The word cara (face) when used in idiomatic expressions takes on a deeper meaning. In this article, we will show you several Spanish idioms with cara (face) that often convey emotions, attitudes, or situations through metaphorical references to the face. Let’s explore these Spanish idioms with cara to enrich your vocabulary and learn more about the cultural nuances of the Spanish-speaking world.

Spanish Idioms with Cara

Spanish idioms with cara will allow you to uncover the unique expressions that make Spanish such a lively and expressive language. Let’s explore them to understand their meanings and usage.

Al mal tiempo, buena cara (look on the bright side)

No me han dado el aumento, pero tampoco me han despedido. Al mal tiempo, buena cara.

I didn’t get the raise, but they haven’t fired me. I have to look on the bright side.

Cuando la gente está enferma, pero intenta sonreír cada día, todo va mejor. Todos deberíamos hacer lo mismo y poner al mal tiempo buena cara.

When people are sick but try to smile everyday, everything goes better. We should all do the same thing and look on the bright side.

Dar la cara (to face the music)

Mi hermano estropeó la cerradura y no se lo dijo a nadie. Cuando vinieron a arreglarla y encontraron su juguete metido dentro, tuvo que dar la cara.

My brother broke the lock and did not tell anyone. When they came to fix it and found his toy tucked inside, he had to face the music.

Resultó que los que lanzaron los ladrillos a la ventana de la escuela eran cuatro alumnos. Sus padres aún no han venido a dar la cara.

It turned out that the ones who threw the bricks to the windows of the school were four students. Their parents haven’t come so far to face the music.

Echar en cara (to reproach)

Blanca y Julieta le echaron en cara a Lucía que nunca lava los platos después de cenar. También le reprocharon que no limpia la cocina y que es muy desordenada.

Blanca and Julieta reproached Lucía for not washing the dishes after dinner. They also reproached her for not cleaning the kitchen and for being very messy.

Ayer mi padre me echó en cara mi irresponsabilidad. Fue un momento difícil para mí. Me sentí avergonzado y muy arrepentido.

Yesterday my dad reproached me for my irresponsibility. It was a difficult moment for me. I felt ashamed and very sorry.

Verse las caras (to meet face to face)

Mis hermanas se pelearon hace muchos años por la herencia de mis padres. Cuando tuvieron que verse las caras en mi boda, la situación fue muy incómoda.

Many years ago, my sisters had a fight about my parents’ inheritance. When they had to meet face to face during my wedding, the situation became very uncomfortable.

No consiguieron resolver los problemas de la fachada y del tejado de manera amistosa, así que tendrán que verse las caras en los tribunales.

They weren’t able to solve the problems with the roof and the facade in a friendly way, so they will have to meet face to face in court.

Exercises

You can learn several Spanish idioms with different words with us. For example, in our blog, you can find idioms with more body parts (cabeza, oídos, ojos, pelo…). Now let’s practice today’s Spanish idioms with cara with the following exercises.

Exercise 1

Exercise 2

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Idioms and Phrases