Animal Idioms and Expressions A

Animal Idioms and Expressions A-B
[A-B] [C] [D-F] [G-M] [N-R] [S-Z]

A
ANT
working like ants
Working hard.
ants in one's pants
to be very restless and impatient

Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
APE
go ape
become extremely excited

Source: Wayne Magnuson
B
BARK
a barking dog never bites
Someone who makes threats all the time, seldom carries out the threats.
Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
bark up the wrong tree
Pursue an erroneous course of action.

his bark is worse than his bite
Someone comes across as being very mean and nasty, but doesn't necessarily act on their threats
Source: Lewis, Stacey
why keep a dog and bark yourself
You should not do something you hired some one else to do.
BAT
As blind as a bat
unaware.
Source: funbrain.com
have bats in the (or one's) belfry
Informal. to be mad or eccentric; have strange ideas

Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
like a bat out of hell
Fast.
Source: Big List of Cliches
BEAR
as gruff as a bear
Gruff.
slick as bear grease
smooth and slick
like a bear with a sore head
Very disgruntled.
Source: Funk, Charles
bear down
try harder
bear the brunt
accept the most blame or responsibility

cranky as bear with a sore paw
Source: Dianna Ly
loaded for bear
To be prepared for any possibility. Originally this phrase had a hunting significance dating back to
possibly a time when the west was wild and woolly. Modern slang has introduced a new meaning
into the phrase -- to be well loaded; drunk.
also
"Bears are notoriously difficult to kill. Wounded grizzlies will sometime pursue those who hunt
them. I have always understood 'loaded for bear' to mean that one is equipping (or over-
equipping) oneself for an extraordinary hunt."
Source: Ashton Armistead
and
"In the days of the old muzzle loading rifles or shotguns, every load was unique, and suited to the
occasion, if desired. You could use a small load of powder for squirrel, or more for larger
animals. The bear, apparently particularly hard to kill and dangerous when wounded, called for a
large load of powder and shot. Hence, the term 'loaded for bear' means 'maxed out', or prepared
for the greatest challenge.When you were loaded for bear, and did shoot, the kick of the gun was
a real kick, too."
Source: Dog Hause Visitor Danapun
have a bear by the tail
to have a very difficult problem to solve

hungry as a bear
very hungry
BEAVER
busy as a beaver
Busy.
eager beaver
someone who is very eager to do something

BEE
busy as a bee
Busy.
a beehive of activity
a busy place, a room full of working people

make a beeline
go straight towards
the bee's knees
the best, superior, the cat's meow

having bees in one's bonnet
to be up in a tizzy about something.

BIRD
a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
Don't go after something if it means loosing what you have.

Source: Cliche Finder
had the bird
worn or broken
happy as a box of birds
joyful, very happy

have a bird
be overcome with excitement or grief

naked as a jay bird
no clothes on, bare naked, in the nude

sitting in a cat bird seat
A person is "sitting pretty" or in a "favored position." This saying was popularized, at least, in
these here parts [Texas], by a short story entitled "Catbird Seat," which was written by the well-
known American writer of humorous fiction--James Thurber. Thurber, of "Walter Mitty" fame,
gives credit to Red Barber--the down--home Southern baseball sports announcer for introducing
this rural idiom to the mainstream American public. According to Thurber, the phrase means:
being in an advantageous position.
Source: Wheepie@aol.com
for the birds
Not for me.

free as a bird
Free.
a little bird told me
I won't tell you who told me.

Source: Turner, Martin
flip the bird
To stick up your middle finger in a derogatory way.

bird's-eye view
Seen from above.

a wet bird never flies at night
"The saying 'a wet bird never flies at night' was a catch phrase used by Jackie Vernon - a stand up
comic on the television in the 70's. You're probably not old enough to remember him - but he had
a very dry humor and never smiled. Think he might also have been the one that said 'It's bad luck
to blow-dry a wet raccoon.'"
Source: Dog Hause Visitor barbervin
birds in their little nest agree
People who live together should try hard to get along peacefully.
birds of a feather flock together
Similar people tend to associate with each other.

fine feathers make fine birds
It's the details that make something good.

bird dog
someone's buttock's
It’s an ill bird that fouls its own nest

killing two birds with one stone
Accomplishing two things at the same time.

the bird has flown
Informal. the person in question has fled or escaped

the birds and the bees
Euphemistic or jocular. sex and sexual reproduction

get the bird
Informal
a. to be fired or dismissed
b. (esp of a public performer) to be hissed at, booed, or derided
give (someone) the bird
Informal. to tell (someone) rudely to depart; scoff at; hiss
like a bird
without resistance or difficulty

the early bird catches the worm
Don't procrastinate (unless maybe you’re the worm.)

BOAR
crazy as a peach-orchard boar
loony
BONE
throw you a bone
To give you a compliment.

Source: Bostone, Tristan
BUG
as snug as a bug in a rug

don't let the bed bugs bite
Sleep Well.
bitten by the same bug
have the same interest or hobby

like a chicken on a June bug
very quickly, in a flash

Love Bug
Volkswagen Beetle, The Bug

put a bug in my ear
told me secretly, a little bird told me

don't bug me
Leave me in peace.
Source: Dog Hause Visitor Dianne Lam
cute as a bug's ear
On the theory that the smaller they come the cuter they are.
crazy as a betsy bug
loony
crazy as June bug
Crazy.
Source: Dianna Ly
BULL
to not know B from a bull's foot
To be extremely ignorant.
take the bull by the horns
to face and tackle a difficulty without shirking.

bull
US slang. to talk lightly or foolishly

bull-headed
to be stubborn
useless as tits on a bull
completely useless
Source: Kate Field
cock-and-bull story
untrue story
to shoot the bull
Gathering of people talking.

like a bull in a china shop
Someone who heedless of physical damage or the personal feelings of anyone, shoulders his way
though delicate situations.
Alt Def.: Something or some one in a place where they or it does not belong or is out of place.
Source of Alt.: Jason Brown
BUNNY
dust bunny
a clump of dust or lint

BUTTERFLY
as gaudy as a butterfly

BUZZARD
buzzard bait
a dying or a worthless animal

C
CAMEL
strain at gnats and swallow camels
To criticize other people for minor offences while ignoring major offenses.
plain as the hump on a camel
obvious
straw that broke the camel's back
The thing to push you over the edge.

CANARY
have a canary
Brit. informal. to react with disapproval, anxiety. etc

look like the cat who swallowed the canary
To look proud of ones self.

Source: Dianna Ly
CAT
cat's meow
The top of the line

play cat and mouse
to play with a person or animal in a cruel or teasing way. esp before a final act of cruelty or
unkindness
fraidy cat or scaredy cat
a person who is afraid, a coward

grin like a Cheshire cat
to have a big smile because of something you're really happy you did
a bag of cats
Irish informal. a bad-tempered person: she's a real bag of cats this morning.
not a cat in hell's chance
no chance at all
like herding cats
Futile.
Source: Arius Kaufmann
fight like Kilkenny cats
to fight until both parties are destroyed
conceited as a barbers cat
very conceited
she's a cool cat
She is unflappable.
Source: Paulina Tegelund
high as the hair on a cat's back
very expensive
as much chance as a wax cat in hell
no chance at all
weak as a cat
very weak
dead cat on the line
for something to be wrong

sitting in a cat bird seat
A person is "sitting pretty" or in a "favored position." This saying was popularized, at least, in
these here parts [Texas], by a short story entitled "Catbird Seat," which was written by the well-
known American writer of humorous fiction--James Thurber. Thurber, of "Walter Mitty " fame,
gives credit to Red Barber--the down--home Southern baseball sports announcer for this rural
idiom to the mainstream American public. According to Thurber, the phrase means: being in an
advantageous position.
Source: Wheepie@aol.com
cat calls
"I'm from a neighborhood with a tremendous amount of wild or at least free-roaming cats. Often,
in the middle of an early spring or summer night i would be awakened by the calls of cat's in
mating. Each time, one of the sounds I heard was similar to the "wit-woo" sound associated with
the cat-call whistle. Perhaps people adopted that sound, changed it to a whistle, and associated
it with seeing an attractive woman, thus calling the sound these men made, cat calls."
Source: Michelle Tracey
fat cat
A person high up in the business world with a lot of money.
A cat can look at a king
No one is so important that an ordinary person cannot look at him or her. Everyone can be
curious about important people.
do it in a cat's paw
Do something in a way that no one knows it is you doing it.
to let the cat out of the bag
Telling something which has been a secret.
copycat
Some one who mimics some one else.
Source: Cassie
catnap
A mid-day nap.
alley cat
Any homeless or stray cat. By extension -- a prostitute.
look what the cat dragged in
A humorously derogatory comment on someone's arrival.
looks like something the cat brought in
to appear disheveled or bedraggled.
cat's pajamas
All that and a bag of chips.
curiosity killed the cat
Warning about being curious.
a cat has nine lives
Cats can survive things that are severe enough to kill them.
a cat in gloves catches no mice
Sometimes you cannot get what you want by being careful and polite.
all cats are gray in the dark
In the dark, appearances are meaningless.
nervous as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs
Nervous
like a cat on a hot tin roof
Agitated.
like a cat on hot bricks
in an uneasy or agitated state.
cat got your tongue
Unable to speak.
put, set, etc., {the cat among the pigeons}
to introduce some violently disturbing new element
keep no more cats then will catch mice
Do not support anyone who does not or cannot do something useful for you in return.
let the cat out of the bag
To tell a secret -- normally accidentally.
not enough room to swing a cat
Very little room.
raining cats and dogs
It is raining very hard.
more then one way to skin a cat
There is more then one way to do something.
when the cat's away, the mice will play
Without supervision, people misbehave.
look like the cat who swallowed the canary
To look proud of ones self.
Source: Dianna Ly
doesn't have enough sense to bell a cat
acts foolishly
dog my cats
my goodness; what do you know
like cat and dog
quarrelling savagely
CATTLE (AND CALF)
all hat and no cattle
all form and no substance

Source: Cantu, Larry: reference made to John Connally by
Lyndon Johnson
calf slobber
meringue
don't rush cattle
do not hurry
to kill the fatted calf
to rejoice (I don't think the calf is rejoicing though) or prepare for a fun and happy party or a
warm welcome
CHICKEN
don't count your chickens before they are hatched
Don't assume you have something until you really have it.
chicken in every pot
enough food for every family
chicken
Informal. any of various, often dangerous, games or challenges in which the object is to make
one's opponent lose his nerve.
chicken out
back out from fear or lose one's nerve

have a chicken to pick with someone
to have something to argue about with someone
like a chicken with its head cut off
in a wild, crazy manner

chicken
a cowardly person
chicken
Slang. a young inexperienced person
the chickens come home to roost
You have to face the consequences of your mistakes or bad deeds.
no spring chicken
old
If it ain't chicken, it's feathers.
There is always a problem.
scarce as chicken's teeth
Source: Dog Hause Visitor Janee Cake
chicken feed
Very little (or low in value.)
CHUCHMOUSE
poor as a church mouse
Very Poor. This saying likely arose from some folk tale relating the sad experience of a mouse
trying to find food for itself and its starving little ones in a church. No pantry, no meal bag, no
grain bin made the struggle for existence most difficult.
CLAM
as happy as a clam
"Happy as a Clam" is not the original quote. It has been shortened. Why is a Clam particularly
happy? The original quote was "Happy as a Clam in High Tide". Which of course is when the clam
is the safest.
Source: Nick Porreco
clam up
Informal. to keep or become silent or withhold information
COCK
cock-and-bull story
untrue story
COLT
brush colt
an illegitimate child
COW
why buy a cow when you can get the milk for free
Why pay for something that you can get for free otherwise.
steep as a cow's face
extremely steep
holy cow
that is exciting, geez, gosh, wow

big enough to choke a cow
very big
cow juice
milk
dark as the inside of a cow's belly
very dark
cash cow
Someone or something that has a ton of cash and supports someone else with it--a business' big
clients would be called cash cows.
Source: Phil McNeill
tune the old cow died of
Any tune which has been played ad nauseam.

a sacred cow
Personal possession cherished by its owner or a person or thing immune to criticism or

questioning
Source: Funk, Charles and funbrain.com
don't have a cow, man
Don't get hysterically mad.

Source: The Simpsons – the cartoon
How now, Brown Cow?
what next, or what's going on

Source: Kitanga
till the cows come home
late hours or for a long time

Source: Funk, Charles and funbrain.com
CRAW
to stick in your craw
describes a problem that is annoying and/or won't go away

refers to a bird's craw (gullet), in which food is ground by sand eaten for this purpose
Source: indiana.edu
CROCODILE
crocodile tears
Fake tears. This expression comes from a story that a crocodile moans and sobs like a person in
great distress in order to lure a man into its reach, and then after devouring him sheds bitter
tears over the dire fate of its victim.
CROW
as the crow flies
From point A to point B directly.

eating crow
Taking back your words.

stone the crows
Brit. and Austral. slang. an expression of surprise, dismay, etc
D
DANDER
get someone's dander up
to make someone angry

DODO
dead as a dodo
Dead; obsolete; completely washed up.

DOG
gone to the dogs
Taken a turn for the worse.

that dog won't hunt
Source: Dog Hause Visitor Steve Rasmussen

the hair of the dog that bit you
The drink you drink in the morning to get over the drinks you drank the night before.
Hair of the Dog
(Australian Idiom)
A saying Australians use "the day after". That is to say the following morning after being out
drinking and feeling "seedy" (i.e. hung-over) - the comment will be made to have some "hair of
the dog", this is to infer that if you have some more to drink, generally the same as you were
drinking the previous night the hangover will be gone, or at least not noticed anymore. Source:
Dog Hause Visitor Lesley Vlahos
my dogs are barking
My feet are hurting

Source: Burns, Sid
Alt def: My feet smell
Source of alt: Dog Hause visitor RinTimTin
in the dog house
(not in our Dog Hause)

In trouble.
dog tired
Very tired.
sick as a dog
Very sick.
dog and pony show
Put on a good performance to impress someone, such as "I've got to do the 'dog and pony show'
for my boss today."
Source: Michael Babayco
look like somebody just shot your dog
Source: Dianna Ly
two (or three) dog night
Australian. the number of dogs needed to sleep cuddled up to for keeping warm
dog days of summer
Very hot days in July and August. It is the period in which the Dog Star, Sirius, rises in
conjunction with the sun.
a barking dog never bites

a dogs breakfast
Something bad.
dog-leg right
or
dog-leg left
The fairway turns in a golf course.
Source: Burns, Sid
better be the head of a dog then the tail of a lion

dog does not eat dog
One disreputable person will not harm another disreputable person.

it’s a dog eat dog world
Vicious world.
it's a dog's life
It’s an easy life

dog my cats

if you can't run with the big dogs puppy, stay on the porch
Source: England, Sandy

a tough dog to keep up on the porch
Source: Dog Hause Visitor Steve Rasmussen

every dog has its day
The time will come to each of us to chuck one's weight around; to exhibit a periods of
ostentation, influence or power.
if you lie down with dogs, you will get up with fleas
If you associate with bad people, you will acquire their faults.
call off the dogs
Cease some objectionable line of conduct. The analogy is that of the chase, in which dogs
following a wrong sent are called off.
mean as a junk-yard dog
Very Mean.
Source: Dianna Ly
dog eat dog
ruthless competition or self-interest

quick as a dog can lick a dish
fast, very quickly

sad as a hound dog's eye
very sad; pitiful

a dog's chance
no chance at all
a dog's life
a wretched existence
sick as a dog
very sick
bar-dog
bartender
big dog
important person
cut dog has no pups
I don't want to cut the cards

like cat and dog
quarrelling savagely
bird dog
someone's buttock's
like a dog's dinner
Informal. dressed smartly or ostentatiously
put on the dog
US and Canadian informal. to behave or dress in an ostentatious or showy manner

let sleeping dogs lie
Don't bring up an old issue/topic that will raise tempers or cause an argument
(Who ever said let sleeping dogs lie, didn’t sleep with dogs…)
love me, love my dog
If you love someone, you should accept everything and everyone that person loves.
rain cats and dogs
Raining heavily.
why keep a dog and bark yourself
You should not do something you hired some one else to do.
you cannot teach an old dog new tricks
Someone who is used to doing things a certain way cannot change.

crooked as a dog's hind leg
dishonest
happy as a flea in a doghouse
very happy
the tail wagging the dog
Source: Wag the Dog -- the movie

work like a dog
Work very hard.

dog-faced liar
a terrible liar
dog my cats

a dog's breakfast
a mixture of many things, a hodgepodge

top dog
boss, leader, head honcho
like dog's breath
not pleasant, not popular

dog in the manger
a person who will not share something he does not use or need
dog it
be lazy, not work

dogged me
followed me, bothered me

go see a man about a dog
go use the toilet

a dog's dinner or breakfast
Informal. something that is messy or bungled

DUCK
duck soup
Easy.
biggest duck in the puddle
most important person in a small group

if it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, and looks like a duck, it must be a duck
Assume the obvious.

duck out
leave, run away, desert

it's the duck's guts
it is great, it is wonderful
ducks in a row (ducks in order)
organized, planned; each person knows his job

ducky
great, fine, lovely

dead duck
someone or something that is certain to fail
lame duck
an elected officeholder whose term of office has not yet expired but who has failed to be re-
elected and therefore cannot gather much political support for initiatives
happy as ducks in Arizona
very unhappy
a sitting duck
An easy mark.
like water off a duck's back
It rolls right off.

Source: Arius Kaufmann
E
EEL
as slippery as an eel

EAGLE
eagle eyes
a person who can see details or errors

ELEPHANT
a white elephant
A cheap gift associated with a white elephant party.

Alt def: A gift you don't want and you don't know what to do with it.
Source of Alt: P. Bainbridge
an elephant never forgets
Just that. They don't!

a memory like an elephant
Never forgets.
Source: Dianna Ly
big enough to shade an elephant
very big
EGG
freckled as a turkey egg
covered with freckles

a good egg
a good-natured person
all your eggs in one basket
depending on one plan or one investment

egg me on
encourage me, tell me to do it

egg on my face
embarrassed, outsmarted
goose egg
zero, no score
suck eggs
go, leave, have a bad experience

walk on eggshells
be very careful
nest egg
a fund of money kept in reserve; savings

skunk egg
an onion
F
FEATHERS
If it ain't chicken, it's feathers.

a feather in your cap
an honor, a credit to you

horse feathers
lies, false stories

knock me over with a feather
I was very surprised, I could not believe it

ruffle your feathers
annoy you, bother you
fuss and feathers
fancy, troublesome things

birds of a feather
individuals of the same character or background tend to stay together

feather one's nest
to acquire wealth for oneself, especially by taking advantage of one's position or using the
property of others
FERRETS
ferret out
to uncover and bring to light by searching

FISH
sleeping with the fishes
Watery death
Source: Seinfeld -- the TV show
fish and company stink after three days
fish should be eaten while it is fresh, and guests should not stay too long
shooting fish in a barrel
a task that is too easy, a game without challenge

neither fish, flesh. nor fowl
neither this nor that

a woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle

fishing for a compliment
Looking to hear a compliment for one’s own self.

a kettle of fish
A terrible mess.
a different kettle of fish
different, not the same

like a fish out of water
Out of one's element.

busy as a fish peddler in Lent
very busy
crooked as a barrel of fish hooks
dishonest
got bigger fish to fry
Source: Dianna Ly
drink like a fish
A big drinker.
have better (or other) fish to fry
More important things to worry about.

there's more than one fish in the sea
There are always more options -- usually referring to the dating "pool".
like a big fish in a small pond.
Someone who has no competition in a particular group because of some trait; more rich, more
beautiful, more talented.
Source: Dianna Ly
fish or cut bait
FLEAS
if you lie down with dogs, you will get up with fleas
If you associate with bad people, you will acquire their faults.
to drop a flea in one's ear
To caution.
happy as a flea in a doghouse
very happy
FLY (and FLIES)
would not hurt a fly
Wouldn't harm anything.

catching flies
open mouth
a fly on the wall
able to hear and see what a fly would see and hear
no flies on her (him)
"savvy"
Source: McDaniel, Karen
happy as a fly in pie
very happy
you must lose a fly to catch a trout
You have to sacrifice something to get what you want.

you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar
It is easier to get what you want by flattering people and being polite to them than by making
demands.
FOX
crazy like a fox
Source: McDaniel, Karen

fox
chiefly US a sexually attractive woman

fox
Informal. to perplex or confound: to fox a person with a problem

fox
to cause (paper, wood, etc.) to become discoloured with spots, or (of paper, etc.) to become
discoloured, as through mildew.
out fox
to trick; deceive
sneaky as fox in the hen-house
Source: Dianna Ly
FROG
biggest frog (toad) in the puddle
The person of most importance in any small community or group.

frog spit or frog spittle
a foamy mass of threadlike green algae floating on ponds.

frog sticker
a short knife
frog in your throat
Scratchy voice.
If a frog had wheels, they wouldn't bump their butts
It is useless to wish for impossible things.
fine as a frog hair
very fine
G
GIRAFFE
knee-high to a tall giraffe
Tall
Source: Bond, Carol
GNAT
strain at gnats and swallow camels
To criticize other people for minor offences while ignoring major offenses.
GOAT
separate the sheep from the goats
To distinguish the good from the bad.

old goat
an old man, a cranky man

a scapegoat
One whom is inflicted punishment for the faults or wrongs of another. The poor scapegoat gets
the punishment for everyone else's mistakes. God condoned this cruelty to animals in Leviticus
16:7-10 "And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the Lord, and the other for the
scapegoat." The scapegoat got to escape, and carry the tribe's sins into the wilderness, to be
eaten by some animal instead of being offered alive as a sacrifice for the Lord.
Source: Silly Superstitions and Funk, Charles
get someone's goat
to irritate someone
GOOSE (GEESE)
what’s good for the goose is good for the gander
What is good for one person is good for another; often what is good for the man is good for the
woman. Also "what's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander".
doesn’t have the sense god gave geese
Stupid.
goose hangs high
everything is good
slick as goose grease
smooth and slick
goose flesh
the bumpy condition of the skin induced by cold, fear, etc., caused by contraction of the muscles
at the base of the hair follicles with consequent erection of papillae: so called because of the
resemblance to the skin of a freshly-plucked fowl. Also called: goose bumps, goose pimples,
goose skin
goose step
a military march step in which the leg is swung rigidly to an exaggerated height. esp as in the
German army in the Third Reich
all his geese are swans
he constantly exaggerates the importance of a person or thing

cook someone's goose
Informal.
a. to spoil someone's plans.
b. to bring about someone's ruin, downfall, etc.
kill the goose that lays the golden eggs
to sacrifice future benefits for the sake of momentary present needs.

goose
to prod (a person) playfully in the behind

as often as a goose goes barefoot
all the time

cannot say boo to a goose
shy
a wild-goose chase
A vain pursuit of something, which, even if attained, would be worthless.

GRASSHOPPER
Knee high to a grasshopper
Source: Visitor Mathews, Brett

grashopper
an iced cocktail of equal parts of cr*eme de menthe, cr*eme de cacao, and cream
grasshopper mind
unable to concentrate on any one subject for long
H
HARE
As mad as a March hare

make a hare of (someone)
Irish informal. to defeat (someone) completely

to run with the hare and hunt with the hounds
To support both sides of a dispute.

if you run after two hares, you will catch neither
You cannot do two things successfully at the same time.

HAWK
sharp as a hawk
Source: Dianna Ly
hawk
to offer (goods) for sale, as in the street.

watch me like a hawk
watch me carefully
hawk
a ruthless or rapacious person

hawk-eyed
having extremely keen sight

hawk
a person who advocates or supports war or warlike policies

HEN
as scarce as hen's teeth
Non-existent.
hen
dialect. a term of address (often affectionate), used to women and girls

he that would have eggs must endure the cackling of hens
You must be willing to endure unpleasant, irritating things in order to get what you want.
have a hen to the nest
have a work in progress

hen party
party for only women

mad as a wet hen
Mad.
HERRING
red herring
False trail.
Source: The Oxford Dictionary of Synonyms
HOG
independent as a hog on ice
Cockily independent.
hogwash
nonsense
go the whole hog
Informal. to do something thoroughly or unreservedly

big enough to choke a hog
very big
go whole hog
to do something completely or thoroughly

be a hog
to take more than one's share of

call hogs
to snore
even a blind hog occasionaly finds an acorn
Old farmer's way of letting you know that you're not too smart when you have made a discovery
or an accomplishment.
Source: Paul Kiar
to go hog wild
To become highly enthusiastic.

HOOK
swallowed it hook, line and sinker
Believing something (usually a falsity.)

HORSE
a nod is as good as a blink to a blind horse

sounding horse
Scratchy voice.
a charley horse
Leg pain.
dark horse
a little known, unexpectedly successful competitor

a horse of another color
Something of a different nature.

a one horse town
A small town.
to ride the high horse
To act pretentiously. In the 14th century, persons of high rank were mounted on "high" horses,
meaning they rode the heavy chargers used in battle or tournament.
as strong as a horse
Strong.
don’t change horses in mid-stream

look a gift horse in the mouth
Having bad manners when accepting a gift. One can tell how old a horse is by looking into it's
mouth -- it is equivalent to looking for the hallmark sign on the back of a greeting card. :)
to put the cart before the horse
Doing something in reversed order.

every horse thinks its own pack is the heaviest

there's no sense beating a dead horse

straight from the horse's mouth
From the highest authority. The age of a race-horse can be guessed by looking at its teeth. So no
matter what any one says on how old the horse is, one can tell by looking in the horse's mouth.
if two ride on a horse, one must ride behind
When two people do something together, one of them will be the leader and the other will be
the subordinate.
if wishes were horses then beggars would ride
It's no good just wishing. You have to act.

it is too late to shut the stable door when the horse is stolen
Don't procrastinate.
wild horse couldn’t drag me away
Even the most disasterous events won't keep me from coming.

Source: Sophie woodruff
you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink
You can offer someone something but you cannot insist that they take it (e.g. advice).
horse-sense
Common sense.
Source: Dianna Ly
so hungry I could eat a horse
Hungry.
set a beggar on horseback, and he’ll ride to the devil

a horse of different color
Entirely different situation.

Source: Dianna Ly
horsing around
Joking around.
hold your horses
Just wait a second.

Source: Burns, Tammy
HOUND
as clean as a hound’s tooth

to run with the hare and hunt with the hounds
To support both sides of a dispute.

being hounded
Being bothered.
J
JAYBIRD
as naked as a jaybird
Bare, naked, unadorned.

Source: Visitor MMol876566
K
KITTENS
have kittens
To throw a fit.
Source: Liana Kiff
dust kitten
a clump of dust or lint

L
LAMB
as gentle as a lamb

like a lamb to the slaughter
without resistance
lamb down
to give birth
Lamb of God
a title given to Christ in the New Testament

mutton dressed as lamb
British expression - Meaning a grown/older woman dressed like a teen/young girl. Ie. 60 year olds
in mini skirts are considered mutton dressed as lamb.
Source: Dog Hause Visitor Victoria Evans
two shakes of a lamb’s tail
Very fast.
as meek as a lamb
Meek.
in like a lion, out like a lamb
comes in rough and goes out gentle -- usually the month of March.
one might as well be hanged for a sheep as for a lamb
If you have decided to do something that will have unpleasant consequences, do it to the largest
degree possible, so that you will feel the punishment was worth it.
LARK
as happy as a lark

LEASH
on a short leash
Held back by another person no being able to do what you want, usually used in reference to
people within romantic relationships.
LEOPARD
a leopard cannot change his spots

LION
as strong as a lion

lionhearted
very brave; courageous

beard the lion in his den

a lion's share
The greater portion.

better be the head of a dog than the tail of a lion

in like a lion, out like a lamb
It comes in rough and goes out gentle -- usually the month of March.
M
MONKEY
monkey see, monkey do
That which is seen is copied.

throw a monkey wrench into the works
wreck a project
funny as a barrel of monkeys
Hilariously comical.
monkey
a naughty or mischievous person, esp a child

have a monkey on one's back
US and Canadian slang. an addict's dependence on a drug
make a monkey of
a butt of derision; someone made to look a fool

who gives a monkey's what he thinks
Brit. slang. to care about or regard as important

monkey suit
US slang. a man's evening dress

as fun as a barrel of monkeys
Something that was silly and hilarious.

Source: Dianna Ly
I'll be a monkey's uncle
I am surprised.
monkey business (monkey-ing around)
Something against the 'rules' (illegal, immoral etc) but not too serious.
a monkey in silk is a monkey no less
No matter how you dress up something, for example an ugly person clad in a silk gown, it is still
the same underneath for all the window dressing.
Source: Thompson, Henry
brass monkey
A metal plate to keep cannon balls from rolling around on war ships and many freighter.
Source: idiomsite.com
MOUSE
a cat in gloves catches no mice

as quiet as a mouse
Quiet.
burn not your house to fright the mouse away

keep no more cats then will catch mice
Do not support anyone who does not or cannot do something useful for you in return.
the best-laid plans of mice and men

the mouse that has but one hole is quickly taken
It is dangerous to always depend on just one thing, because if it fails you, you will not have any
alternatives.
when the cat's away, the mice will play
Without supervision, people misbehave.

MULE
as stubborn as a mule

mule
Slang. a person who is paid to transport illegal drugs for a dealer.

kick like a mule
Sourse: Dianna Ly
grin like a mule eating briars
to grin very wide

Animal Idioms and Expressions N-R

[A-B] [C] [D-F] [G-M] [N-R] [S-Z]
N
NEST
children must fly the nest / leave the nest
Children must eventually leave home.

feathering one's nest
to acquire wealth for oneself, especially by taking advantage of one's position or using the
property of others
nest egg
a fund of money kept in reserve; savings

NOSE
cold nose, warm heart
Cold on the outside, but full of love on the inside

O
OWL
drunk as a boiled owl
Drunk.
owly
cranky, unco-operative, negative
I wasn't brought up in the woods to be scared by owls
I'm not foolish or easily frightened.

sorry as owl bait
worthless
wise as an owl
Source: Dianna Ly
slick as owl grease
smooth and slick

OX
as strong as an ox

ox-eyed
having large round eyes, like those of an ox

OYSTER
the world is his oyster
He can do anything.
Source: Dani Hoogerhyde
oyster
Informal. a very uncommunicative person

P
PARROT
as sick as a parrot
very, very sick; on your deathbed, sicker than a dog

PEACOCK
proud as a peacock
Proud.
happy as a peacock
very happy, very pleased

vain as a peacock

PECKING
the pecking order
describes the relative rank or importance of someone within a group
refers to hens establishing a dominance hierarchy by pecking
Source: indiana.edu
PIG
fat as a pig

on the pig's back
Irish and N.Z. successful; established: he's on the pig's back now.
pig it
Informal. to live in squalor.

pig out
Informal. to devour (food) greedily.

a pig in a poke
a risk, a gamble, taking a chance

even a blind pig finds an acorn once in awhile
everybody gets lucky sometimes Source: Dog Hause Visitor Jennifer Hale
make a pig of yourself
Eat all you want.

in a pig's eye
nonsense
sweating like a pig
sweating a lot
eat like a pig
Eat a lot.
bleed like a stuck pig
it bleed very freely

if that don't beat a pig a-pecking
that's amazing
blind pig
a place to buy illicit liquor

happy as a pig in mud
happy and content

ain't fittin' to roll with a pig
is or are uncouth and disgusting
when pigs fly
Never.
buy a pig in a poke
Buy something without seeing it first.

PIGEONs
stool-pigeon
An informer.
clay pigeon
a person easily cheated or taken advantage of

pigeon-toed
having the toes turned inwards

put, set, etc., {the cat among the pigeons}
to introduce some violently disturbing new element

PORQUPINE
Prickly as a porcupine
Source: Dianna Ly
POSSUM
to play possum
To pretend; to deceive. If the possum is threatened with capture it will lie with closed eyes and
limp muscles, and no amount of handling or ordinary abuse will cause it to show signs of life.
grin like a barrel of possum heads
to grin very wide

PUPPY (PUPS)
puppy love
Puppy love is a juvenile crush (another idiom) on a member of the opposite sex... the youngest
and most infatuous of loves is puppy love!
Source: BOBLOV1@aol.com
cut dog has no pups
I don't want to cut the cards

proud as a pup with a new collar
very proud
pretty as a speckled pup
very pretty
R
RABBIT
quick as a rabbit
Source: Dianna Ly
rabbit food
lettuce, carrots, cabbage etc.

harmless as a pet rabbit
harmless, gentle
RAT
like rats abandoning a sinking ship

dirty rat
immoral person, liar, scum

rat fink
person who tattles

rat on
tell the police or the authorities

rat
Slang. chiefly US an informer; stool pigeon

rat
Informal. a despicable person

rats
an exclamation of rejection or disdain

rat race
Work force.
(The thing about the rat race is, weather you win or lose, you’re still a rat…)
smell a rat
Think that there is a traitor.

rat
Informal. a person who deserts his friends or associates, esp in time of trouble
rat
Informal. a worker who works during a strike; blackleg; scab

RATTLER
mean as a rattler
Source: Dianna Ly
crooked as a rattler in a cactus patch
very crooked
ROOSTER (and ROOST)
feeling like a rooster in a hen house
Feeling like you don't belong.

the chickens come home to roost
You have to face the consequences of your mistakes or bad deeds.

to rule the roost
To control the home.

bet on a lame rooster
bet on a loser
S
SADDLE
bring someone's saddle home
to do to someone that which someone has done to you

have a burr under one's saddle
to be irritated by something
SHARK
card-shark
A person who pretends they don't know how to play cards until they play for money, and then
they play well and take all the profits.
SHEEP
a wolf in sheep's clothing
Getting admission under false pretenses.

black sheep of the family
most troublesome member of the family
one might as well be hanged for a sheep as for a lamb
If you have decided to do something that will have unpleasant consequences, do it to the largest
degree possible, so that you will feel the punishment was worth it.
separate the sheep from the goats
To distinguish the good from the bad.

SKUNK
skunk egg
an onion
as drunk as a skunk *
describes someone who is falling-down drunk, completely intoxicated

* skunks are not known to imbibe; the meaning is only in the rhyme
(this phrase is an alliteration)
Source: indiana.edu
SNAIL
a snail's pace
Slow.
SNAKE
snake in the grass
There is trouble.
if it was a snake it would have bit you
very close
mad as a struck snake
cruel and angry

to nourish a snake in one's bosom
From the Aesop story, "The Farmer and the Snake."

once a snake, always a snake
people do not change

slippery as a snake
Tricky – unable to trust.

SWAN
graceful as a swan
Graceful.
I swan
what a surprise
I'll Swan
"I've never heard anyone under the age of 60 use this expression, but it conveys surprise and
disbelief."
Source: Dianna Ly
T
TAIL
the tail wagging the dog

two shakes of a lamb’s tail
Very fast.
have a bear by the tail
to have a very difficult problem to solve

bright-eyed and bushy-tailed
eager and alert

with the tail between the legs
Thoroughly coward.
better be the head of a dog then the tail of a lion

TICK
full as a tick
well-fed
ticked off
a little upset, annoyed

TIGER
he who rides a tiger is afraid to dismount

tiger
a dynamic, forceful, or cruel person

have a tiger by the tail
Informal. to find oneself in a situation that has turned out to be much more difficult to control
than one had expected.
TOAD
ugly as a toad
Ugly.
as calm as a toad in the sun
very calm and content

toad sticker
a short knife
biggest frog (toad) in the puddle
The person of most importance in any small community or group.

TURKEY
to talk turkey
To talk straight or be honest.

as poor as Job's turkey
very poor
turkey
Slang, chiefly US and Canadian. a thing or person that fails; dud.

freckled as a turkey egg
covered with freckles

turkey
Slang, chiefly US and Canadian. a stupid, incompetent, or unappealing person

Stop cold turkey.
Source: Visitor Mathews, Brett

W
WEASEL
weasel words
Words that weaken or detract from the effectiveness or force of another word or expression.
weasel
Informal. a sly or treacherous person

weasel
Informal.
1. to go back on a commitment
2. to evade a responsibility, esp in a despicable manner
WING
to take under one's wing
to protect, to mentor.
on a wing and a prayer
with only the slightest hope of succeeding

on the wing
flying
clip (someone's) wings
to restrict (someone's) freedom

wing it
Informal. to accomplish or perform something without full preparation or knowledge; improvise

WOLF
a growing youth has a wolf in his belly
Young people who are growing fast are hungry all of the time.
wolf
a voracious, grabbing, or fiercely cruel person or thing

wolf
a man who habitually tries to seduce women

keep the wolf from the door
to ward off starvation or privation

lone wolf
a person or animal who prefers to be alone

throw to the wolves
to abandon or deliver to destruction

to wolf down
to gulp
a wolf in sheep's clothing
Getting admission under false pretenses.

when the wolf comes in the door love creeps out the window
If a couple gets married because they are in love, but they do not have any money, they will stop
loving each other when the money runs out.
to cry wolf
Taken from the Aesop Fable, "The Shepherd-boy and the Wolf."
WOOL
to pull the wool over one's eyes
To hoodwink.
WORM
even the worm will turn
Even a meek person will become angry if you abuse him or her too much.
book worm
one who reads a lot

can of worms
a controversial issue, an old problem

the early bird catches the worm
Don't procrastinate (unless maybe you’re the worm.)

worm
a wretched or spineless person

worm
a program that duplicates itself many times in a network and prevents its destruction
henhenhen partypartyparty is a festive celebration held before a wedding, and attended by the bride and her female
friends. HenHenHen parties are basically the female equivalent of the male bachelor party or stag partypartyparty.
Known as bachelorette parties in the United States, and stagette parties in Canada, they are called henhenhen parties
or henhenhen nights in the United Kingdom, Ireland and Australia. A henhenhen partypartyparty is usually planned
by the brides’ closest friends, often the maid of honor or bridesmaids. The festivities can be held in a public place,
such as a restaurant or bar, or may be held in a private home or rented room. The location often depends on the
amount of exuberance expected of guests. Some celebrations can get quite wild, with frenzied dancing and
inappropriate behavior. Alternately, a day of drinking champagne at a day spa would be considered a tame version.
Unlike a bridal shower with young girls in attendance, the henhenhen partypartyparty is strictly for adult women.
Bringing a gag gift is de rigueur, with lighthearted male-bashing a favorite theme. HenHenHen partypartyparty
gifts are meant to cause a bit of blushing and gales of laughter, if possible. Drinking of alcohol and freeform
dancing may be encouraged as the partypartyparty unfolds. The women will “let down their hair,” but generally
watch out for one another to see that no one is ever in danger.There is a wide range of options when it comes to
planning the entertainment for a henhenhen partypartyparty. The general idea is to celebrate the last moments of
single life and the new life that will unfold. Planners will be wise to listen carefully to the likes and dislikes of the
bride, and let the nature of her personality set the tone for the festivities. An afternoon cocktail party with a few
naughty games will suffice for some brides, while others prefer a wild night of dancing and slamming shots. On the
other hand, some brides will completely shun the idea of a raucous night of drinking in favor of a spa day with the
bridal partypartyparty, including soothing massages, manicures and pedicures, and other lavish pampering.
The word “henhenhen” in the title is a reference to female chickens. In the U.S., the term “ henhenhen
partypartyparty” is considered somewhat derogatory toward women. Before the time of sexual equality, any
gathering of women and girls might have been classified as a henhenhen partypartyparty. The so-called henhenhen
parties held by today's women have nothing to do with the innocent quilting bees of old, except for female bonding.
through1 /θru:/ preposición
1.
a. (from one side to the other) por;
it went right ~ the wall atravesó la pared de lado a lado;
to hear sth ~ sth oír(conj.⇒) algo a través de algo;
we drove ~ Munich atravesamos Munich (en coche)
a. (past, beyond) to be ~ sth haber(conj.⇒) pasado algo
2.
a. (in time): we worked ~ the night trabajamos durante toda la noche;
half-way ~ his speech en medio de su discurso;
~ the centuries a través de los siglos
a. (until and including) (AmE): Tuesday ~ Thursday de martes a jueves;

October ~ December desde octubre hasta diciembre inclusive
3. (by): she spoke ~ an interpreter habló a través de un intérprete;

I heard about it ~ a friend me enteré a través de or por un amigo
through2 adverbio
1. (from one side to the other): it sped ~ without stopping pasó a toda velocidad sin parar;
the red paint shows ~ se nota la pintura roja que hay debajo;
see also get, pull, put etc through
2. (completely): wet ~ mojado hasta los huesos
through3 adjetivo
1. (Transp) (before n) ‹train/route› directo;

~ traffic tráfico m de paso;
(on signs) no through road calle sin salida
2. (finished) (colloq) (pred): to be ~ WITH sb/sth haber(conj.⇒) terminado CON algn/algo
through:throughway /'θru:weɪ/ sustantivo (AmE) autopista f
through [ɵrʊ:]
preposición
1 a través de, por, de un lado a otro de: we walked through the woods, paseamos por el bosque
half-way through lunch, en medio de la comida
2 (en el tiempo) durante
all through the war, durante toda la guerra
(esp US) Monday through Friday, de lunes a viernes inclusive
3 (causa) por medio de, por causa de, por: he died through your neglect, murió a causa de tu
negligencia
I got the job through a friend, conseguí el trabajo por medio de un amigo
I
adj (una ruta, un tren) directo,-a
(tráfico) de paso
II
adverbio
1 (en un sitio) de un lado a otro: let me through!, ¡déjenme pasar!
2 (en el tiempo) to work through, trabajar sin descanso
3 (completamente) wet through, mojado,-a hasta los huesos
4 I'm British through and through, soy británico,-a hasta la médula
5 familiar acabado,-a: are you through?, ¿has terminado?
to be through with sb, haber terminado con alguien
6 Tel I'll put you through, le pongo [to, con]
III you're through, ¡puede hablar!
by: WordReference English-Spanish Dictionary © 2010
Compound Forms:
baptism by fire n (difficult first experience, initiation) bautismo de fuego nm
My first day as a math teacher was a baptism of fire. The pupils just wouldn't keep quiet !
bautismo de fuego nm
baptism by fire n (first combat experience for a soldier) bautismo de fuego nm
nm
Bullets were flying all around and people were dying; it was truly a baptism by fire.
bautismo de fuego nm
be advised by ser aconsejado por
be amazed by estar asombrado por
be bounded by (Law) Derecho estar vinculado por
be bounded by tener límites de
be constituted by estar constituido por
be guided by ser guiado por
be limited by estar limitado por
blow by vi (be swept past by the wind) Esp ser arrastrado por el viento vi + pp
A paper bag blew by me on a windy day.
blow by blow adj (step by step, as it happened) paso a paso loc adv
The eyewitness gave a blow-by-blow description of the horrific event.
Esp paso por paso loc adv
by a great deal adv (by a large amount or extent) por mucho loc adv
The Indian Ocean is smaller than the Pacific Ocean by a great deal.
por una gran cantidad loc adv
Fue coreado por una gran cantidad de sus fans.
por un gran número loc adv
by a hair's breadth adv (by the slightest margin) por un pelo loc adv
The horse won by a hair's breadth.
Ganó la carrera por un pelo.
Perú fam con las justas loc adv
Ganó la carrera con las justas.
México por un pelito loc adv
Se salvó de tener un accidente por un pelito.
by a majority adv (by most people, by more than half) por mayoría loc adv
They were able to pass their laws by a majority vote of 51 to 49.
Salió elegido por mayoría simple.
por la mayoría loc adv
La decisión fue tomada por la mayoría.
by a narrow margin adv (by a very small number or amount) por un estrecho margen loc adv
He was elected president by a narrow margin.
Perdieron las elecciones por un estrecho margen
by a show of hands adv (with an impromptu vote) por votación a mano alzada loc adv
Our class decided to continue reading the novel by a show of hands.
Los allí reunidos votaron a mano alzada.
by airmail adv (postal delivery: via plane) por correo aéreo, por avión loc adv
All letters from the U.S. to Africa go by airmail these days; surface mail isn't available.
La carta tiene que estar allí mañana: envíala por avión.
vía aérea nf
by and by adv (in a while from now) en un rato loc adv
dentro de un rato loc adv
de aquí a un rato loc verb
Ya tú veras que de aquí a un rato nos vamos para la playa!
tarde o temprano loc adv
by and by adv (after a while) luego adv
Be patient! I'll get around to it by and by.
Nos vemos luego.
después de un rato loc adv
by any chance adv (possibly) por casualidad loc adv
Would you by any chance be able to lend me $10?
¿Tiene un bolígrafo, por casualidad?
de casualidad loc adv
¿De casualidad tiene una pluma que me pueda prestar?
acaso adv
Si acaso surgiera un problema, llámeme sin importar la hora que sea.
by any means adv (in any way, via any method) por cualquier medio loc adv
Argentina como sea loc adv
Vení como sea pero ya, está muy grave.
by birth adv (through one's family) por nacimiento loc adv
The U.S. Constitution requires the president to be American by birth, not a naturalized citizen.
de nacimiento loc adv
by choice adv (willingly, of one's free will) por elección propia loc adv
I did not exactly retire by choice.
by command adv (by giving orders) por obligación loc adv
by common adv (by the agreement of everyone) por consenso loc adv
consent
por mutuo / común consentimiento loc
adv
Se acepta lo propuesto por consentimiento común/mutuo de los presentes.
de común acuerdo loc adj
by comparison adv (when compared) por comparación loc adv
by comparison with prep (compared with, relative to) en comparación con loc prep
by consensus adv (by general agreement) por consenso loc adv
Quakers make their decisions by consensus, not by compromise.
by dint of a fuerza de
by force adv (using physical strength or violence) por la fuerza loc adv
Soldiers generally operate by force.
by freight adv (via cargo transport) por flete/por transporte de carga loc adv
mediante flete loc adv
by half adv (by 50 per cent) por la mitad, a la mitad loc adv
Since I retired my income is down by half.
La propuesta pretende reducir por la mitad el déficit.
by half adv informal (by a great deal) fam por goleada loc adv
Argentina fam. por lejos loc adv
No sé que pensarán ustedes, pero para mí El Señor de los Anillos le gana por lejos a Harry Potter.
by hand adv (manually, not by machine) a mano loc adv
You can see that these tools were made by hand.
El aparato está hecho totalmente a mano
manual, manualmente adj, adv
by heart adv (from memory) de memoria loc adv
I learnt the sonnet by heart.
by instalments adv (a bit at a time) poco a poco loc adv
I'm paying for my saxophone by installments of $50 each month.
de a poco loc adv
by instinct adv (intuitively) por intuición loc adv
By instinct, eight years after they are hatched, the turtles find their way back to the same beach to lay their
eggs.
por instinto loc adv
Los animales, por instinto, luchan por sus vidas.
by intuition adv (instinctively) por instinto loc adv
I knew by intuition that he was a good person.
intuitivamente adv
Se dice que las mujeres piensan intuitivamente.
por intuición loc adv
by itself adv (on its own) por sí mismo, por sí solo loc adv
I think I'll wear this dress by itself, without its matching jacket.
by Jove inter (expressing amazement) ¡por Dios! ¡Mi Dios! interj
j
By Jove! I thought I'd never see you again.
España por Júpiter interj
España por las barbas de Júpiter interj
México ¡Santa Cachucha! interj.
España Ostras interj
por los clavos de Cristo interj
by land adv (via land transport) por tierra loc adv
We can either take the ferry across Lake Michigan, or go by land via Chicago.
El paquete no se puede enviar por tierra tiene que ser por avión.
vía terrestre nf
por carretera loc adv
by mail adv (in the post, via the postal service) por correo loc verb
It seems like sending a letter by mail is a sweet old-fashioned thing to do.
by mail adv informal (via e-mail) por mail loc adv
por correo electrónico loc adv
Enviaré la invitación por correo electrónico.
by marriage adv (through the family of one's spouse) por razón de matrimonio loc verb
He is my uncle by marriage, certainly not by choice.
by means of prep (via) por medio de loc prep
by memory adv (using one's memory) de memoria loc adv
He knows every verse to that song by memory.
by mistake adv (accidentally, not on purpose) por error loc adv
By mistake, I gave him your phone number instead of mine!
accidentalmente adv
by necessity adv (unavoidably) necesariamente adv
By necessity, we eat a lot of beans and very little steak.
by night adv (at night-time) de noche, por la noche adv
The solders staged a surprise attack by night.
by rail adv (via train) por tren loc adv
Freight is moved either by truck or by rail.
Me mandan la bici por tren.
by reason of prep (because of) debido a loc prep
Sarah was found innocent by reason of insanity.
Fue absuelto debido a su enfermedad mental.
a causa de loc prep
por razón de loc prep
Nadie puede ser discriminado por razón de sexo.
by reflex adv (automatically, instinctively) por reflejo loc adv
If you see something flying toward your face, your eyes usually shut by reflex.
automáticamente,instintivamente adv
Cuando tiembla, automáticamente corro para la calle.
by request adv (in response to a request) a solicitud de loc prep
By popular request, Susan sang an encore.
Acudió a la reunión a solicitud de su jefe
a petición de loc prep
a pedido loc adv
en respuesta a un pedido loc adv
Llegaron muchas revistas en respuesta a un pedido emitido por la secretaria.
by sea adv (via boat or ship) por mar loc adv
I hate travelling by sea because I get seasick easily.
Traen la mercancía por mar.
vía marítima nf
Enviaremos el pedido por vía marítima
by sight adv (visually) de vista loc adv
I don't know him personally, only by sight.
Nunca hablé con él pero lo conozco de vista.
by telephone adv (by means of a phone call) por teléfono loc adv
I've tried reaching him by telephone, but since no one picks up, I'm going over there to see him.
Llámame esta tarde por teléfono.
vía telefónica nf
El aviso le puede llegar por correo o vía telefónica.
by-the-book adv (according to rules or convention) a rajatabla loc adv
My boss likes to do things by the book.
En esta empresa se sigue el manual a rajatabla.
of /ɑ:v / || /ɒv/ , weak form /əv/ preposición
1. (indicating relationship, material, content) de;

it's made ~ wood es de madera;
a colleague ~ mine/his un colega mío/suyo
2. (descriptive use): a boy ~ ten un niño de diez años;

a woman ~ courage una mujer valiente
3.
a. (partitive use): there were eight ~ us éramos ocho;
six ~ them survived seis de ellos sobrevivieron
a. (with superl) de;

the wisest ~ men el más sabio de los hombres;
most ~ all más que nada
4.
a. (indicating date) de;
the sixth ~ October el seis de octubre
a. (indicating time): it's ten (minutes) ~ five (AmE) son las cinco menos diez, son diez para
las cinco (AmL exc RPl);
Jane, his wife ~ six months … Jane, con la que lleva/llevaba casado seis meses …
5. (on the part of): it was very kind ~ you fue muy amable de su parte
6. (indicating cause): it's a problem ~ their own making es un problema que ellos mismos se han
creado;
what did he die ~? ¿de qué murió?
Subscribe to the Oxford Concise or Unabridged dictionary for more translations, meanings and examples.
Diccionario Espasa Concise © 2000 Espasa Calpe:
of [ɒv] preposición
1 (posesivo) a friend of mine, un amigo mío
the head of state, el jefe de Estado
the wife of my best friend, la mujer de mi mejor amigo
2 (partitivo) there are only two of us, solo somos dos
most of them, la mayoría de ellos
3 (materia) a chain of gold, una cadena de oro
made of wood, hecho de madera
4 (contenedor) a glass of water, un vaso de agua
5 (cantidad) a kilo of rice, un kilo de arroz
6 (relación) a map of Madrid, un plano de Madrid
a picture of a dog, un dibujo de un perro
a smell of flowers, un olor a flores
7 (descriptivo) an increase of 5%, un aumento del 5%
a man of thirty, un hombre de treinta años
the city of Quito, la ciudad de Quito
(en fechas) the first of May, el uno de mayo
(hora) US a quarter of three, tres menos cuarto
8 (objeto de acción) the kidnapping of Moro, el secuestro de Moro
9 (agente) the killer of Kennedy, el asesino de Kennedy
the writer of the book, el autor del libro 10 (causa) what did she die of?, ¿de qué murió?
of necessity, por necesidad 11 de parte de: that was nice of you, eso fue muy amable de tu parte
of: WordReference English-Spanish Dictionary © 2010
Compound Forms:
act of God n causa de fuerza mayor
act of God n fuerza mayor nf
Acts of the Apostles npl (Bible: New Testament book) Bibl. Hechos nmpl
For the second reading, the Lector read from the Acts of the Apostles.
La segunda lectura de este domingo es un pasaje del libro de los Hechos. / El libro de los Hechos relata las
experiencias de los apóstoles de Jesús en el primer siglo de nuestra era.
Bibl. Hechos de los Apóstoles nmpl
En el libro de los Hechos [de los Apóstoles] están recogidas, entre otros relatos, las narraciones de los viajes
misionales del apóstol Pablo.
Bachelor of Science Licenciatura en Ciencias nf
back of parte trasera de nf
balance of nature equilibrio natural nm
balance of payments (Finance) balanza de pagos nf
balance of power equilibrio de poderes nm
balance of trade n finanzas balanza comercial
balance of trade n finanzas balanza de comercio
ball of fire n literal (fireball) bola de fuego nf
We heard the explosion, then saw a great ball of fire shooting to the sky.
The propane tanker exploded into a great ball of fire.
ball of thread n (thin fibre wound into a ball) ovillo nm
It's hard to crochet when the kitten keeps playing with the ball of thread.
A la gata le encantaba jugar con los ovillos de lana

ball of wax n US, slang (everything) todo el / este asunto nm
Give me a shampoo, haircut, permanent, and facial; I want the whole ball of wax.
Quiero dar por terminado todo este asunto de una buena vez.
fam historia, rollo nm
El viaje de regreso fue todo un rollo.
baptism of fire bautismo de fuego nm
bar of soap n (cake of solid soap) México barra de jabón nf
If your zipper sticks, rub a bar of soap over the zipper teeth to lubricate it.
Juan compró dos barras de jabón.
bare of sin carente de adj
base of operations base de operaciones nf
be a change of scene ser un cambio de aires para

for
be a feature of ser una característica de
be a member of ser miembro de
be a sign of ser una señal de
be a thing of the past ser cosa del pasado
be a waste of time ser una pérdida de tiempo
be an indication of ser un indicio de
be apprised of formal estar informado de
be at the bottom of estar en el fondo de
be at the bottom of estar en la base de
be at the mercy of estar a merced de
be aware of saber
be cognizant of vtr (be aware of, realise) Esp ser consciente de loc verb
I'm cognizant of the fact that this is a difficult task, so I appreciate your help.
¿Eres consciente de la cantidad de millones que te han tocado?
Cuba estar consciente de, saber, percatarse

de loc verb
be conscious of ser consciente de

be fond of sth ser apasionado de algo
be fond of sth gustarle a alguien algo
be full of energy estar lleno de energía
be in charge of sth estar a cargo de
be in need of tener necesidad de
be in the vicinity of formal una cifra rondar
be indicative of ser un indicio de
be made a fool of hacer pasar por tonto a alguien
be made a fool of haber puesto en ridículo
be made a fool of tomar el pelo a algn active
be master of ser maestro de
be master of ser amo de
be of one ser coherente
be of service ser de ayuda
be of service to ser de ayuda a
be of some help ser de alguna ayuda
be of the opinion ser de la opinión
be of the same ser del mismo
be of the same order ser del mismo tipo
be of use ser útil
be out of tune estar desafinado
be the despair of sb tener loco a alguien adv
beads of sweat gotas de sudor nfpl
beam of light n (narrow ray of light) haz de luz nm
The room was totally dark except for a small beam of light shining through a small hole in the roof.
Miríadas de partículas de polvo quedaban expuestas por el haz de luz
bear the name of llevar el nombre v
beast of burden bestia de carga nf
beat the shit out of sb offensive coloquial rayar a algn vt

beauty of holiness belleza de lo sagrado nf
because of conj (due to) debido a loc prep
Because of severe weather conditions, all departing flights have been canceled.
por causa de loc prep
a causa de loc prep
because of that adv colloquial (for the reason just specified) debido a eso loc prep
She won't quit smoking and because of that we are breaking up.
por ello, por esto, por eso loc adv
No creo que haya sido por esto.
Esp precisamente por eso... loc adv
por esa razón loc prep
because of this adv (for the reason just specified) debido a esto loc prep
become aware of darse cuenta de v refl
become conscious of ser consciente de v
become enamoured literary caer enamorado de alguien v

of sb
become member of hacerse miembro de v refl
bed of roses cama de rosas nf
beginning of the end n (when it becomes clear that sth will el principio del fin fr hecha
soon be done)
The sex scandal marked the beginning of the end for his career.
comienzo del fin nm
bereft of adj (deprived of, often by sb's death) desprovisto adj
With her husband long deceased and her children moved away, her dog's death left her totally bereft.
best of (Music) lo mejor de nn
beyond the call of adj (far more than is expected) Esp más allá del deber loc adv
duty
A few politicians go beyond the call of duty in their desire to help the poor.
Su implicación en esta empresa ha estado siempre más allá del deber.
bicarbonate of soda n (baking soda: powder) Esp Farm bicarbonato de soda nm
I brush my teeth with bicarbonate of soda and hydrogen peroxide.

España Farm bicarbonato (sódico) nm
Voy a tomar bicarbonato porque me siento el estómago hinchadísimo.
Argentina Farm bicarbonato de sodio nm
México Farm bicarbonato de sodio nm
España Farm bicarbonato en polvo nm
bicarbonate of soda (effervescent chemical compound) Esp bicarbonato (sódico/de soda) nm

Farm
Bicarbonate of soda will foam and hiss when mixed with vinegar.
España Farm bicarbonato efervescente nm
bill of exchange n (finance; ) letra de cambio nf
bill of fare n literal (menu) Esp carta (de platos), menú n
The bill of fare at the hotel was pretty poor.
El restaurante tiene una amplia/o carta (de platos)/menú.
Bill of Rights n US (first 10 amendments to US Carta de Derechos (de los EE.UU.) nf

Constitution) Esp der
I know freedom of speech is in the Bill of Rights, but I can't remember which amendment covers it.
bill of rights n (list of human rights to be protected) Carta de Derechos Humanos nf

Esp Der
The general idea of the "taxpayers' bill of rights" seems to be that taxes are evil.
Argentina Der Declaración de Derechos nf
bill of sale n (receipt) Méx Com recibo nm
The dealership gave me a bill of sale when I bought a car.
bird of paradise n (tropical bird) Arg ave del paraíso nf
bird of paradise n (strelitzia, crane flower) Esp ave del paraíso nf
bird of prey n ornitología ave de presa nf
bird of prey n ornitología ave de rapiña nf
bird of prey n ornitología ave rapaz nf
blast of wind n (gust) ráfaga de viento nf
A blast of wind blew the door shut and I could not get back in the house.
racha (de viento) nf
from /frɑ:m / || /frɒm/ , weak form /frəm/ preposición
1. (indicating starting point) desde;

~ the beginning desde el principio
2. (indicating distance): 2cm ~ the edge a 2cm del borde;

we're still three hours ~ Tulsa todavía faltan tres horas para llegar a Tulsa
3. (after): ~ today a partir de hoy;

50 years ~ now dentro de 50 años
4. (indicating origin) de;

I'm ~ Texas soy de Texas;
the flight ~ Madrid el vuelo procedente de Madrid;
a letter ~ my lawyer una carta de mi abogado
5. from … to …: they flew ~ New York to Lima volaron de Nueva York a Lima;
they stretch ~ Derbyshire to the borders of Scotland se extienden desde el condado de Derbyshire hasta
el sur de Escocia;
we work ~ nine to five trabajamos de nueve a cinco;
~ $50 to $100 entre 50 y 100 dólares
6. (as a result of) de;

his eyes were red ~ crying tenía los ojos rojos de tanto llorar;
~ experience I would say that … según mi experiencia diría que …
7. (out of, off) de;
~ the cupboard/shelf del armario/estante;
if you take 5 ~ 10 si le restas 5 a 10
8. (with preps & advs): ~ above/below desde arriba/abajo;

he crawled out ~ under the table salió gateando de debajo de la mesa
from [frɒm, forma débil frəm] preposición

1 (origen) (sitio) de: he is from Mars, es de Marte
(remitente) de
a letter from my aunt, una carta de mi tía
(ingredientes) de
a drink made from barley, una bebida elaborada a base de cebada
2 quitar, sacar
to take candies from a child, quitarle caramelos a un niño
take the letters from the mailbox, saca las cartas del buzón
3 Mat 5 from 8 is 3, de cinco a ocho van tres
4 (posición) de, desde: the coat hung from a hook, el abrigo colgaba de una percha
I can see it from my house, lo veo desde mi casa
5 (distancia) de
600 km from the coast, a 600 km de la costa
(extensión) desde, de: the road goes from Alaska to Seattle, la carretera va desde Alaska a Seattle
(tiempo) de, desde
from Monday to Friday, de lunes a viernes
6 (gama) aged from nine to ninety, con edades entre nueve y noventa años
7 (tiempo) antes
two minutes from the end, dos minutos antes del final
(tiempo) después
twenty years from now, dentro de veinte años
(tiempo) a partir de
from now on, a partir de ahora
8 (estar de vuelta) he is back from work, ha vuelto del trabajo
9 (resultado) por: my eyes hurt from the smoke, me pican los ojos por el humo
(deducción) por, según: from what she says..., por lo que dice... 10 (diferenciar) de: I can't tell Juan from
his brother, no distingo a Juan de su hermano 11 (contra) de
to shelter from the snow, abrigarse de la nieve 12 (con otras preposiciones) from under his coat, de
debajo de su abrigo
from: WordReference English-Spanish Dictionary © 2010
Compound Forms:
be backing away from sth ir abandonando algo vt
be different from each ser diferentes el uno del otro

other
bolt from the blue n (sth unexpected) Pan salió de la nada loc verb
The accusation of theft was a bolt from the blue.
Un carro que salió de la nada me dio un golpe en el lado derecho.
giro imprevisto nm
La negociación entre ambos países tomó un giro imprevisto cuando surgió la oferta de un tercer postulante.
imprevisto nm
clear the snow from vtr (shovel snow away from) quitar la nieve vtr
I must clear the snow from the driveway so I can drive my car to work.
palear la nieve vtr
retirar la nieve vtr
Si no retiramos la nieve de la puerta, no podremos entrar
come back from the dead v figurative (make a comeback, become resucitar vi
successful again) fig
In last place going into the final lap, the runner came back from the dead to win the race.
fig renacer de las cenizas loc verb
Todos lo creían acabado, pero Rambo renació de sus cenizas y protagonizó otras dos películas.
volver por sus fueros loc verb
Tras permanecer durante 20 años desaparecida en España, la chinche de cama (Cimex lectularius) ha vuelto
por sus fueros y se ha convertido en una pesadilla para los dueños de muchos establecimientos hoteleros.
fig resurgir de las cenizas loc verb
come back from the dead v figurative (recover from serious illness) volver a nacer loc verb
After the triple bypass he came back from the dead and now he is living an active life.
ganarle a la muerte loc verb
Fue una larga enfermedad, pero finalmente le ganó a la muerte y hoy vive normalmente.
come from behind v (sport: win from a disadvantaged position) remontar vtr
He overtook the leader in the last lap to come from behind to win.
date from vi (exist since a certain time) datar de vi
The ruins date from pre-Roman times.

Nuestra amistad data del año pasado.
ser de vi
Éstas ruinas son del 1500 A.C. y representan la relación con el inframundo.
date from v (calculate from a certain time) datar vi
fechar vtr
depart from vtr literal (leave) salir vi
This train departs from New York at 3:15 pm.
El tren sale en cinco minutos.
partir de vi + prep
El avión parte de Buenos Aires a las 5 de la tarde.
depart from vtr figurative (sth: not follow established salirse de vpron+prep
pattern)
My mom was worried when I didn't show up because she knew it was unusual for me to depart from my normal
routine.
desviarse de vpron+prep
apartarse de vpron+prep
No suele apartarse de su rutina.
romper vtr
alejarse de vpron+prep
derivation from derivación de nf
derive from vtr (extract, obtain from) derivar de vtr + prep
Cocaine is derived from the leaves of the coco plant.
No es un producto primario, deriva de una planta.
sacarse, obtenerse vpron
Además de azúcar también se obtiene alcohol de la caña.
Quím extraer vtr
derive from vtr (originate in, come from) venir de, derivar de vi
The word "derive" was derived from the Old French term, deriver, meaning to spring from.
La palabra "almohada" viene del árabe.

provenir vtr
originarse vi
descender de vi
Su teoría de que el hombre desciende del mono escandalizó a la sociedad de la época.
deriving from derivando de
derogate from atentar contra
descend from descender de
deserve to fall from grace (religion) religión merecer caer en desgracia
desist from desistir de
deviate from desviar de
differ from diferenciarse de
differentiate oneself from diferenciarse de
differentiate yourself from vtr (become unlike ) diferenciarse vpron
How would you differentiate yourself from the six other people who have applied for this job?
distinguirse de v pron
distinguirse vpron
destacar del grupo, del resto

loc verb
¿Cómo piensas destacar del resto de los aspirantes?
hacer singular vtr
El color de su piel lo hace singular.
hacer diferente vtr
¿Qué te hace diferente del resto?
dig out from under v figurative (complete accumulated tasks) sacarse de encima loc verb
(trabajo)
I'll never dig out from under all the paperwork on my desk.
Once I have dug out from under this backlog of paperwork, you and I will celebrate by going out to lunch.
Hoy y mañana no puedo, estoy sepultado en un maremagnum de trabajo que me tengo que sacar de encima
¿qué te parece pasado mañana?
ponerse al dia loc verb
Tengo que ponerme al dia como sea.

dig out from under vtr (clear accumulated disorder, dirt) fig desenterrar v tr
They had to dig their boat out from under the mud left by the flood.
¿Qué te parece si desenterramos del armario los esquíes y las botas y no vamos una semana a Las Leñas?
discourage sb from disuadir a alguien de v
dismiss sb from his vi (discharge sb from his job) despedir a alguien de su trabajo
duties vtr
When the foreman was discovered to be at the beach during working hours, John was the one who had to
dismiss him from his duties and hire another foreman.
relevar de un puesto vtr
Fue relevado de su puesto de trabajo.
desvincular vtr
dismiss sth from your vi (give no more thought to sth) borrar algo de la mente loc verb
mind
I briefly thought of selling everything and moving to a new country, but quickly dismissed the idea from my
mind.
Decidí borrarlo de mi mente y comenzar de nuevo.
olvidarse del tema loc verb
fam sacarse de la cabeza loc verb
Sé que no me quiere y que nunca me va querer pero así y todo no me la puedo sacar de la cabeza.
dismiss sth/sb from one's intentar olvidar algo/a alguien v

mind
dissent from disentir de v
dissociate from separarse de v
dissuade from disuadir de v
distance oneself from distanciarse de v
distance yourself from vtr (try not to be identified or associated with) apartarse v pron
The candidate was advised to distance himself from his radical pastor.
fig marcar / tomar distancia loc

verb
El gobernador dijo que se llevaba bien con el gobierno nacional pero marcó distancia aclarando que las
últimas medidas tomadas le parecían totalmente desacertadas.
distanciarse de vpron+prep
distract attention from distraer la atención de v
diverge from vtr (follow a separate path from) discrepar de vi + prep
Martin Luther diverged from the dogma of the Catholic church.
separarse vpron
Martín Lutero se separó de la Iglesia de Roma.
desviarse de vpron+prep
alejarse vpron
Argentina fam abrirse v pron
Se abrió por su cuenta y formó su propia empresa.
diverge from vtr (differ from) diferir de vi+prep
It is not at all unusual for our views to diverge from theirs.
No es raro que la perspectiva de ellos difiera de la nuestra.
diferenciarse de vpron+prep
contrastar vi
Sus ideas siempre contrastan con las de sus colegas.
no ser coincidente, ser distinto

loc verb
Generalmente nuestro punto de vista es distinto del de ellos / Lo habitual es que la opinión de ellos y la
nuestra no sean coincidentes.
drag from arrastrar desde v
drive out from cover hacer salir del escondite n
edge away from alejarse poco a poco v
emanate from vtr (originate from, be emitted by) emanar de vi + prep
provenir de vi + prep
venir vi
El olor viene de la cocina.
emerge from vtr (come forth from) emerger de vi + prep
surgir de vi + prep
salir de vi + prep
Salomón puso empeño, hizo sacrificios y salió del montón; ahora se está por graduar de abogado.
venir de vi + prep
ensue from vtr (be a result or consequence of) resultar de vi + prep
ser resultante de loc verb
escape from vtr (flee, run away from) escaparse de vi pron
huir de vi + prep
escape from vtr (avoid, evade) zafar de vtr + prep
He goes out to work on the car to escape from his mother-in-law.
evitar a vtr + prep
eludir a vtr + prep
esquivar vtr
Trató de esquivar el proyectil pero no se movió con la suficiente rapidez.
evict from vtr (force to vacate) desalojar vtr
echar vtr
Nos echan de la casa en un mes.
desahuciar vtr
excerpt from n (extract taken from, snippet of) extracto nm
That was an excerpt from my latest novel.
fragmento de nm
pasaje nm
at /æt/ , weak form /ət/ preposición
1. (location) en;
she's ~ the office está en la oficina;
he's ~ the bank ha ido al banco
2. (direction): to point ~ sth/sb señalar algo/a algn;

he smiled ~ me me sonrió
3. (time): ~ 6 o'clock a las seis;

~ Christmas en Navidad, por Navidades (Esp);
~ night por la noche, de noche
4.
a. (indicating state): ~ a disadvantage en desventaja;
~ war/peace en guerra/paz
a. (occupied with): people ~ work gente trabajando;

children ~ play niños jugando
5. (with measurements, numbers, rates etc): they sell them ~ around $80 las venden a alrededor de
$80
6. (because of): he was surprised ~ the decision le sorprendió la decisión

at [æt] preposición
1 (posición) a, en
at the airport, en el aeropuerto
at the door, en la puerta
(en ciertos casos sin artículo): at school/work/home/church/ university/college, en el instituto/el
trabajo/casa/la iglesia/la universidad/el colegio
2 (hacia) a
to laugh at sb, reírse de alguien
to look at sthg/sb, mirar algo/a alguien
to throw sthg at sb, tirarle algo a alguien
3 (tiempo) a, en
at Christmas, en Navidad
at ten o'clock, a las diez
at the weekend, el fin de semana
at first, al principio
at last, por fin
at once, en seguida
at the moment, ahora
4 (al expresar la edad) he died at ninety, murió con noventa años
5 (modo) a, en
at best/worst, en el mejor/peor de los casos
at least, por lo menos
6 (velocidad, precio, etc) a: I sold them at a dollar each, los vendí a un dólar la unidad
at ten kilometres an hour, a diez kilómetros por hora
7 she's good at tennis, se le da bien el tenis
at: WordReference English-Spanish Dictionary © 2010
Compound Forms:
ambassador-at-large n embajador extraordinario nm
ambassador-at-large n embajador sin embajada para

asuntos especiales nm
at sign n mecanografía arroba
be at ease estar a gusto
be at ease estar cómodo
be at fault ser culpable

be at home estar en casa
be at home in estar en casa en
be at it estar haciéndolo
be at it estar en ello
be at one's service estar al servicio de algn
be at one's wits' end no saber qué más hacer v
be at the bottom of estar en el fondo de
be at the bottom of estar en la base de
be at the helm estar a cargo
be at the mercy of estar a merced de
be at variance oponerse a algo v refl
burial at sea n (sailor's funeral) funeral en alta mar nm
My grandfather had an honoured burial at sea.
burial at sea n (disposal of human remains or arrojar al mar las cenizas vtr
ashes into the ocean)
No, mi abuela no está en el cementerio. Arrojamos sus cenizas al mar.
esparcir las cenizas en el mar vtr
Cuando muera quiero que esparzan mis cenizas en el mar.
bursting at the seams ad figurative (overfull, packed full) abarrotado de gente pp

j
My suitcase is already bursting at the seams -- how can I pack my souvenirs?
fig a punto de reventar loc adj
bursting at the seams ad literal (tearing because it is reventando las costuras loc adj
j stretched)
I've got to lose weight; my pants are bursting at the seams.
business at hand n (urgent matter for discussion) tema que nos ocupa nm
We have digressed enough, let's get back to the business at hand.
tema por tratar nm
buy sth at auction v (purchase sth by highest bid) comprar en subasta vtr
adjudicar(se) en subasta vtr (pron)
Nos adjudicamos el lote completo en subasta.

comprar en un remate vtr
call at vtr (pay a visit to) hacer una visita / visitar vtr
Puerto Rico dar una visita vtr
Pasaré por la casa de los López para darle una visita a Doña Juana.
can't be in all places at one time v informal (have too many no poder hacer mil cosas a la vez
obligations to fulfil) fam loc verb
fam no poder estar en todo loc verb
Ahora imposible, surgió un problema serio que tengo que solucionar, dile a Carlos que se ocupe de los
pedidos, yo no puedo estar en todo.
fam ser imposible estar en dos sitios a

la vez loc verb
no poder hacerlo todo uno solo loc

verb
Ya quisieras investigar, redactar, ilustrar, diseñar, imprimir y encuadernar, pero no puedes hacerlo todo tú
solo.
fam no poder estar en la procesión y

repicando loc verb
catch at UK tratar de coger
champ at the bit v literal (horse: chew at restraint) tascar / morder el freno loc verb
The horse was impatient for the race to start and visibly champing at the bit.
Cuando está inquieto sacude la cabeza para los lados o de arriba abajo, muerde o trata de morder el freno,
aprieta las mandíbulas con fuerza..
roer el lazo loc verb
champ at the bit v figurative (be eager, impatient: no ver la hora de loc verb
to do sth)
I'm champing at the bit to go on my vacation.
No veo la hora de salir a vacaciones.
Argentina fam comerse las uñas loc verb
No podía esperar más, estaba que se comía las uñas.
España estar ansioso por loc verb
El niño estaba ansioso por salir a probar sus nuevos patines.
close at hand ad (nearby) a mano loc adj

j
When I work long hours my extra-large coffee cup is always close at hand.
a la mano loc adj
close at hand ad (imminent) fam a un paso loc adv

j
Nuclear war is close at hand! was emblazoned on the black and yellow leaflets.
inminente adj
fam a la vuelta de la esquina loc adv
close at hand ad (handy, at a convenient disponible, a la mano loc adj

j distance)
In flu season keep a box of tissue close at hand.
a mano loc adj
community at large n (everyone living or working in la comunidad en general loc (nf)

an area)
The community at large is asking the police to do something about the rising crime rate.
la comunidad toda loc (nf)
Cuidar el medio ambiente es cuidar el bienestar presente y futuro de la comunidad toda.
date at datar
dig at sb colloquial familiar meterse con alguien
do at full speed hacer a toda velocidad v
do at the same time hacer simultáneamente v
down at heel UK escaso de dinero adj
down at heel UK corto de dinero adj
down-at-heel ad un bar de mala muerte

j
down-at-heel ad un par de zapatos gastado

j
down-at-heel ad una persona andrajoso

j
down-at-heel ad una persona desarrapado

j
down-at-heel ad una persona desharrapado

j
draw the line at no tolerar v
drive at vtr literal (drive a vehicle directly conducir hacia vtr+prep

towards)
fam enfilar el coche vtr
Enfiló el coche hacia la carretera que llevaba al hotel.
manejar hacia vtr+prep
drive at vtr figurative (suggest, intend to querer llegar loc verb

say)
What are you driving at?
¿Adónde quiere llegar? Sus preguntas no parecen tener mucha relación con el caso.
querer decir loc verb
sugerir vtr
¿Qué estás sugiriendo?
insinuar vtr
¿Qué estás insinuando?
ir a, apuntar a vi + prep
A eso iba justamente, no creo que sea necesario tomar ninguna medida todavía.
eat away at corroer v
examination taken at the age of 16, España BUP

equivalent to British GCSE
fall in love at first sight vi (become infatuated with a enamorarse a primera vista (de
stranger) alguien) loc verb
As soon as I saw him across the dance floor, I fell in love at first sight.
fling abuse at sb v informal (insult sb aggressively) insultar vtr
The football players flung abuse at the opposing team after a flagrant foul.
España.fam poner a parir loc verb
Los jugadores pusieron a parir al árbitro, como siempre.
España fam poner a caldo a loc verb
Los futbolistas pusieron a caldo a los contrarios.
fam basurear vtr
froth at the mouth vi literal (produce foamy spittle) echar espuma por la boca loc verb
If a dog is frothing at the mouth it may be rabid.
froth at the mouth vi figurative (be furiously angry) echar espuma por la boca loc verb
The governor was frothing at the mouth after she was accused of misconduct.
estar rabioso loc verb
frothing at the mouth (rage) por algo rabiando vi
frothing at the mouth (symptom) síntoma espuma en la boca nm
frothing at the mouth (in a rage) rabioso adj
frown at vtr (scowl at) fruncir el ceño loc verb
Don't frown at me; I'm not the one who wrecked your car.
agarrárselas con uno loc verb
No te la agarres conmigo, no fui yo el que te chocó el auto.
fam retar vtr
Los otros se portaron mal, yo me porté bien pero me retaron igual, la próxima vez me voy a portar mal.
gaze at sth mirar algo fijamente v
get at vtr informal (intend to say, imply) querer llegar, decir loc verb
I don't understand what you are getting at.
No comprendo a qué quieres llegar. No comprendo qué quieres decir.
insinuar vtr
¿Es eso lo que está insinuando? ¿que yo tengo algo que ver con el crimen?
get at vtr slang (upset by targeting for meterse con (alguien) v pron
criticism)
I hate him; he's always getting at me.
Lo odio; siempre está metiéndose conmigo
get at vtr slang (influence sb illegally) sobornar vtr
All the evidence is against us, we'll have to see if we can get at the jury.
hacerse con v pron
Lo tenemos difícil para ganar el partido, tendremos que hacernos con el árbitro.
Argentina fam coimear vtr
Para que se aprobara la ley coimearon a más de treinta senadores.
get back at somebody vengarse de alguien v

glance at vtr (look quickly at) ojear(se) v (prnl)
We glanced at each other discreetly.
Nos ojeamos el uno al otro discretamente.
go at atacar v
go at fiercely atacar violentamente v
go hard at vtr informal (do sth intensely) fam darle duro, pegarle duro a loc verb
I started learning Italian a year ago, and I've been going hard at it ever since.
good shot at n (likely chance to attain goal, gran posibilidad/grandes

position) posibilidades nf/nfpl
I have a good shot at winning the scholarship this year.
good shot at n informal (good chance of buena chance nf

success at)
under1 /'ʌndər / || /'ʌndə(r)/ preposición

a. (beneath) debajo de, abajo de (AmL)
b. (less than) menos de
c. ‹name/heading› bajo
d. ‹government/authority› bajo;
he has 20 people ~ him tiene 20 personas a su mando
e. (according to) según
under2 adverbio
1. (less) menos;
it will cost $10 or ~ costará 10 dólares como mucho
2. (under water): they pushed him ~ lo empujaron debajo del agua
: underage~age /'ʌndər'eɪdʒ/ adjetivo (before n) ‹person› menor de edad;

underarm~arm adjetivo (before n) (Sport) sin levantar el brazo por encima del hombro;
undercarriage~carriage sustantivo
tren m de aterrizaje;
undercharge~charge /'ʌndər'tʃɑ:rdʒ / || /ˌʌndə'tʃɑ:dʒ/ verbo transitivo
cobrarle de menos a;
undercoat~coat, (AmE also) undercoating~coating sustantivo
1.
a. uncountable (paint) pintura f base
a. countable (coating) primera mano f de pintura;
2. uncountable or countable (AmE Auto) tratamiento m anticorrosivo del chasis;
undercover~cover /'ʌndər'kʌvər / || /ˌʌndə'kʌvə(r)/ adjetivo

secreto;
undercurrent~current sustantivo
a. (of discontent) trasfondo m, corriente f subyacente
b. (of water) contracorriente f;
undercut~cut /'ʌndər'kʌt / || /ˌʌndə'kʌt/ verbo transitivo (pres p -cutting; past & past p -cut)
‹competitor› vender más barato que;
~developed /ˌʌndərdɪ'veləpt / || /ˌʌndədɪ'veləpt/ adjetivo
poco desarrollado;
‹nation› subdesarrollado;
underdone~done /'ʌndər'dʌn / || /ˌʌndə'dʌn/ adjetivo ‹meat› poco cocido, poco hecho (Esp);
underestimate~estimate /'ʌndər'estəmeɪt / || /ˌʌndər'estɪmeɪt/ verbo transitivo
a. (guess too low): they ~estimated the cost calcularon el costo en menos de lo que correspondía
b. (underrate) subestimar;
underfed~fed /'ʌndər'fed / || /ˌʌndə'fed/ adjetivo

subalimentado;
underfoot~foot /'ʌndər'fʊt / || /ˌʌndə'fʊt/ adverbio
debajo de los pies;
undergo~go /'ʌndər'gəʊ / || /ˌʌndə'gəʊ/ verbo transitivo (3rd pers sing pres -goes; pres p -going; past
-went; past p -gone) ‹change/hardship› sufrir;
he is ~going treatment está en tratamiento;
undergraduate~graduate /'ʌndər'grædʒuət / || /ˌʌndə'grædʒʊət/ sustantivo
estudiante universitario, -ria m,f (de licenciatura);
(before n) ‹course/student› universitario
: undergrowth~growth n uncountable
maleza f, monte m bajo;
underhand~hand /'ʌndər'hænd / || /ˌʌndə'hænd/ , underhanded~handed /'ʌndər'hændəd / ||
/ˌʌndə'hændɪd/ adjetivo ‹person› solapado;
‹method/dealings› poco limpio;
underlie~lie /'ʌndər'laɪ / || /ˌʌndə'laɪ/ verbo transitivo (3rd pers sing pres -lies; pres p -lying; past -lay;
past p -lain) subyacer(conj.⇒) a;
underline~line verbo transitivo
subrayar;
underlying~lying /'ʌndər'laɪɪŋ / || /ˌʌndə'laɪɪŋ/ adjetivo (before n) subyacente;
undermanned~manned /'ʌndər'mænd / || /ˌʌndə'mænd/ adjetivo ‹factory› con personal or con mano
de obra insuficiente;
undermine~mine /'ʌndər'maɪn / || /ˌʌndə'maɪn/ verbo transitivo ‹health/strength› minar;
‹authority› quitar
: undernourished~nourished /'ʌndər'nɜ:rɪʃt / ||/ˌʌndə'nʌrɪʃt/ adjetivo

desnutrido;
underpaid~paid /'ʌndər'peɪd / || /ˌʌndə'peɪd/ adjetivo
mal pagado;
underpants~pants sustantivo plural
calzoncillos mpl, calzones mpl (Méx);
underpass~pass sustantivo (for traffic) paso m inferior;
pedestrian ~pass pasaje m subterráneo;
underprivileged~privileged /'ʌndər'prɪvəlɪdʒd / || /ˌʌndə'prɪvəlɪdʒd/ adjetivo
desfavorecido;
underrate~rate /'ʌndər'reɪt / || /ˌʌndə'reɪt/ verbo transitivo
a. ‹ability/opponent› subestimar
b. ~rated past p ‹writer/play› no debidamente apreciado or valorado;

undersecretary~secretary /'ʌndər'sekrəteri / || /ˌʌndə'sekrətri/ sustantivo
subsecretario, -ria m,f;
undersell~sell verbo transitivo (past & past p -sold) ‹competitor› vender más barato que;
undershirt~shirt sustantivo (AmE) camiseta f (interior);
undershorts~shorts sustantivo plural (AmE) calzoncillos mpl (en forma de pantalón corto);
underside~side sustantivo
parte f inferior or de abajo;
underskirt~skirt sustantivo
enagua(s) f(pl), viso m, fondo m (Méx);
undersold~sold /'ʌndər'səʊld / || /ˌʌndə'səʊld/ past and past p of undersell;
understaffed~staffed /'ʌndər'stæft / ||/ˌʌndə'stɑ:ft/ adjetivo: to be ~staffed estar(conj.⇒) muy escaso or
falto de personal
under:understatement /'ʌndər'steɪtmənt / || /'ʌndəsteɪtmənt/ n countable or uncountable: to say it
wasn't well attended is an ~ decir que no estuvo muy concurrido es quedarse corto
: understudy~study sustantivo
suplente mf, sobresaliente mf;
undertake~take /'ʌndər'teɪk / || /ˌʌndə'teɪk/ verbo transitivo (past -took; past p -taken)
a. ‹responsibility› asumir;
‹obligation› contraer(conj.⇒);
‹task› emprender
b. to ~take to + INF comprometerse A + INF;
undertaker~taker /'ʌndər'teɪkər / || /'ʌndəˌteɪkə(r)/ sustantivo See Also→ mortician;

undertaking~taking /'ʌndər'teɪkɪŋ / || /ˌʌndə'teɪkɪŋ/ sustantivo
a. (task) empresa f, tarea f
b. (promise) promesa f;
undertone~tone sustantivo
a. (low voice): to speak in an ~tone hablar en voz baja
b. (hint) trasfondo m;
undertook~took /'ʌndər'tʊk / || /ˌʌndə'tʊk/ past of ~take;

undervalue~value /'ʌndər'vælju: / || /ˌʌndə'vælju:/ verbo transitivo ‹goods› subvalorar;
‹person/skill› subvalorar
: underwear~wear n uncountable
ropa f interior;
underweight~weight /'ʌndər'weɪt / || /ˌʌndə'weɪt/ adjetivo ‹person/baby› de peso más bajo que el
normal;
underwent~went /'ʌndər'went / || /ˌʌndə'went/ past of undergo;
underworld~world sustantivo
a. (Myth) the U~world el infierno, el averno (liter)
b. (criminals): the ~world el hampa, los bajos fondos;
underwrite~write /'ʌndər'raɪt / || /ˌʌndə'raɪt/ verbo transitivo (past -wrote; past p -written)
a. (in insurance) asegurar
b. (guarantee financially) ‹project/venture› financiar
Pocket Oxford Spanish Dictionary © 2005 Oxford University Press:

under- /'ʌndər/ prefijo
a. (below, lower): the ~mentioned los abajo mencionados
b. (less than proper): they are ~represented on the committee no tienen la representación que les
corresponde en la comisión
c. (of lesser rank) sub-;

~manager subgerente m
d. under ['ʌndəʳ]
preposición
1 debajo de: it's under the tree, está bajo el árbol
2 por debajo de: the tunnel goes under the park, el túnel pasa por debajo del parque
3 bajo: under the water, bajo el agua
4 menos de
under age, menor de edad
in under four minutes, en menos de cuatro minutos
5 (arresto, juramento, órdenes) bajo: she has six people under her, tiene seis personas bajo su mando
6 (la ley) conforme a, según

under Spanish law, según la ley española
I
II adverbio abajo, debajo

into /'ɪntu/ , before consonant /'ɪntə/ preposición
1.
a. (indicating motion, direction): to walk ~ a building entrar en or (esp AmL) a un edificio;
they helped him ~ the chair lo ayudaron a sentarse en el sillón;
she sat staring ~ space estaba sentada mirando al vacío;
to translate sth ~ Spanish traducir(conj.⇒) algo al español
a. (against): she walked ~ a tree se dio contra un árbol;

he drove ~ the other car chocó con el otro coche
2. (in time, distance): ten minutes ~ the game a los diez minutos de empezar el partido;
they penetrated deep ~ the jungle entraron en el corazón de la selva
3. (indicating result of action): we split ~ two groups nos dividimos en dos grupos;
roll the dough ~ a ball haga una bola con la masa
4. (involved in) (colloq) they're ~ drugs se drogan;

at two, children are ~ everything a los dos años, los niños son muy inquietos
into ['ɪntʊ:] preposición

1 (movimiento) en, a, con: I bumped into John, me tropecé con John
I'll change into my jeans, me pondré los vaqueros
come into my office, entra en mi despacho
she jumped into the lake, se tiró al lago
2 (impacto) contra: I walked into a tree, me di contra un árbol
3 (cambio, división) en, a: he turned into a frog, se convirtió en rana
translate this into English, traduce esto al inglés
to change dollars into euros, cambiar dólares a euros
Mat five into ten is two, diez entre cinco son dos
3 (distancia, tiempo) deep into the wood, hasta el corazón del bosque
late into the night, hasta bien entrada la noche
♦ LOC: familiar he's really into horses, es muy aficionado a los caballos
into: WordReference English-Spanish Dictionary © 2010
Compound Forms:
barge into vtr informal (shove or push) España toparse, chocarse v pron
I was standing at the bus stop when some idiot barged into me and knocked me off my feet.
be converted into estar convertido a
be converted into ser convertido en
be into estar metido en
blow into vtr (exhale, breathe into) Esp soplar en vtr + prep
Here, blow into this paper bag, it will help you stop hyperventilating.
blow into vtr US (arrive somewhere unexpectedly ) aparecer vi

España
My friend just blew into town; we're going to go have dinner tonight.
llegar de golpe vi + adv
México infrml caer vi
book into vtr (check into: a hotel, etc.) Esp registrarse v pron
bore into vtr literal (drill into) Arg perforar, taladrar vtr
Woodpeckers bore into trees searching for insects.
bore into vtr figurative (pierce with eyes, gaze) Arg atravesar con la mirada loc verb
The judge bores into the witnesses' eyes to intimidate them into telling the truth.
México infrml echar ojos de pistola loc adv
breathe life into vtr figurative (revive, rejuvenate) infundir vida a loc verb
The paramedics breathed life into the accident victim.
El éxito en su emprendimiento infundió vida a esa parte de él que estaba adormecida.
fig infundir un nuevo aliento loc verb
Era nuestro intento infundir un nuevo aliento en la comunidad, siguiendo las directrices del Concilio.
fig dar un nuevo aire loc verb
Este color le dará un nuevo aire a tu sala.
fam inyectar ganas vtr
breathe new life into vtr figurative (reinvent, rejuvenate) infundir nueva vida a loc verb
Hiring Edie with her fresh new ideas will breathe new life into this company.
El cambio en la política económica infundió nueva vida a un sector industrial que estaba desmantelado.
fig dar una nueva vida a loc verb
El cambio de decoración le ha dado una nueva vida al negocio.
bring into alignment vtr figurative (standardize) Téc estandarizar vtr
Queremos estandarizar ésta característica del jabón líquido porque aumenta su vida de anaquel.
uniformar vtr
homologar vtr
bring into alignment vtr literal (align, line up) alinear, poner en fila vtr
bring into being vtr (create, begin) dar vida loc verb
Con el Carnaval se disponen a dar vida a un mundo de fantasía.
crear vtr
bring into focus vtr literal (focus on) enfocar vtr
ajustar el foco loc verb
Ajustó el foco para darle mayor nitidez a la toma.
bring into focus vtr figurative (draw attention to, explain more centrar la atención loc verb
clearly) fig
Si quieres comprender este asunto debes centrar tu atención en él
fig poner el foco en loc verb
Como el tema era muy amplio puso el foco en las necesidades más inmediatas.
fig destacar vtr
Mencionó una serie de problemas pero destacó los dos que consideraba más importantes y los explicó con
mayor detalle.
bring into play vtr (involve, use) poner en juego loc verb
Me gusta. Y voy a poner todos mis recursos en juego para ganármela.
usar vtr
hacer uso loc verb
Hagamos uso de nuestras mejores armas: la astucia y la tenacidad.
bring into question vtr (cast doubt on) cuestionar v tr
poner en duda loc verb
El jugador puso en duda su permanencia en el club el año próximo.
poner en tela de juicio loc verb
Hizo resonantes declaraciones a la prensa poniendo en tela de juicio la honestidad del funcionario.
bump into vtr literal (collide with) darse con/contra vi+prep
I have a huge bruise where I bumped into the corner of the table.
He bumped into me and I fell.
A oscuras me di en los dedos del pie con el canto de la puerta.
chocar con vi + prep
chocarse con vi+prep
bump into vtr informal, figurative (meet by chance) tropezarse con vi + prep
You'll never guess who I bumped into today!
Al entrar en la tienda me tropecé con María y estuvimos hablando de tiempos pasados

cruzarse con vpron+prep
Me crucé con mi mejor amiga cuando salía de clase.
toparse con vpron+prep
Me topé con Manuel al salir de la oficina
burst into laughter v (start laughing suddenly) largarse / echarse a reír vpron
They burst into laughter at the sight of his clown costume.
romper a reír o en risa loc verbal
Dice en el Quijote: «El duque que esto oyó, estuvo por romper en risa...».
estallar en una carcajada loc verb
prorrumpir en carcajadas loc verb
Cuando ella dijo eso, todos prorrumpieron en carcajadas.
burst into song v (start singing suddenly) ponerse a cantar loc verb
My father is so musical, he bursts into song in the middle of a conversation.
En cuanto hicieron silencio se puso a cantar a plena voz.
comenzar a cantar de repente vtr
arrancar a cantar loc verbal
Todos callaban cuando Carlos arrancó a cantar a voz en cuello.
burst into tears v (start crying suddenly) romper / echarse a llorar loc verb
She burst into tears at the news of her friend's death.
largarse a llorar loc verb
romper en llanto loc verb
Su hijo rompió en llanto en cuanto lo vio bajar del avión.
call into question poner algo en duda
change into vtr (be converted, transformed into) transformarse, convertirse (en) v pron
If you kiss a frog it just might change into a handsome prince.
Si besas a un sapo, puede transformarse en un apuesto príncipe.
change into vtr (put on: clothes) ponerse v pron
Why don't you change into something more comfortable?
Si te pones la blusa roja te vas a ver mejor.

come into being v (be born) nacer vi
The Internet didn't just come into being spontaneously. It is the result of decades of research and development.
surgir vi
come into being v (come about, be created) crearse vprnl
El Internet no se creó de un día para otro, tomó tiempo.
come into existence v (be born) nacer, ver la luz vi, loc
venir al mundo loc verb
come into existence v (come about, be created) originarse vpron
The universe came into existence with a big bang.
Dicen que el Universo se originó con una "Gran Explosión" ¿y antes qué había?
crearse vpron
El universo se creó a partir del Big-Bang.
surgir vi
come into vtr (find, obtain) pasar a ser dueño loc verb
possession of
When I received my inheritance I came into possession of several rare coins.
Cuando murió el tío pasó a ser dueña de una cuantiosa fortuna.
adueñarse vpron
tomar posesión vtr
come into the world v (be born) venir al mundo loc verb
He came into the world kicking and screaming just like the rest of us.
El niño vino al mundo el dia del cumpleaños de su madre.
ver la luz loc verb
llegar al mundo loc verb
convert into cash v (goods: exchange for money) hacer efectivo loc verb
convertir en efectivo vtr
Com hacer líquido, liquidar vtr
crawl into vtr (creep inside) entrar sigilosamente vi + adv
He crawled into bed as quietly as possible so as not to wake his wife.
colarse vprn
Se coló en la cama sin hacer ruido.
creep into vtr (crawl or move stealthily inside) entrar sigilosamente loc verb
The creepy man quietly crept into the bushes.
Entró sigilosamente en la cueva porque no quería despertar a los murciélagos que colgaban de la misma.
gatear sigilosamente vi + adv
dash into vtr informal (hurry into) entrar de carrera loc verb
He left the engine running while he dashed into the shop for some cigarettes.
irrumpir vi
entrar como un rayo loc verb
degenerate into degenerar en
delve into vtr literal (dig or dip into) hurgar en vi + prep
Hurgó en los bolsillos, sacó unas monedas y se las dio al mendigo.
escarbar vtr
Escarbaba la tierra en busca de lombrices.
delve into vtr figurative (investigate, research) fig escarbar vtr
He was eager to delve into the ancient archives discovered in the monastery.
Escarbaron su pasado para encontrar algo que pudiera comprometerlo.
indagar en vtr + prep
La ley vigente permite a los Servicios de Inteligencia indagar en los archivos privados de cualquier ciudadano.
develop into convertirse en
develop into devenir
dig into clavar
dip into vtr literal (plunge briefly into) meter la punta del dedo loc verb
She dipped her toes into the water to feel how cold it was.
Metió la punta de los dedos en el agua para saber si estaba muy fría.
rozar, tocar con las yemas de los

dedos loc verb
Argentina sopar, mojar vtr
Sopó el trozo de pan en la salsa y se lo engulló de un bocado. / Insertó un trozo de bizcochuelo con el tenedor
y lo mojó en la fondue de chocolate.
sumergir brevemente loc verb
Antes de armar el tiramisú, sumerja brevemente las vainillas en café cargado.
dip into vtr figurative (sample briefly) echar un vistazo loc verb
Whenever I have quarter of an hour to spare I like to dip into Saki's 'Collected Short Stories'.
hojear vtr
He hojeado el informe pero no he tenido tiempo de sentarme a estudiarlo en profundidad.
dip into vtr (savings: make use of) echar mano loc verb
I'm so short of money at the moment that I keep having to dip into my precious savings.
Tuve que echar mano de mis ahorros para pagar la reparación del coche.
recurrir vi
dive into vtr literal (plunge into: water) zambullirse vpron
Diving into unknown waters is hazardous - you don't know how deep the water is or how strong the current.
sumergirse vpron
dive into vtr figurative (undertake enthusiastically) abocarse de lleno loc verb
I couldn't wait to dive into my favorite author's latest book.
sumergirse vpron
divide into dividir en v
divide into groups dividir en grupos v

out1 /aʊt/ adverbio
I.
1.
a. (outside) fuera, afuera (esp AmL)
a. (not at home, work): tell him I'm ~ dile que no estoy;

I was ~ most of the day estuve (a)fuera casi todo el día;
to eat ~ cenar/comer fuera or (esp AmL) afuera;
~ and about: you must get ~ and about more tienes que salir más
1. (removed): I'm having my stitches ~ next week la semana que viene me sacan los puntos
1.
a. (indicating movement, direction): ~! ¡fuera!;
(on signs) out salida;
she went over to the window and looked ~ se acercó a la ventana y miró para afuera
a. (outstretched, projecting): the dog had its tongue ~ el perro tenía la lengua fuera
or (esp AmL) afuera
1. (indicating distance): ~ here in Japan aquí en Japón;

we live ~ Brampton way vivimos en la dirección de Brampton
1. (from hospital, jail): he's been ~ for a month now ya hace un mes que salió
1. (in phrases) out for: Lewis was ~ for revenge Lewis quería vengarse;
out to + INF: she's ~ to beat the record está decidida a batir el récord;
they're only ~ to make money su único objetivo es hacer dinero;
see also out of
II.
1.
a. (displayed, not put away): are the plates ~ yet? ¿están puestos ya los platos?
a. (in blossom) en flor
a. (shining): when the sun's ~ cuando hay or hace sol
1. (published, produced): a report ~ today points out that … un informe publicado hoy
señala que …;
their new album will be ~ by April sacarán el nuevo disco para abril
out2 adjetivo
1. (pred)
a. (extinguished) to be ~ [fire/light/pipe] estar(conj.⇒) apagado
a. (unconscious) inconsciente
2. (pred)
a. (at an end): before the month/year is ~ antes de que acabe el mes/año
a. (out of fashion) pasado de moda
3. (Sport)
a. (eliminated) to be ~ ‹batter/batsman› quedar out;
‹team› quedar eliminado
a. (outside limit) (pred) fuera;

~! (call) ¡out!
out3 preposición: he looked ~ the window miró (hacia afuera) por la ventana;
see also out of 1
: out-and-out~-and-~ /'aʊtn̩'aʊt/ adjetivo (as intensifier) ‹villain/liar› consumado;
‹radical/feminist› acérrimo;
‹defeat/disgrace› total;
outback~back sustantivo the ~back el interior (zona despoblada de Australia);
outbid~bid /'aʊt'bɪd/ verbo transitivo (pres p -bidding; past -bid; past p -bid or (AmE also) -bidden) to
~bid sb (FOR sth) pujar más que algn (POR algo);
outboard (motor)~board (motor) sustantivo
motor m fuera de borda, fueraborda m;
outbreak~break sustantivo (of war) estallido m;
(of hostilities) comienzo m;
(of cholera, influenza, violence) brote m;
outbuilding~building sustantivo
edificación f anexa;
outburst~burst sustantivo (of emotion) arrebato m;
outcast~cast sustantivo
paria mf;
outcome~come sustantivo (result) resultado m;
(consequences) consecuencias fpl;
outcrop~crop sustantivo
afloramiento m;
outcry~cry n uncountable or countable
protesta f (enérgica);
there was a public ~cry hubo protestas generalizadas;
outdated~dated /'aʊt'deɪtəd / || /ˌaʊt'deɪtɪd/ adjetivo ‹style/custom› pasado de moda;
‹idea/theory› anticuado;
outdid~did /'aʊt'dɪd/ past of ~do;
outdistance~distance /'aʊt'dɪstəns/ verbo transitivo
dejar atrás;
outdo~do /'aʊt'du:/ verbo transitivo (3rd pers sing pres -does; past -did; past p -done) ‹person/team›
superar;
‹result/achievement› mejorar;
outdoor~door /'aʊtdɔ:r / || /'aʊtdɔ:(r)/ adjetivo (before n) ‹clothes› de calle;
‹plants› de exterior;
‹swimming pool› descubierto;
outdoors~doors /'aʊt'dɔ:rz / || /ˌaʊt'dɔ:z/ adverbio
al aire libre
: outfit~fit sustantivo
a. (clothes) conjunto m, tenida f (Chi)
b. (equipment) equipo m;
outflow~flow sustantivo (of water) desagüe m, flujo m;

outgo~go n uncountable or countable (AmE) salida f;
outgoing~going adjetivo
1. (sociable) sociable;
2. ‹president/administration› saliente;
outgoings~goings sustantivo plural (esp BrE) gastos mpl;

outgrow~grow /'aʊt'grəʊ/ verbo transitivo (past -grew; past p -grown): he's already ~grown his new
shoes los zapatos nuevos ya le han quedado chicos or (Esp) ya se le han quedado pequeños;
she's ~grown these toys ya está grande para jugar con esos juguetes;
outhouse~house sustantivo
a. (building) (BrE) edificación f anexa
b. (outdoor privy) (AmE) excusado m exterior
out:outlast /'aʊt'læst / ||/ˌaʊt'lɑ:st/ verbo transitivo
a. (last longer than) durar más que

b. (survive) sobrevivir a
: outlay~lay sustantivo
desembolso m;
outlet~let sustantivo
1.
a. (for liquid, gas) salida f
a. (AmE Elec) toma f de corriente, tomacorriente m (AmL);
2. (means of expression): she found an ~let for her feelings encontró una manera de canalizar sus
sentimientos;
3. (Busn, Marketing) punto m de venta;

retail ~let tienda f al por menor
: outlive~live /'aʊt'lɪv/ verbo transitivo

sobrevivir a;
outlook~look sustantivo
a. (attitude) punto m de vista
b. (prospects) perspectivas fpl;
outlying~lying adjetivo (before n) ‹villages/islands› alejado;

‹area/hills/suburbs› de la periferia;
outnumber~number /'aʊt'nʌmbər / || /ˌaʊt'nʌmbə(r)/ verbo transitivo
superar en número a
: out-of-date~-of-date /'aʊtəv'deɪt/ adjetivo (pred ~ of date) ‹ideas/technology› desfasado, perimido (RPl);
‹ticket/check› caducado, vencido (AmL);
‹clothes› pasado de moda;
out-of-the-way~-of-the-way /'əʊtəvðə'weɪ/ adjetivo ‹place› apartado;
outpatient~patient sustantivo
paciente externo, -na m,f;
outpost~post sustantivo
a. (Mil) avanzada f
b. (settlement) puesto m de avanzada;
output~put n uncountable or countable (of factory, writer, artist) producción f;

(of worker, machine) rendimiento m;
(Comput) salida f;
(Elec) salida f
: outrun~run /'aʊt'rʌn/ verbo transitivo (pres p -running; past -ran; past p -run) dejar atrás;
outset~set sustantivo: from the ~set desde el principio;
outshine~shine /'aʊt'ʃaɪn/ verbo transitivo (past & past p -shone) eclipsar
: outsize~size /'aʊt'saɪz/ , (esp AmE) out-sized~-sized /-d/ adjetivo (Clothing) de talla or (RPl) talle
gigante;
(very large) gigantesco;
outskirts~skirts sustantivo plural
afueras fpl, alrededores mpl;
outsmart~smart /'aʊt'smɑ:rt / || /ˌaʊt'smɑ:t/ verbo transitivo (esp AmE colloq) burlar;
outsource~source verbo transitivo
externalizar(conj.⇒);
outspoken~spoken /'aʊt'spəʊkən/ adjetivo
directo, franco;
outspread~spread /'aʊt'spred/ adjetivo ‹wings› extendido;
outstanding~standing /aʊt'stændɪŋ/ adjetivo
1.
a. (excellent) ‹ability/beauty› extraordinario;
‹achievement/performer› destacado
a. (prominent) (before n) ‹feature› destacado;
2. ‹debt› pendiente (de pago);
outstay~stay /'aʊt'steɪ/ verbo transitivo: I think we've ~stayed our welcome creo que nos hemos
quedado más de la cuenta;
outstretched~stretched /'aʊt'stretʃt/ adjetivo
extendido;
outstrip~strip /'aʊt'strɪp/ verbo transitivo -pp- (run faster than) tomarle la delantera a;
(exceed) sobrepasar;
outvote~vote /'aʊt'vəʊt/ verbo transitivo: to be ~voted perder(conj.⇒) la votación
: outweigh~weigh /'aʊt'weɪ/ verbo transitivo
ser(conj.⇒) mayor que;
outwit~wit /'aʊt'wɪt/ verbo transitivo -tt- burlar
out [aʊt]
I adverbio
1 fuera, afuera: I live a long way out, vivo lejos del centro
it's cold out, hace frío en la calle
John is out, John no está
my grandfather still gets out and about, mi abuelo sigue vivito y coleando
to eat out, comer fuera
to have a night out, ir de juerga
out here, aquí fuera
familiar Lab en huelga: we are out, estamos en huelga
2 hacia fuera
to go/come out, salir
to take out, sacar: he took out a gold lighter, sacó un mechero de oro
3 para fuera: I sat by the window and looked out, me senté al lado de la ventana y miré para fuera
4 (conocido) público: the news is out, (la noticia) es de dominio público
5 visible: the roses are out, las rosas están en flor
the sun is out, brilla el Sol
6 familiar existente: the best dictionary out, el mejor diccionario en el mercado
7 (hablando) he read out a note, leyó una nota en voz alta
out loud, en voz alta
8 (determinación) he's out for revenge, quiere venganza
she's out to beat the record, está decidida a batir el récord
9 estar dislocado,-a, salirse de sitio 10 tired out, muy cansado 11 all out, con el máximo esfuerzo, a
más no poder 12 out and away, con mucho, por mucho: this is out and away the best steak I have
ever eaten!, ¡es, con diferencia, el mejor filete que he comido en toda mi vida!

adj (solo como predicado)

1 (fuego, luz) apagado,-a
2 familiar (persona) inconsciente, K.O.
3 (cifras, etc) erró-neo,-a: the forecast was miles out, el pronóstico fue muy equivocado
4 (periodo de tiempo) pasado,-a: before the year is out, antes de que acabe el año
familiar (ropa, etc) pasado,-a de moda
5 (marea) bajo,-a
6 familiar inaceptable: bad language is out, las palabrotas no son aceptables
7 Dep fuera: that ball was out, el balón cayó fuera
II
preposición por: he threw it out the window, lo tiró por la ventana

III
nombre vía de escape, salida: she always has an out when it's her turn to pay, siempre se escaquea
IV a la hora de pagar
out: WordReference English-Spanish Dictionary © 2010
Compound Forms:
all out adj (complete, total) a fondo
all out adj completamente
all out adj totalmente
as … as all get out adj (extremely) lo más..... que escuché/vi en mi vida

loc adj
What? That's silly as all get out! You can't grow bananas in the desert.
más ..., imposible loc adj
Se lo puedo tener listo recién para el lunes, más rápido, imposible.
back out trato o negocio echarse atrás v refl
bail out vi informal (abandon or give up on sth) rajarse vi pron

Informal España
We were planning a party, but most everybody bailed out.
Joey bailed out on his family when he learned his wife was pregnant again.
Prometió ayudar con la mudanza pero al final se rajó
España dejar tirado loc verb
Quedó en recogernos en la estación pero nos ha dejado tirados. / ¡Otra vez me ha dejado tirado la condenada
moto!
México infrml echarse para atrás loc verb
Dijo que ayudaría pero en el último momento se echó para atrás.
bail out vtr informal (help out, rescue) España fam echar un cable loc verb
The government bailed out many large banks during the recession.
Espero que me puedas echar un cable cuando el asunto se destape.
sacar de apuros loc verb
Cuando se me pinchó la rueda mi hermano de sacó del apuro.
bail out vi (jump from a plane, with parachute) tirarse en paracaídas v pron
The pilot bailed out just before his plane hit the trees.
Cuando vio que el motor no funcionaba se tiró en paracaídas.
saltar en paracaídas vi
bail out vtr (empty water from a boat) achicar vtr
The canoe is so full of water, it's about to sink -- time to bail it out!
Tras la embestida de la ola por estribor pasamos media hora achicando agua
bail sb out pagar la fianza a algn v
balancing out compensar vt
battle it out vi informal (compete) dar guerra loc verb
Todd and Tina usually don't compete, but this time they battled it out.
Seguro que el Manchester le va a dar guerra al Barcelona en la final de Roma.
bawling out informal echar la bronca v
be carried out ser llevado a cabo
be caught out ser alcanzado
be on the look-out ir a la caza
be on the look-out ir a la caza de

for
be out of tune estar desafinado
bear out vtr (confirm, support) confirmar, apoyar vtr
¿Puedes confirmar/apoyar la tesis que se plantea?
beat the shit out of offensive coloquial rayar a algn vt

sb
become out-moded pasar de moda v
become strung out ponerse muy nervioso v refl
belt out (sing) cantar a grito pelado vi
belt out sb slang (kill) cepillarse a algn vt
bend out inclinarse hacia fuera
blank out vtr (cover up, edit out text) Esp eliminar texto vtr
I blanked out the student's name on the test before I made copies for the class.
blank out vi informal (have no memory of) estar pez loc verb
When I tried to remember my client's name, I just blanked out.
Estoy absolutamente pez en macroeconomía.
quedar(se) en blanco loc verb
Me quedé en blanco en el examen oral.
quedarse con la mente en blanco loc

verb
Cuando quiso recordar el título de la película se quedó con la mente en blanco.
bleached out adj (removed using bleach) Panamá blanqueado, removido con clorox adj
Swimmers usually have bleached out hair due to chlorinated water in pools.
México lavado con blanqueador adj
España lavado con lejía adj

bleached out adj (faded) descolorido adj
Bleached out jeans are out of fashion, dark wash is back in.
México deslavado pp
España desteñido adj
desvaído adj
De mi infancia feliz sólo me quedan desvaídos recuerdos.
Puerto Rico, USA aclarado pp
El sol me ha aclarado el pelo.
Andalucía despintado adj
Panamá destiñado
blot out vtr (shut out, exclude, block) excluir, eliminar, tachar vtr
blot out vtr figurative (avoid thinking about, try to correr un tupido velo loc verb
forget) Esp
She tried to blot out the memory of his murder.
Corred un tupido velo porque ya no tiene solución.
España bloquear vtr
El trauma le hizo bloquear esa imagen para que no llegara a su mente.
boot out vtr slang (evict) colloq poner de patitas en la calle loc verb
If you keep acting like an idiot, the hotel management will surely boot you out.
Si no me paga para fin de mes lo pongo de patitas en la calle.
boot out vtr slang (remove from political office) Esp botar vtr
Voters tend to boot out politicians who cheat on their wives more than politicians who take bribes.
Después de todos los escándalos, el presidente acabó botando al ministro.
México echar vtr
Lo echaron del trabajo
España colloq largar vtr
Lo largaron por corrupto a los dos días de llegar.
born out of wedlock adj (illegitimate, born to unmarried parents) (hijo) extramatrimonial adj
Arg
Bastard is the legal term for a child born out of wedlock.
bastardo nm
Tras toda una vida siendo conocido como "el bastardo real", el hijo ilegítimo de Alfonso XIII, Leandro Alfonso
Ruiz Moragas, ha obtenido el derecho para utilizar a partir de ahora el apellido Borbón a los 74 años.
Chile hijo natural nm
nacido fuera del matrimonio loc adj
Su culpa era haber nacido fuera del matrimonio.
bring out vtr (elicit) suscitar vtr
A squirt of fresh lemon will bring out the flavor of that grilled salmon.
sacar a relucir loc verb
bring out vtr (draw attention to, emphasize) resaltar vtr
enfatizar vtr
hacer notar loc verb
llamar la atención sobre loc verb
Quiso llamar la atención sobre un problema al que todos daban la espalda.
España significar vtr
Quiero significar la importancia de este detalle
broaden out vi (widen in scope, branch out) ampliarse, ensancharse vpron
You need to broaden out, as your interests are too narrow.
brown out vtr US (electricity: reduced power) España haber caída de tensión nf
The high use of air conditioners during the heat waves caused more than one brown out.
haber baja tensión, bajar la tensión loc

verb
Puerto Rico haber bajo voltaje
México fam bajar la luz loc verb
burned-out adj calcinado
burned-out adj gastado
burned-out adj quemado
burnt-out adj calcinado
burnt-out adj gastado

burnt-out adj quemado
burst out vi (spring out, jump out) saltar vi
He burst out from behind the wall, surprising everyone leaning against it.
Saltó el aceite de la sartén y le quemó la mano.
escaparse vpron
burst out vi (emerge from sth tight or restraining) salir despedido loc verb
The chick finally burst out of its shell.
La valija estaba tan llena que cuando la abrió toda la ropa salió despedida hacia el piso.
saltar vi
Saltó el resorte y se cerró la trampa. / Saltó el muelle del colchón y se le clavó en la pierna.
burst out vi (break out, occur suddenly) suceder repentinamente vi + adv
The enemy suddenly burst out of the woods and we were surrounded in an ambush.
desatarse / estallar vi
Cuando se desató el fuego en el escenario estalló el caos en la concurrencia.
call-out vtr (request service visit from) convocar vtr
El gobernador convocó a la gendarmería para que disperse a los agresores.
camp out acampar
cancel out vtr (counteract, make ineffective with neutralizar vtr

opposed action)
Con su acción neutralizó la iniciativa de su compañero
anular vtr
cancelar vtr
contrarrestar vtr
El gobierno tomó medidas extremas para contrarrestar los efectos de la crisis económica.
cancel out vtr (charge: make void) anular vtr
anular la transacción
carried out realizado
carried out cumplido
carried out hecho
carry-out n informal (food: prepared food to be taken comida para llevar nf

away)
carve out vtr literal (sculpt) esculpir vtr
Michelangelo liked to carve huge athletic nudes out of marble.
carve out vtr figurative (career, etc.: build up) forjar vtr
She's succeeded in carving out a nice career for herself in marketing.
cast out vtr (banish) expulsar vtr
Exorcism is a ceremony for casting out demons.
Lo expulsaron del club.
fig desterrar, proscribir vtr
Hay que desterrar de una vez por todas las falsas ideas y las metodologías obsoletas.
catch out agarrar
catch out pillar
check-out vi (sign out of: hotel, etc.) dejar libre la habitación loc verb
At this hotel, you must check out by 11:00 am or pay for another day.
A las 12 a.m. deben dejar libre la habitación o se les cargará una noche extra.
(hacer el) check out nm
check-out vi slang, euphemism (die) fam estirar la pata loc verb
México fam entregar el equipo loc verb
A Pedro le urge que su padrino entregue el equipo ya que es el único heredero.

for1 /fɔ:r / || /fɔ:(r)/ , weak form /fər / || /fə(r)/ preposición
I.
1. (intended for) para;
is there a letter ~ me? ¿hay carta para mí?;
my love ~ her mi amor por ella
1.
a. (on behalf of, representing): I did it ~ you lo hice por ti;
he plays ~ England forma parte de or juega en la selección inglesa;
D ~ David D de David
a. (as): we're having chicken ~ dinner vamos a cenar pollo;

I can see him now ~ what he is ahora me doy cuenta de cómo es en realidad
a. (in favor of) a favor de
1. (indicating purpose): what's that ~? ¿para qué es eso?;

it's ~ decoration es de adorno;
it's ~ your own good! ¡es por tu (propio) bien!
1. (giving reason) por;

~ that reason por esa razón;
if it weren't ~ Joe … si no fuera por Joe …
1. (in exchange for) por;

I bought the book ~ $10 compré el libro por 10 dólares;
she left him ~ somebody else lo dejó por otro
1. (as concerns) para;

it's too cold ~ me here aquí hace demasiado frío para mí
1.
a. (in spite of): ~ all her faults, she's been very kind to us tendrá sus defectos,
pero con nosotros ha sido muy buena
a. (with infinitive clause): it's unusual ~ me to forget a name es raro que se me

olvide un nombre;
it's not ~ me to decide no me corresponde a mí decidir
II.
1. (in the direction of) para;
the plane ~ New York el avión para or de Nueva York
1.
a. (indicating duration): he spoke ~ half an hour habló (durante) media hora;
I've only been here ~ a day solo llevo un día aquí;
how long are you going ~? ¿por cuánto tiempo vas?
a. (on the occasion of) para;

he gave it to me ~ my birthday me lo regaló para mi cumpleaños
a. (by, before) para;

we have to be there ~ six o'clock tenemos que estar allí a las seis
1. (indicating distance): we drove ~ 20 miles hicimos 20 millas;
we could see ~ miles se podía ver hasta muy lejos
for2 conjunción (liter) pues (liter), puesto que (frml)

for:for-profit /fər'prɑ:fət / || /fə'prɒfɪt/ adjetivo
comercial, con fines de lucro
for [fɔ:ʳ]
preposición
1 (destinatario) para: I left a note for her, dejé una nota para ella
a bone for the dog, un hueso para el perro
2 (uso, propósito) para: this knife is for peeling potatoes, este cuchillo es para pelar patatas
for sale, en venta
3 (motivo, resultado) por: she's famous for her beauty, es célebre por su belleza
he was executed for murder, fue ejecutado por asesinato
for this reason, por este motivo
4 (en búsqueda de) a por: she's gone for some milk, ha ido a por leche
5 (trabajar, jugar, etc) para: I work for the Government, trabajo para el Gobierno
6 (en vez de) por: could you ring the doctor for me?, ¿podrías llamar al médico por mí?
7 (como) para: they left him for dead, lo dieron por muerto
we're having rice for lunch, hay arroz para comer
8 (equivalente): "bost" is Basque for "five", en vasco, "cinco" es "bost"
9 (parte de conjunto) de: for every ten dollars spent, six are for defence, de cada diez dólares que se
gastan, seis son para la defensa 10 (compra o venta) por: he sold his car for $2,500, vendió su coche
por 2.500 dólares 11 (a favor de) I'm neither for nor against, no estoy ni a favor ni en contra
to vote for sb, votar a alguien 12 (emociones) por, hacia: she feels sorry for him, siente compasión
por él 13 (referente a) por
as for me, en cuanto a mí, por mí
for all I know, que yo sepa
for now, por ahora 14 (a pesar de) she's clever for her age, es muy lista para su edad
for all his promises, a pesar de sus promesas 15 (destino: sitio) para
the train for New York, el tren para Nueva York 16 (para especificar un momento) para, por: I'll have
it ready for tomorrow, lo tendré preparado para mañana
for the first time, por primera vez 17 (periodo de tiempo) por, durante: we've lived here for two
years, vivimos aquí desde hace dos años
they lived in India for the whole of the war, vivieron en la India durante toda la guerra ➣ Ver nota en
durante 18 (distancia) we walked for several miles, caminamos varias millas 19 (en frases con el
infinitivo) (después de adjetivo) it's difficult for me to explain, me resulta difícil explicar
I there is no time for us to have lunch, no tenemos tiempo para comer
for: WordReference English-Spanish Dictionary © 2010
Compound Forms:
bad for malo para

basket for cesta para fruta nf
fruit
be a change ser un cambio de aires para

of scene for
be accepted ser aceptado para

for
be ser responsable por

accountable
for
be cramped vtr (have little space abarrotado (lugar), hacinado (persona que no tiene espacio vital
for room available) Esp suficiente) pp
Our house is so full of junk that we are cramped for room.
El local estaba abarrotado, no cabía un alfiler/Los trabajadores estaban hacinados en un pequeño despacho
España estar como sardinas en lata loc verb

infrml
Sandra dice que en avión era muy pequeño y los pasajeros iban como sardinas en lata.
be done for informal estar para el arrastre

(damaged)
be done for informal (tired) estar para el arroz
be for it estar a favor
be gasping respirar con dificultad

for air
be good for ser bueno para
be in line for estar en cola para
be liable for ser responsable de
be on the ir a la caza de
look-out for
be on the ir a la caza de
lookout for
beat the drum defender algo a capa y espada vt

for
beg for vtr (plead for) rogar vtr
suplicar vtr
México pedir de rodillas loc verbal
Susana le pidió a su mamá de rodillas que la dejara ir a la fiesta, pero aun así no la dejó ir.
beg for mercy v (plead for pedir piedad vtr
leniency)
Even though the unarmed woman begged for mercy, the terrorist killed her.
España suplicar clemencia vtr
implorar clemencia
better for mejor para
bid for vtr (make an offer to ofertar, pujar vtr

buy) Esp
Sarah went to the auction and bid for lot number 305.
Vamos a ofertar/pujar a la baja para intentar quedarnos con la contrata de obra.
bleed for vtr figurative (feel doler el alma vi

great compassion
towards)
Panamá
My heart bleeds for you.
Me duele el alma cuando pienso que estás en cama.
partirse el alma vr
Se me parte el alma de pensar en ese niño enfermo.
partir (el corazón) vtr
bob for vtr (apples: try to pescar con la boca loc verb
pick up with
teeth)
Children enjoy bobbing for apples as a party game.
El juego consistía en pescar con la boca manzanas que flotaban en un balde.
call for vtr (demand, pedir vtr

request)
ameritar vtr
Una noticia tan buena amerita un brindis con champagne.
call for vtr (require) requerir, exigir vtr.
La cirugía ocular requiere mucha precisión, sin el instrumental y el equipamiento adecuados es imposible
llevarla a cabo.
campaign for n (organized campaña por nf

support for: a
cause, a
candidate)
cancel an cancelar un pedido para
order for
capacity for capacidad para
care for vtr (feel affection for) querer vtr
Quiero mucho a mi gatita.
sentir cariño por loc verb
Siento cariño por mi gatita.
apreciar vtr
care for vtr (take care of, encargarse de vpron+prep

look after)
cuidar a vtr+prep
Cuidamos a Papi cuando estuvo enfermo.
hacerse cargo de loc verb
ocuparse de vpron+prep
care nothing vtr (feel no affection no querer vtr + adv

for for)
no sentir nada por vtr+adv
fam importar un bledo, un comino, un pimiento, un pito loc verb
Me importan un bledo él y sus problemas, es una mala persona que sólo piensa en sí mismo.
care nothing vtr (think is importar nada loc verb

for unimportant)
No pierdas tu tiempo explicándome porque no me importa nada de lo que digas.
dar igual loc verb
Eso que me explicas, la verdad, me da absolutamente igual.
dar poco valor a loc verb
Argenti chupar un huevo loc verb

na vulg
Lo que haga Juan con su vida me chupa un huevo
Argenti importar un carajo loc verb

na vulg
España pasar de loc verb

fam
De lo que piense el vecino paso tanto...

España soplármela loc verb
vulg
Me van a penalizar pero me la sopla, lo tenía que decir.
cast your vtr (vote for) votar por vtr + prep

vote for
Are you going to cast your vote for the liberal or conservative candidate?
dar tu voto a vtr
¿Vas a dar tu voto al candidato liberal o al conservador?
cause for n (sth that creates causa de alarma nf

alarm panic)
Note: Alarm is more like worry and concern than panic.
Even though the pilot said that there was no cause for alarm, the turbulence made all the passengers nervous.
motivo de alarma nm
motivo de preocupación nm
fig luz roja nf
cause trouble ocasionarle problemas a alguien

for
cause trouble hacer problemas para alguien

for
change for n (improvement) cambio para/a mejor nm

the better
Her lovely, new hair style is definitely a change for the better.
México mejora nf
Usar otro color de cortinas y pintar las paredes han sido una gran mejora para la casa.
change for v (to improve ) mejorar el comportamiento o actitud loc verb

the better España
If you don't change for the better the engagement's off.
Si no mejoras tu actitud no conseguirás el permiso.
cambiar para bien loc verb
Si no cambias para bien, el compromiso se cancela.
changed for cambió en sentido positivo nm

the better
charge for vtr (require payment cobrar por vi + prep
for)
Airlines charge for everything these days; you even have to pay for peanuts!
cobrar vtr
Las aerolíneas cobran (por) todo hoy en día, ¡incluso cobran el maní!
US: clamor vtr (demand noisily) clamar / exigir vtr

for
pedir a gritos loc verb
La multitud pidió a gritos la liberación de Barrabas.
protestar reclamando períf verb
Los encarcelaron por el sólo hecho de protestar reclamando mejoras de las condiciones de trabajo.
clear some vtr literal (make hacer sitio loc verb

space for room for sb/ sth)
Could you clear some space on your calendar to spend some time with her?
Ya somos muchos pero si vienes te haremos sitio.
hacer lugar loc verb
hacer espacio loc verb
compensate vtr (make amends compensar por vtr + prep

for for)
She kept me up all night making me compensate for forgetting our anniversary.
compensate v (make amends to compensar a alguien por algo vtr

sb for sth sb for sth)
compensate v (reimburse sb for compensar económicamente vtr + adv

sb for sth costs incurred by
sth)
Please allow me to compensate you for the time you spent fixing it.
Debo compensar económicamente a mi compañera de apartamento por terminar el contrato antes de tiempo.
concern for n (ecology, preocupación por el medioambiente nf

the environmental
environment awareness) Ecol
Greenpeace tries to raise concern for the environment through dramatic actions.
contend for vtr (compete for) competir por vi + prep
They were contending for the World Heavyweight Championship.
Compitieron por el oro en el torneo de tenis.

contender por vi + prep
fig pelear por vi + prep
cover up for vtr (help sb to hide encubrir vtr

guilt)
Her co-workers tried to cover up for her many mistakes.
cubrir vtr
Me fugué al centro y creo que me vio la jefa, si les pregunta cúbranme, díganle que yo había ido a hacer unos
trámites al banco.
tapar vtr
Puso dinero de su bolsillo para tapar a su hijo.
cram for vtr informal (study quemarse las pestañas vpron

intensively for:
exam) fig fam
He stayed up all night cramming for the final exam and then slept right through it!
hincar los codos loc verb
Vas a tener que hincar los codos para aprobar.
Argenti tragar vtr

na fam
Estuvo tragando toda la semana como un condenado, si no aprueba puede perder el año.
crusade for vtr (campaign for) hacer campaña a favor de loc verb
hacer proselitismo loc verb
cry out for vtr literal (call aloud pedir a gritos loc verb
for)
When the child was scared she would cry out for her mother.
llamar a gritos loc verb
clamar vi
cry out for vtr figurative (be in pedir a gritos loc verb
desperate need
of)
clamar vtr
cut out for ad informal (suited estar hecho para loc verb
j to, strong enough
to endure)
When he got stuck in a chimney for the second time he decided he was not cut out for a life of crime.
servir para vi+prep
Chile tener dedos para piano loc verb
Argenti uña de guitarrero fr hecha

na fam
No es mala persona pero no le veo uña de guitarrero para resolver los problemas del país.
demand for n (insistent call for) demanda nf
There is a high demand for water during the hot, dry summer months.
reclamo por nm+prep
Los reclamos de los trabajadores por aumentos de sueldo fueron desoídos una vez más.
pedido nm
with /wɪð/ , /wɪθ/ preposición Note :
When the translation con is followed by the pronouns mí, ti, and sí, it
combines with them to form conmigo, contigo, and consigo: come
with me ven conmigo;
take it with you llévalo contigo;
he had his dog with him tenía el perro consigo.
1.
a. (in the company of) con;
she went ~ him/them/me/you fue con él/con ellos/conmigo/contigo
a. (member, employee, client etc of) en;
I've been banking ~ them for years hace años que tengo cuenta en
ese banco
2. (in descriptions): the shirt is black ~ white stripes la camisa

es negra a or con rayas blancas;
the man ~ the beard el hombre de barba;
a tall woman ~ long hair una mujer alta con el pelo largo or de pelo
largo;
he is married, ~ three children está casado y tiene tres hijos
3.
a. (indicating manner) con;
the proposal was greeted ~ derision la propuesta fue recibida con
burlas
a. (by means of, using) con;

she ate it ~ her fingers lo comió con la mano
a. (as a result of): trembling ~ fright temblando de

miedo
with [wɪð, wɪɵ] preposición

1 con, de: (en compañía) he went with us, vino con nosotros
we live with my parents, vivimos en casa de mis padres
put the book with the others, pon el libro con los demás
(apoyo) we're with you, estamos contigo
2 (uso) it was filled with feathers, estaba relleno de plumas
she hit him with a brick, le golpeó con un ladrillo
(manera) with courage, con valentía
(resultado) blue with cold, amoratado,-a de frío
3 familiar are you with me?, ¿me entiendes?
4 (relativo a) he has a problem with his family, tiene un problema
con su familia
5 (descripción) de, con
a car with three doors, un coche de tres puertas
the man with long hair, el hombre de pelo largo
6 (dirección) with the wind, con el viento
7 (empleado, cliente) he's with the Woolifax, trabaja para Woolifax o
es cliente de Woolifax
with: WordReference English-Spanish Dictionary © 2010
Compound Forms:
be conocer a algn
acquainted
with sb
be busy with estar ocupado con
be consumed curiosidad, envidia morirse de

with
be content estar feliz con

with
be ser versado en
conversant
with
be easy with no abusar de algo

sth
be fired with llenar de entusiasmo

enthusiasm
be generous ser generoso con

with
be in accord estar de acuerdo con

with
be in vtr (correspond to, fit in llevarse bien con,

harmony with with) Esp tener buen rollo/onda
con (coloquial)
vpron+prep
His houses were designed to be in harmony with nature.
El ambiente era agradable porque todos los asistentes se llevaban

bien
be in (be at one with, at peace estar en armonía vi

harmony with with)
Meditation can help you to be in harmony with nature.
Está en armonía consigo mismo.
be in love estar enamorado de

with
be in touch estar en contacto con

with
be in tune ir a tono con

with
be met with ser acogido con
be obsessed estar obsesionado

with con
be occupied estar ocupado con
with
bear with aguantar con v
become conocer a
acquainted
with
become UK estar ebrio de

besotted with
become familiarizarse con v

familiar with refl
besotted with UK estar loco por
blend in with vtr figurative (be integrarse con vtr +

inconspicuous among, fit prep
in with)
Her new sofa blends in perfectly with the rest of her stylish apartment
decors.
Chile amoldarse,
acomodarse v pron
blend in with vtr literal (be camouflaged mezclarse entre

among) vpron+prep
I thought my cat was lost, but he had just blended in with all the
stuffed animals on my daughter's bed.
Se mezcló entre la gente.
mimetizarse v pron
Cambia su color y se mimetiza con el entorno.
México fundirse (con, entre) v

pron
break with v (abandon a tradition) romper con la

the past tradición loc verb
My cousin broke with the past and didn't cook a turkey for
Thanksgiving.
Este año romperemos con la tradición: tendremos una ceremonia

más alegre.
romper con el pasado

loc verb
break with n (abandonment of a ruptura con el pasado

the past tradition) nf
In a break with the past, young women's fathers no longer give them
away during the wedding ceremony.
Las nuevas formas libres de la arquitectura más reciente suponen

una ruptura con el pasado.
bristle with vtr (react with, show: encresparse vprnl

irritation, offence)
No pudo evitar encresparse ante un comentario tan hiriente.
erizarse vprnl
Erizada de odio se le abalanzó y le clavó las uñas en el rostro.
México poner los nervios de

punta loc verb
bulging with adj literal (overfull with, repleto de adj + prep

stuffed full of)
My mailbox is usually bulging with junk mail and bills.
colmado, atestado,
abarrotado, lleno adj
Con la boca llena de dulces, apenas balbuceaba.
rebosante de
adj+prep
desbordante adj
Alegría desbordante por el triunfo del equipo local
burden with vtr (impose sth agobiar de / con vtr +

troublesome) prep
You have enough problems, I won't burden you with mine!
Me agobia con un problema nuevo cada día.
cargar con vtr + prep
No voy a cargar a un novato con la responsabilidad de los despidos.
burden with vtr (cause to owe a lot of abrumar de / con

debt money) España deudas loc verb
cargar de deudas loc

verb
Una mala gestión también carga de deudas a las empresas.
endeudar vtr
Políticos ladrones que obtuvieron millonarios beneficios endeudando

al país.
burden vtr (take on too much cargarse con

yourself with responsibility for) vpron+prep
Don't burden yourself with all the troubles of the world.
echarse encima loc

verb
abrumarse vpron
burden vtr (trouble, concern cargarse con, llenarse

yourself with yourself with) de vpron+prep
Don't burden yourself with my insignificant problems.
¡No te cargues con tantos problemas! / Juan siempre tiende a

llenarse de preocupaciones.
preocuparse con
vpron+prep
bursting with adj (full of, packed with) repleto de adj + prep
When she won the scholarship, her parents were bursting with pride.
Para variar, el tren venía repleto de gente.
abarrotado de pp +
prep
Nuestra alacena está abarrotada de frascos vacíos.
by pre (compared with, relative en comparación con

comparison p to) loc prep
with
café with live café de música en

music vivo
catch up with vtr literal (gain on, reach: sb alcanzar a vtr + prep
further ahead)
You go on ahead; I'll catch up with you as soon as I've finished my

work here.
The bigger boys ran down the street so fast that the younger ones
couldn't catch up with them.
Caminaba tan rápido que se me hacía imposible alcanzarlo.
frml dar alcance loc verb
pillar vtr
Id yendo que os pillo por el camino.

fig ponerse al día,
actualizarse vpron
Leo el periódico para ponerme al día con las noticias.
catch up with vtr figurative (sth with sb: pasar factura loc verb
bad consequences of
past behaviour,
misdeeds,
circumstances) fam
Finally, his unhealthy habits caught up with him and he became very
sick.
Fumar te pasará factura.
México pagar las

consecuencias loc
verb
catch up with vtr literal (police with prender, capturar vtr

criminal after pursuit)
The cops finally caught up with the shoplifter outside the stock
exchange.
La policía finalmente lo prendió después de una larga persecución.
fam agarrar, vtr
Por fin agarraron al raterillo que merodeaba la Colonia Pensil.
España fam echar el guante loc

verb
Cuando se confió, cometió un error y le echaron el guante y lo

detuvieron.
aprehender vtr
Argentina fam cachar vtr
La cana finalmente lo cachó después de haberlo perseguido por un

buen rato.
catch up with vtr (sb meet with sb after reencontrarse vpron

period of time)
Note: Close in meaning to "bring up to date" and "be brought up to

date"
It was a pleasure to catch up with everyone at the family reunion.
volver a reunirse, a
verse, a encontrarse
loc verb
change cambiar el asiento

places with con
change with v (modernize) adaptarse a los

the times tiempos que corren
loc verb
The company needs to change with the times and become smaller
and more efficient.
I've told my parents that it is time to change with the times and start
twittering and skyping, not writing letters!
actualizarse vpron
frml adaptarse a los

nuevos tiempos loc
verb
modernizarse vpron
Es necesario modernizarse para no perder terreno en los negocios.
cambiar con los

tiempos loc verb
Argentina aggiornarse vpron
La familia como la conocemos y concebimos no está en decadencia.

Está en un proceso de cambio, debe aggiornarse frente a un mundo
nuevo donde las tecnologías han barrido las fronteras temporo
espaciales y todo sucede en un mismo momento en todas partes.
clash with vtr figurative (be in conflict sacarse chispas loc

with) fig. verb
Los dos candidatos volvieron a sacarse chispas en un intenso debate

preelectoral.
fig saltar chispas loc

verb
Cuando están juntos esos dos, saltan chispas.
chocar con vi + prep
Argentina fam llevarse de patadas

loc verb
Mariana y Victoria se llevaban de patadas.
clash with vtr literal (have a violent tener un

encounter with) enfrentamiento loc
verb
Three soldiers were killed on Tuesday when security forces clashed
with the separatists
Los manifestantes tuvieron un enfrentamiento con la policía que

violentamente reprimió con golpes y gases lacrimógenos.
enfrentarse con vpron
Cuando las fuerzas del orden se enfrentaron con los manifestantes

se produjeron muchos heridos.
chocar contra vi
pelearse vprnl
clash with vtr (colours: to look no pegar loc verb

unattractive together)
The sweater and skirt are beautiful, but I think the pink clashes with
the orange.
¿Amarillo, marrón y rojo en una misma camisa? Esos colores no

pegan.
no combinar loc verb
Esos verdes no combinan entre si.
fam darse de patadas loc

verb
Esos dos colores en el mismo vestido se dan de patadas.
collide with vtr literal (crash into) chocar vtr
The Titanic collided with the iceberg.
colisionar con vi +
prep
collide with vtr figurative (clash with, chocar vi

conflict with) fig
His radical ideas collided with theirs.
come down vtr figurative, informal (fall ill caer enfermo de loc
with with, get sick with) verb
I've just come down with a cold.
Cayó enfermo de tuberculosis.
caer en cama loc

verb
come face to vtr literal, figurative (be encontrar cara a cara

face with confronted by, meet sb,
sth) loc verb
I knew that at some point, I would have to come face to face with my
ex.
Yo sabía que me lo iba a encontrar cara a cara.
enfrentarse cara a
cara (con alguien) loc
verb
Ese es un tipo que se encuentra cara a cara con la muerte todos los
días.
fig enfrentarse a (una

situación).
vpron+prep
Voy a tener que enfrentarme a esta situación, no puedo seguir

postergándolo.
vérselas loc verb
Harry no sabe que al final del laberinto deberá vérselas con el propio
Señor Oscuro redivivo.
come in vtr (be exposed to: sth entrar en contacto

contact with harmful) con loc verb
I phoned the doctor as soon as I found out I had come in contact with
someone who had Swine Flu.
Los alimentos habían entrado accidentalmente en contacto con

pesticidas y no eran aptos para el consumo.
quedar expuesto a
loc verb
Los especímenes que accidentalmente quedaron expuestos a la

radiación murieron.
come in vtr (meet sb) encontrarse con

contact with vpron+prep
come out vtr informal (say, utter) venirle (a alguien) con

with loc verb
I couldn't believe she came out with that remark.
No podía creer que ella me viniera con ese comentario. ¡Y ahora me

vienes con ésas!
Argentina fam salir vi
No sabés con la que me salió.

ocurrírsele hacer loc
verb
Difícil de creer que se le haya ocurrido decir semejante comentario.
come out vtr (introduce a new lanzar al mercado loc

with product) Com verb
The company has come out with a new miracle drug.
Com sacar al mercado loc

verb
Com sacar / lanzar vtr

The Mexican Wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) is a subspecies of the Gray Wolf. It is native to North
America, where it is the rarest and most genetically distinct subspecies.
Physical features
The Mexican Wolf is the smallest Gray Wolf subspecies present in North America.
Reaching an overall length no greater than 1.2–1.5 metres (3.9–4.9 ft) and a maximum
height of about 80 centimetres (31 in), it is around the size of a German Shepherd Dog. Weight
ranges from 27–37 kilograms (60–82 lb). In stature, it resembles some European wolves,
though its head is usually broader, its neck thicker, its ears longer and its tail shorter.[1]
History
Former range and extirpation
Until recent times, the Mexican Wolf ranged the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts from central
Mexico to western Texas, southern New Mexico, and central Arizona. By the turn of the 20th
century, reduction of natural prey like deer and elk caused many wolves to begin attacking
domestic livestock, which led to intensive efforts by government agencies and individuals to
eradicate the Mexican Wolf. Hunters also hunted down the wolf because it killed deer.
Trappers and private trappers have also helped in the eradication of the Mexican Wolf.
(Note that recent studies completed by genetics experts show evidence of Mexican Wolves
ranging as far north as Colorado). These efforts were very successful, and by the 1950s, the
Mexican Wolf had been eliminated from the wild. In 1976, the Mexican Wolf was declared
an endangered subspecies and has remained so ever since. Today, an estimated 300
Mexican Wolves survive in 49 facilities at the United States and Mexico
Reintroduction to the Southwest

See also: Mexican Wolf Arizona Reintroduction
In 1997, controversy arose when a captive pack at Carlsbad Caverns National Park designated
for release was found by Roy McBride, who had captured many wolves for the recovery
programme in the 1970s, to be largely composed of wolf-dog hybrids. Though staff initially
argued that the animal's odd appearance was due to captivity and diet, it was later decided
to euthanise them.[3]
In March 1998, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) began reintroducing
Mexican Wolves into the Blue Range area of Arizona. The overall objective of this
program was to reestablish 100 Mexican Wolves in the Apache and Gila National Forests of
Arizona and New Mexico by 2008.
On March 30, 1998, government biologists released 11 gray wolves — 3 adult males, 3
adult females, 3 female pups and yearlings and 2 male pups — from 3 chain-link
acclimation pens within the 18,130 square kilometres (7,000 sq mi), federally designated
Blue Range Wolf Recovery Area in east-central Arizona.
A population count completed by the Interagency Field Team (IFT) in the winter of 2006–
2007 estimated 60 wolves living in the recovery area in several packs
In February 2010, a captive Mexican Wolf living in captivity in Forest Lake, Minnesota
escaped from its pen after it was pried open by unknown individuals.
Captive Breeding Programs
There are 47 Mexican Wolf breeding facilities in United States and Mexico with the largest
in the world being the Wild Canid Survival and Research Center near Eureka, Missouri which was
founded in 1971 by naturalist Marlin Perkins and his wife Carol
The Mexican gray wolf—sometimes referred to simply as the Mexican wolf—is the smallest,
southernmost, most distinct and most endangered wolf in North America. It is a subspecies of the gray
wolf, and is also known by the scientific name Canis lupus baileyi or the Spanish name lobo.
What do Mexican wolves look like?

Full-grown Mexican wolves average about five and one-half feet in length, about thirty inches tall at the
shoulder, with a weight range of 60-80 pounds for males and 50-60 pounds for females. Their coloring
varies, with red, brown and gray most evident; there is a definite red tint to many Mexican wolves, which
may serve as camouflage.
What do they eat?

Mexican wolves eat white-tailed and mule deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, javelina, beaver and other small
mammals, with elk being the preferred prey. Wolves will also occasionally kill and eat domestic livestock
—this is called depredation. They hunt in groups and often chase their prey over long distances before
killing it.
What is their preferred habitat?

Mexican wolves like the mountains! Montane woodlands, which provide excellent cover, water and prey
base, provide the best habitat for Mexican wolves. They can also be found in higher altitude (4500
feet/1350 meters) woodlands and grasslands, and they may travel in wooded river or stream corridors.
Mexican wolves do not usually make use of desert scrub or semi-desert grasslands.
Where in North America can Mexican wolves be found?

The historical range of Mexican wolves included central and southeastern Arizona, southern New
Mexico, west Texas, and territory as far south as Mexico City, Mexico. After being extirpated from much
of their range by 1970, Mexican wolves have been reintroduced to an area ranging from east-central
Arizona to west-central New Mexico.
What happened to the Mexican wolf population?

Settlement of the American west—and the growth of the cattle industry that accompanied it—led to the
near-extinction of the Mexican wolf. For example, before 1915, when they were targeted as a threat to
livestock, there were perhaps 1500 wolves in New Mexico alone. Some 900 were killed in Arizona and
New Mexico between 1915 and 1925 (many more were likely killed between 1890 and 1915, though no
one knows for sure how many). By 1942, Mexican wolves had been extirpated from their New Mexico
habitat; furthermore. In Mexico, only 50 breeding pairs remained in 1978; there are probably no viable
wild populations in that country today.
What constitutes a “pack” of Mexican wolves?

A pack is defined as a group of at least two wolves that maintain a territory and that are proven breeders.
A group, on the other hand, refers to at least two wolves that travel together but are not proven breeders.
Mexican wolves—like other wolves—tend to organize in packs or groups for purposes of hunting and
other day-to-day needs. They “draw” these boundaries by howling, scent-marking, or scratching. Within
the pack, individual wolves communicate vocally (howling, barking, growling) and visually (facial
expressions, body postures, and other movements).
What about Mexican wolf reproduction?

Mexican wolf breeding season runs from late January to early March each year, with the birth of 4-6 pups
following in late April or May. They den in caves, burrows, or crevices under tree roots or rock ledges.
What else do I need to know?
 Mexican wolves may travel 30 miles in a day while searching for food or patrolling territory. They
can trot for long distances at five miles per hour, and can sprint for a short distance at 45 miles
per hour.
 Mexican wolves—and other wolves—are the source of many adaptations in the larger animal
world: antelopes run faster and mountain goats climb better, for example, because of wolf
predation.
 Many animals, including foxes, ravens and bears, will feed on wolf-killed carcasses.
 By helping control ungulate populations, wolves provide more and better habitat for beavers and
other small rodents.

Animal Idioms and Expressions A

Transféré par

Informations du document

Copyright

Formats disponibles

Partager ce document

Partager ou intégrer le document

Options de partage

Avez-vous trouvé ce document utile ?

Ce contenu est-il inapproprié ?

Droits d'auteur :

Formats disponibles

Animal Idioms and Expressions A

Transféré par

Droits d'auteur :

Formats disponibles

Animal Idioms and Expressions A-B

[A-B] [C] [D-F] [G-M] [N-R] [S-Z]

to be very restless and impatient

become extremely excited

Pursue an erroneous course of action.

Informal. to be mad or eccentric; have strange ideas

accept the most blame or responsibility

to have a very difficult problem to solve

someone who is very eager to do something

a busy place, a room full of working people

the best, superior, the cat's meow

to be up in a tizzy about something.

Don't go after something if it means loosing what you have.

joyful, very happy

be overcome with excitement or grief

no clothes on, bare naked, in the nude

Not for me.

I won't tell you who told me.

To stick up your middle finger in a derogatory way.

Seen from above.

Similar people tend to associate with each other.

It's the details that make something good.

Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)

Accomplishing two things at the same time.

Informal. the person in question has fled or escaped

Euphemistic or jocular. sex and sexual reproduction

without resistance or difficulty

Don't procrastinate (unless maybe you’re the worm.)

To give you a compliment.

Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)

have the same interest or hobby

very quickly, in a flash

Volkswagen Beetle, The Bug

told me secretly, a little bird told me

to face and tackle a difficulty without shirking.

US slang. to talk lightly or foolishly

Gathering of people talking.

a clump of dust or lint

Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)

a dying or a worthless animal

The thing to push you over the edge.

Brit. informal. to react with disapproval, anxiety. etc

To look proud of ones self.

The top of the line

a person who is afraid, a coward

for something to be wrong

all form and no substance

back out from fear or lose one's nerve

in a wild, crazy manner

that is exciting, geez, gosh, wow

Any tune which has been played ad nauseam.

Personal possession cherished by its owner or a person or thing immune to criticism or

Don't get hysterically mad.

what next, or what's going on

late hours or for a long time

describes a problem that is annoying and/or won't go away

From point A to point B directly.

Taking back your words.

to make someone angry

Dead; obsolete; completely washed up.

Taken a turn for the worse.

Source: Dog Hause Visitor Steve Rasmussen

My feet are hurting

(not in our Dog Hause)