I was going to the social security office recently, and since I assumed I would have to do a fair amount of waiting, I thought it best to take a book. As it turns out, the only book in my car was 501 Spanish Verbs, so I did some studying and made the best of it. I came across a few idioms/proverbs that made me laugh — obviously loosely translated. (Katiebird, maybe you already know these, but if not, add them to a list somewhere (: )
¡Cuentasélo a tu abuela! : Tell it to your grandma. (i.e. you’re pulling my leg)
No tiene dos dedos de frente. : He doesn’t have two fingers of forehead (i.e. peabrain)
El que mal canta, bien le suena. : He who sings badly likes what he hears.
¡Cómprate un calvo y péinalo! : Buy a bald man and comb him/his hair. (i.e. Beat it.)
Maybe I’ll start using the English versions in everyday conversation and see what happens.Will be on the lookout for more.
August 3rd, 2011 at 10:41 pm
I’m a fan of all of these, in English especially.
September 6th, 2011 at 1:45 pm
Dear Lauren,
just (re)discovered your blog and have no words, but feel compelled to let you know that it touched me today – you know, that me inside that is rarely touched. And thank you. Yes, yes! To dance, of course, and Spanish-to-English ridiculousness.
Thank you, you are lovely and alive.
Irina