Meter la pata, tomar el pelo and estar en las nubes
Understand three common informal Spanish idioms about making a mistake, teasing and being distracted.
Read and practiseAdventure journal
Spanish: Words that work together
Spanish: Build natural word combinations for actions, experiences and ideas, with contexts that explain why the words fit.
Adventure journal
Spanish: Words that work together
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Hacer tiempo, ganar tiempo and perder el tiempo
Distinguish waiting until the right moment, gaining time and wasting time in everyday Spanish.
Read and practiseQuedarse sin: running out of something in Spanish
Describe losing access to a supply or running out of something with quedarse sin and a noun.
Read and practisePonerse, estar and perder contacto with someone
Distinguish getting in touch, staying in contact and losing contact in Spanish personal and work situations.
Read and practiseDar una vuelta, dar la vuelta and darse la vuelta
Distinguish going for a short walk, turning an object over and turning oneself around in context.
Read and practiseDrawing conclusions from evidence
A report, interview or single photograph can lead to a conclusion; express how strong the evidence is in Spanish.
Read and practiseMaking the most of a situation
A journey, an opportunity or an experience can bring benefits when you make good use of it.
Read and practiseBringing a project to completion
A difficult project can succeed despite setbacks: describe the effort needed to bring it to completion in Spanish.
Read and practiseCarrying out a plan
A plan, investigation or campaign can be put into action: describe how an undertaking is carried out in Spanish.
Read and practiseCausing a result
A delay, question or agreement can produce a result: describe causes and consequences in Spanish.
Read and practiseTaking something for granted
A plan, a promise or someone’s support may seem certain before it is checked: express that assumption in Spanish.
Read and practiseFinding a solution after searching
A difficult delay or conflict may take several attempts to resolve; describe finding a solution in Spanish.
Read and practiseMaking a fact evident
A survey, a test or a conversation can bring a hidden need or difference into view in Spanish.
Read and practisePutting an idea into practice
A plan, skill or piece of advice becomes useful when someone applies it in a real situation.
Read and practiseWhen rules take effect
A law, agreement or tariff can take effect on a specified date. Describe its entry into force in Spanish.
Read and practiseGrowing in importance
Water conservation, rest and accessibility can become more significant as circumstances change. Express that shift in Spanish.
Read and practiseFacing an unwanted risk
A missed train, a closed museum or lost files are possible unwanted outcomes. Express such risks naturally in Spanish.
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