Phases/Sayings

En boca cerrada no entran moscas.

Silence prevents trouble; it’s safer not to speak unnecessarily.

Otra que tal baila.

Another one in the same situation; someone else with similar problems or faults.

De tal palo, tal astilla.

Like father, like son; children resemble their parents in character or behavior.

Pagar con la misma moneda.

To return the favor (often negatively); to treat someone the way they treated you.

Quien mal anda, mal acaba.

Those who live badly end badly; wrongdoing leads to bad consequences.

Cuando una puerta se cierra, otra se abre.

When one opportunity ends, another begins.

Dios los cría y ellos se juntan.

People with similar traits or flaws tend to stick together.

A buen entendedor, pocas palabras.

A word to the wise is enough; intelligent people need little explanation.

No hay mal que por bien no venga.

Every cloud has a silver lining; something good can come from misfortune.

Ojo por ojo, diente por diente.

An eye for an eye; justice through equal retaliation.

Cría cuervos y te sacarán los ojos.

Raise ungrateful people and they’ll betray you; ingratitude leads to harm.

Quien siembra vientos, cosecha tempestades.

Actions have consequences; sowing trouble brings disaster.

Ver las orejas al lobo.

To see danger approaching; to recognize a threat before it strikes.

No es oro todo lo que reluce.

Not everything that glitters is gold; appearances can be deceiving.

¡Quién te ha visto y quién te ve!

How you’ve changed!; expressing surprise at someone’s transformation