Spanish that doesn't translate well...

[byler]

If you're going to be in a Spanish speaking country, around locals, for an extended period of time, you will see that they have sayings just like we do, that do not make any sense. For example, "There's more than one way to skin a cat."

Here are about 10 common "sayings" in Spanish, the English equivalent, and then what it means if you literately translate it. Hope this clears up any confusion anyone may have!

--Byler

10. A otro perro con ese hueso.
(You're putting me on.)

Literal: To another dog with that bone.



9. Antes que te cases mira lo que haces.
(Look before you leap.)

Literal: Before you marry, look at what you do.



8. Cada quien tiene su manera de matar pulgas.
(There's more than one way to skin the cat.)

Literal: Everyone has their own way to kill fleas.



7. Como el burro que tocó la flauta.
(By pure luck.)

Literal: As the burro played the flute.



6. Salir de Guatemala y meterse en guatepeor.
(Out of the frying pan and into the fire.)

Literal: To leave Guatemala and arrive in worse cornstalks.



5. El hijo de la gata, ratones mata.
(Like father, like son.)

Literal: The son of the cat kills mice.



4. Entrada de caballo, salida de burro.
(Don't start something you can't finish.)

Literal: Enter on horseback, leave on a donkey.



3. Tener más lana que un borrego.
(To have money to burn.)

Literal: To have more wool than a lamb.



2. Yo tengo una tía que toca la guitarra.
(What's that got to do with the price of tea in China?)

Literal: I have an aunt that plays the guitar.



1. Ir a donde el rey va solo.
(To powder one's nose.)

Literal: To go where the king goes alone.