15 Spanish Sayings That Make No Sense In English

When it comes to language, sayings and proverbs usually say a lot about a country’s culture and past. These Spanish expressions are full of wisdom, humor, and wit but really make no sense when translated literally into English. Can you guess their equivalents?

‘Camarón que se duerme se lo lleva la corriente.’

Translation: The sleeping shrimp is carried by the water current.

Meaning: You snooze, you lose. If you’re not quick on the mark, someone else will seize the opportunity, or it will be lost forever.

Translation: To what is done, present your chest.

Meaning: What’s done is done. There’s no going back, so you might as well put on a brave face and face what’s coming to you.

‘En boca cerrada no entran moscas.’

Translation: In the closed mouth, flies do not enter.

Meaning: Sometimes you’re just better off keeping your mouth shut. If you don’t, be prepared to face the consequences.

‘Cría cuervos y te sacarán los ojos.’

Translation: Raise crows, and they will pick your eyes out.

Meaning: Be careful to not waste your kindness on ungrateful people who will simply abuse your generosity.

‘A mal tiempo, buena cara.’

Translation: In bad times, a good face.

Meaning: Hold your head high even when the going gets tough.

‘El que quiera pescado que se moje el culo.’

Translation: He who wants to catch fish must get his arse wet.

Meaning: You have to be ready to work hard at something if you want it; things won’t just fall into your lap.

‘Más vale ser cabeza de ratón que cola de león.’

Translation: Better to be a mouse’s head than a lion’s tail.

Meaning: It’s better to be a big fish in a small pond than a little fish in a big ocean. Better to be the best at something less ambitious than average at something more impressive.

‘Moro viejo nunca será buen cristiano.’

Translation: The old Moor will never be a good Christian.

Meaning: Old habits die hard; you can’t change someone from who they really are.

‘Quien fue a Sevilla perdió su silla.’

Translation: He who went to Seville, lost his seat.

Meaning: If you leave your spot, you’ll lose it. Move your feet, lose your seat.

‘A falta de pan, buenas son tortas.’

Translation: If there’s no bread, cakes will do.

Meaning: You’ve got to learn to make do with what you’ve got; beggars can’t be choosers.

‘El que no llora, no mama.’

Translation: He who doesn’t cry, doesn’t suckle.

Meaning: Things go to those who need them; only the squeaky wheel gets greased.

‘Zapatero a tus zapatos.’

Translation: Shoemaker, to your shoes!

Meaning: Keep to what you know, and mind your own business. Don’t go meddling where you’re not needed.

‘Gato con guantes no caza ratones.’

Translation: A cat with gloves does not catch mice.

Meaning: Be prepared to get your hands dirty if you want to get the job done.

‘Las cuentas claras y el chocolate espeso.’

Translation: Keep your accounts clear and your chocolate thick.

Meaning: In business, it’s best to be transparent about arrangements and keep good records.

‘A pan de quince días, hambre de tres semanas.’

Translation: To 15-day old bread, a three-week hunger.

Meaning: Beggars can’t be choosers; if you’re hungry, you’ll eat what you’re given.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.