
on the one hand (lit.: for one side)
primero que nada
most of all; first and foremost
proquería
junk, trash; junk food
qué cosa
what a situation; what a mess
qué lástima
what a shame; what a pity
que onda
what's up; what's going on (lit.: what wave, and used as a question; n.b.: most common in Mexico)
qué sé yo
whatever, and so on (lit.: what I know, as if I know)
que te mueres
fantastic; great; to die for
quedarse bien
look good on; fit well; suit
querer decir
mean; want to say
quitar el sombrero hasta alg.
doff one’s hat to; take one’s hat of (in recognition of admiration)
regalarse
give; let me have (lit.: to give oneself; n.b.: used in Costa Rica; e.g.: ‘regalame’ to mean ‘give me’ something in a
store)
reirse la gracia a algien
humor someone (lit.: to laugh with someone)
repartirse el pastel
divide up the pie
rodar por algn
be at someone's beck and call
rumbo a
in the direction of; toward
sabelotodo
know it all
saber dónde aprieta el zapato
know the score; know the situation (lit.: know where the show pinches)
sabi(h)onda mandona
little miss know-it-all
sabi(h)ondo/a
know it all
sacar a algn de quicio
drive someone crazy; drive someone up a wall
sacar de un apuro
get somebody out of a tight spot
sacar los colores a alguien
make someone blush (lit.: to take out the colors from someone)
sacar pecho
brag; show off (lit.: to stick out chest)
sacarse de encima
come out on top (lit.: to take oneself out at top)
sacarse la mugre
have a nasty accident
sacarse la mugre
work like a dog (n.b.: used in Cono del Sur)
salir adelante
get ahead
salir de las llamas y caer en las brasas
jump out of the frying pan and into the fire
salir de marcha
go out partying
salir de un apuro
get out of a tight spot (lit.: leave a predicament)
salir juntos
date; go out; be seeing (used to describe a couple in a relationship)
Santa Bárbara
Heaven help us (n.b.: Saint Barbara’s help is invoked to protect one from danger, esp. in some traditions, from fire
and storms)
santo cielo
heavens; good heavens (n.b.: popularly used as an expression of suprise, often as a euphemism for something
stronger)
santo Dios
good God; great God (n.b.: popularly used as an expression of suprise, often as a euphemism for something
stronger)
se trata de
it's about; it has to do with; you're supposed to…
seguido
often (n.b.: Mexican, used more often than ‘frequentemente’)
según dice
according to (lit.: following (it) says)
ser agua pasada
be water under the bridge; be done; be over with (lit.: to be water passed by)
ser al mando
be at someone’s command
ser de bronce
be rigid; be inflexible (lit.: be of bronze)
ser de carne y hueso
be only human. 1. Como todo el mundo, soy de carne y hueso.
ser de corta edad
be young
ser de dos pelos
be two-faced (used in Cono del Sur)
ser de edad avanzada
be old; be elderly
ser el colmo de los colmos
be the limit; be the worst
ser la monda
be a blast; be really funny
ser más listo que el hambre
be sharp as a tack; be very quick (lit.: be more clever than hunger)
ser otro asunto
be different; be something else
ser pan comido
be a piece of cake (lit.: to take out the colors from someone)
ser toro corrido
be an old hand at (lit.: be a bull [that has] run)
ser un muermo
be a drag; be a bore (used in Spain)
ser un pelo
be very skinny; be very thin
servir lo mismo para un barrido que para un fregado
be a jack of all trades; be handy (lit.: to serve equally as for sweeping or for scrubbing)
sin apuros
without pressure; without embarassment. 1. Quiero vivir sin apuros.
sin duda
without doubt; doubtlessly. 1. No demasiado sin duda.
sin embargo
nevertheless, nonetheless (lit.: to have sense)
sito de ligar
singles' bar; pickup joint (used in Spain)
sobrio como una cuba
drunk (lit.: sober like a wine cask)
soltar el toro a algn
scold somebody severely (lit.: jump the bull to someone)
soltar la risa
burst out laughing
soltarse el pelo
let one's hair down
subirse a las barbas de alg.
be fresh with someone; be too familiar or friendly with someone (lit.: to go up the beard of someone)
sueño de oro
one's heart's desire; one's dream (lit: dream of gold; A sueño de oro is one's innermost, deepest desire)
tal vez
probably, maybe, perhaps
tarde o temprano
sooner or later (lit.: late or early)
tele
tv; telly; television
tener a alg. en ascuas
keep someone in suspense; keep someone on tenderhooks (lit.: to have someone on coals)
tener animo
be enthusiastic; be in the mood for
tener buen tipo
have a good figure; have a good body (used in Spain)
tener buen vino
be able to handle one's alcohol
tener ciudado
be careful (lit.: to have care)
tener el alma en un hilo
be on pins and needles; have one’s heart in one’s mouth; be on tenderhooks (lit.: to have the soul in/by a string)
tener en cuenta
bear in mind; keep in mind (lit.: to have in account)
tener en mente
keep in mind; have in mind
tener ganas (de)
feel like (lit.: to have urges/desires)
tener gracia
be funny; be amusing (lit.: to have grace)
tener harto
be fed up (lit.: to have exhausted)
tener hasta acá
have had enough (lit.: to have up to here)
tener la culpa
be to blame; be one’s fault (lit.: have the blame)
tener las manos largas
be light-fingered (lit.: have large hands)
tener lugar
take place (lit.: to have place)
tener mal vino
be unable to handle one's alcohol (lit.: to have bad wine)
tener mala leche
have a mean streak (lit.: to have bad milk)
tener miedo (de)
be afraid; be fearful; be scared (lit.: to have fear)
tener paciencia
be patient
tener prisa
be in a hurry; be in a rush (lit.: to have hurry/haste/rush). 1. Ahora tenemos un poco de prisa.
tener que
have to; must
tener razón
be right (lit.: to have reason)
tener sed
be thirsty
tener sentido
make sense (lit.: to have sense)
tener suerte
be lucky; be fortunate (lit.: to have luck)
tiempo de perros
foul weather; horrible weather (lit.: weather for dogs)
tirar el dinero
throw money out the window
tirar por el atajo
take the easy way out (lit.: throw for the shortcut)
tirarse un pedo
fart (n.b.: colloquial)
tocar diana
sound reveille (n.b.: diana means bull's-eye)
todo el mundo
everyone; everybody (lit.: all the world). 1. Todo el mundo quiere estar sano.
todo hijo de vecino
every Tom, Dick, and Harry; everyone (lit.: every neighbor's child)
todo un poco
a little of each; a little of everything
tomar el pelo a alguien
be kidding; pull someone’s leg (lit.: to pull the hair of someone)
tomar el sol
sunbathe; soak up rays; catch some rays
tomar en cuenta
bear in mind; keep in mind
tomar nota(s)
take notes; make a note of
trabajar el doble
work overtime; work extra
traje de Adán
in one’s birthday suit; naked (lit.: in Adam’s clothes)
tratarse
have to do with; be (lit.: to treat. Used with the preposition “de”)
un ojo de la cara
a fortune; an arm and a leg
un pelo
a little bit; a small amount
una y otra vez
again and again (lit.: one and another time)
valer la pena
be worth; be worthwhile (lit.: to be worth the pain). 1. No vale la pena de ir.
venir a golpe de alpargata
walk; hoof it; go on foot (lit.: go by slapping sandals)
venir como agua de mayo
come at just the right time; be just what you need (lit.: come like water in May)
venir como anillo al dedo
be a godsend; come at just the right time (lit.: come like a ring to the finger)
vivir del paro
live off of unemployment (used in Spain)
vivir en la luna
be on cloud nine; be out to lunch (lit.: to be on the moon)
volverse loco
go insane; go mad
ya es hora
it's about time
ya que
since; because
yo que se
how would I know? (lit.: I know what?)
zurrar la badana a alg.
beat someone up; give someone a good tanning; tan someone’s hide (lit.: thrash the tanned sheepskin of
someone)