If you want to sound more natural in Spanish, learning fixed expressions is just as important as learning grammar rules. Many everyday conversations include idioms that cannot always be understood by translating each word separately. That is why articles about Spanish idioms can be especially useful.
In this article, we will look at several common Spanish idioms with
Some of these expressions describe support, effort, indifference, or even sadness. By learning them in context, you will be better prepared to understand real Spanish and to use these expressions more confidently in your own sentences.
Spanish Idioms with Hombro
Body-part idioms are very common in Spanish. Just as English has expressions with hand, head, or shoulder, Spanish also builds many figurative meanings around parts of the body. Studying Spanish idioms with
Another reason to study Spanish idioms with
Arrimar el hombro (to pitch in)
This is probably one of the most common Spanish idioms with
It often suggests cooperation and active support. This expression is especially useful when talking about teamwork, family responsibilities, or community effort.
Cuando vimos que el proyecto estaba atrasado, todos decidimos arrimar el hombro para terminarlo antes del viernes.
When we saw that the project was behind schedule, we all decided to pitch in to finish it before Friday.
Aunque estaba muy cansada después del trabajo, Marta arrimó el hombro y ayudó a preparar toda la comida para la fiesta familiar.
Even though she was very tired after work, Marta pitched in and helped prepare all the food for the family party.
Encogerse de hombros (to shrug one’s shoulders)
This expression literally means to shrug one’s shoulders. It is used when someone does not know something, does not care, or wants to show uncertainty or indifference.
It can describe both the physical gesture and the attitude behind it. Among Spanish idioms with
Cuando le preguntaron por qué no había contestado el mensaje importante, él se encogió de hombros y no dijo nada más.
When they asked him why he had not answered the important message, he shrugged his shoulders and said nothing else.
La niña se encogió de hombros al escuchar la explicación, porque todavía no entendía por qué tenía que cambiar sus planes.
The girl shrugged her shoulders when she heard the explanation, because she still did not understand why she had to change her plans.
Llorar sobre el hombro de alguien (to cry on one’s shoulders)
Literally, this means to cry on someone’s shoulder. It refers to seeking emotional comfort from another person, especially when you are sad, disappointed, or overwhelmed.
This expression is common in personal and emotional contexts. It is one of the easiest Spanish idioms with
Después de discutir con su mejor amiga, Lucía fue a llorar sobre el hombro de su hermana durante toda la tarde.
After arguing with her best friend, Lucía went to cry on her sister’s shoulder for the whole afternoon.
A veces no necesitamos consejos complicados, sino simplemente llorar sobre el hombro de alguien un rato.
Sometimes we do not need complicated advice, but simply to cry on someone’s shoulders for a while.
Echarse al hombro (to take on)
Literally, this means to throw something over one’s shoulder, but it can have two related ideas depending on the context. It may refer to physically carrying something on your shoulder, or figuratively taking on a responsibility, burden, or task.
This expression often communicates effort, sacrifice, and personal responsibility.
Desde muy joven, tuvo que echarse al hombro las responsabilidades de la casa mientras sus padres trabajaban fuera.
From a very young age, he had to take on the household responsibilities while his parents worked away from home.
Sin que nadie se lo pidiera, se echó al hombro la organización completa del evento y resolvió todos los problemas.
Without anyone asking him to, he took on the full organization of the event and solved all the problems.
Mirar por encima del hombro (to look down on)
This expression literally means to look over the shoulder, but its real meaning is to look down on someone or to treat someone as inferior.
It usually describes arrogance, snobbery, or contempt. Of all the Spanish idioms with
No me gusta cómo ese chico mira por encima del hombro a sus compañeros solo porque habla varios idiomas.
I do not like how that boy looks down on his classmates just because he speaks several languages.
Algunas personas miran por encima del hombro a quienes cometen errores, en lugar de ayudarlos a mejorar con paciencia.
Some people look down on those who make mistakes instead of helping them improve with patience.
Exercises
Learning Spanish idioms with
As with many idioms, the key is to focus on meaning and usage, not just on literal translation. The more Spanish idioms with