Top Ten List
Phrases that don't translate well.

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

Literal: To another dog with that bone.



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

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



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

Literal: Everyone has their own way to kill fleas.



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

Literal: As the donkey played the flute.



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

Literal: To leave Guatemala and arrive in worse cornstalks.



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

Literal: The son of the cat kills mice.



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

Literal: Enter on horseback, leave on a donkey.



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

Literal: To have more wool than a lamb.



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

Literal: I have an aunt that plays the guitar.



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

Literal: To go where the king goes alone.