coartada
“coartada” means “alibi” in Spanish (legal defense; proof of being elsewhere).
alibi
Also: excuse, cover story
📝 In Action
El detective verificó la coartada del sospechoso.
B1The detective verified the suspect's alibi.
Necesitas una coartada sólida si quieres convencer al jefe.
B2You need a solid excuse if you want to convince the boss.
Su coartada era que estaba durmiendo en casa de su abuela.
B1His alibi was that he was sleeping at his grandmother's house.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: coartada
Question 1 of 1
If someone is asking for your 'coartada' in a serious context, what are they looking for?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
This word comes from the older Spanish verb 'coartar,' which meant 'to restrict' or 'to limit.' In legal language, it refers to the act of limiting your responsibility for a crime by proving you were confined (restricted) to a different location when the event happened.
First recorded: 15th century (as 'coartar')
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'coartada' only used for crimes?
No. While its primary meaning is the legal 'alibi,' it is very often used figuratively to mean any strong or convenient excuse you use to justify your actions or avoid responsibility, like saying you were 'too busy' to help.