Spanish is a language rich in idiomatic expressions, many of which reflect cultural nuances and everyday experiences. One word that frequently appears in Spanish idioms is espalda, which translates to back in English. In this article, we’ll explore several Spanish idioms with espalda, breaking down their meanings and providing examples of how they are used in Spanish. From turning one’s back on someone to falling over backward in surprise, these expressions reveal a lot about human nature, emotions, and interpersonal dynamics.

Spanish Idioms with Espalda

Spanish idioms with espalda (back) provide fascinating insights into human emotions, behaviors, and social interactions. This article explores several common expressions, such as hacer algo a espaldas (to do something behind someone’s back), which involves secretive actions that may betray trust. Another idiom, dar la espalda (to turn one’s back), describes the act of ignoring or abandoning someone, often in their time of need. Meanwhile, caerse de espaldas (to fall over backward) conveys extreme surprise or shock. Lastly, cubrirse las espaldas (to cover one’s own back) refers to taking precautions to protect oneself from potential risks or blame. These idioms highlight the importance of trust, loyalty, and communication in personal and professional relationships.

A espaldas (behind someone’s back)

Me sentí traicionada al descubrir que mis padres habían tomado esa decisión tan importante a mis espaldas.

I felt betrayed when I found out my parents had made such an important decision behind my back.

No es ético hacer acuerdos a espaldas de los colegas cuando el proyecto debería ser transparente para todos.

It’s not ethical to make deals behind colleagues’ backs when the project should be transparent for everyone.

Caerse de espaldas (to fall over backwards)

Todos se cayeron de espaldas cuando mi equipo ganó el campeonato contra todo pronóstico.

Everyone fell over backward when my team won the championship against all odds.

Cuando escuché la noticia sobre Luis, casi me caigo de espaldas de la sorpresa que me llevé.

When I heard the news about Luis, I nearly fell over backward from the shock I got.

Cubrirse las espaldas (to cover one’s own back)

El gerente tomó precauciones para cubrirse las espaldas en caso de que el proyecto fracasara.

The manager took precautions to cover his back in case the project failed.

Cubrirse las espaldas means to cover one’s back, and tener las espaldas cubiertas would be to be on the safe side.

Ella tiene las espaldas cubiertas porque siempre guarda copias de todos los documentos importantes en la caja fuerte.

She’s on the safe side because she always keeps copies of all important documents in her safety box.

Dar la espalda (to turn one’s back)

Cuando me despidieron y más necesitaba ayuda, mi familia no me dio la espalda. No me sentí sola.

When I was fired and I needed help the most, my family didn’t turn their back on me. I didn’t feel alone.

La empresa de Romina no le da la espalda a sus empleados en tiempo difíciles. Ahora les apoya más que nunca.

Romina’s company doesn’t turn her back on its employees in difficult times. Now it is supporting them more than ever.

Exercises

In this article, we have covered four Spanish idioms with espalda. Now let’s practice these popular Spanish idioms with espalda with the following exercises. Remember that in our blog you can find more idioms with body parts (boca, cabeza, cara, lengua, mano, oídos, ojos, pelo, pie…).

Exercise 1

Exercise 2

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Idioms and Phrases