In the world of Spanish language and culture, idioms offer a fascinating glimpse into the way people express themselves. Some of the most interesting expressions in Spanish feature the word pie (foot). In this article, we will show you three popular Spanish idioms with pie.
Spanish Idioms with Pie
The following three Spanish idioms with pie can be used in everyday conversations. Let’s explore their meanings and origins.
Ir con pies de plomo (to be very cautious)
Ir con pies de plomo has its roots in the lead boots used by deep sea divers. Metaphorically, it means to be very cautious. It implies being cautious and vigilant when approaching a situation to avoid any potential risks or negative consequences. This idiom is often used to advise someone to act prudently, especially in uncertain or delicate circumstances, to prevent making hasty decisions that could lead to unfavorable outcomes.
Este asunto es muy delicado. Debemos ir con pies de plomo cuando hablemos de ello.
This issue is very delicate. We must be cautious when we talk about it.
Para comprar un apartamento debes ir con pies de plomo. Lee bien el contrato antes de firmarlo.
To buy an apartment you must be very cautious. Read the contract carefully before signing it.
No dar pie con bola (to get everything wrong)
No dar pie con bola has its origins in cards games. In these games, the last player in the round was known as el pie (the foot) and la bola (the ball) was called the final result of each round. The person with the most ball or result won the game and the foot, being the last player, had an advantage over the rest. However, if this player was not good, it was said that he didn’t get the ball rolling. As we have seen, this phrase was originally used to describe a bad card player, but over time it evolved to the idea of being unable to understand or grasp a situation, concept, or conversation.
En el examen le preguntaron las capitales más importantes de América y también los lugares más representativos de varios países del mundo; aunque era muy fácil, Miguel no dio pie con bola.
During the exam, Miguel was asked the most important capital cities in America and also the landmarks of several countries around the world; although it was very easy, he got everything wrong.
Estos informes están mal. Confundiste los clientes y las cuentas están mal. ¿Qué te pasa hoy? No das pie con bola.
These reports are wrong. You mixed up the clients, and the accounts are wrong. What’s wrong with you today? You’re getting everything wrong.
Al pie de la letra (to the letter)
Al pie de la letra originates from the practice of following religious texts in a meticulous and precise manner. Al pie de la letra is in itself a literal translation of the Latin phrase ad pedem litterae, which was what monks called the type of translation consisting of translating word by word. Metaphorically, this idiom conveys the concept of following instructions, guidelines, or rules exactly as they are written, without any room for interpretation. It is a very useful expression when we want to refer to the literality of things.
Es importante prestar mucha atención y seguir estas instrucciones al pie de la letra.
I need you to pay close attention and follow the instructions to the letter.
Si sigues mi receta para cocinar el pastel al pie de la letra, estoy segura de que va a estar muy rico.
If you follow my recipe to bake the cake to the letter, I am sure it will taste very good.
Exercises
In our blog, you’ll find many Spanish idioms with body parts (boca, cabeza, cara, oídos, ojos, pelo…). Now let’s practice these Spanish idioms with pie.
