Master Spanish Idioms Like a Native Speaker
Explore 200+ authentic Spanish expressions, phrases, and sayings with meanings, origins, and real-world examples from across Spain and Latin America.
Must-Know Spanish Idioms
Start with these essential expressions that every Spanish learner will encounter.
A quien madruga Dios le ayuda
★★★★★Starting your day or a task early gives you an advantage and leads to success and good fortune.
Ahogarse en un vaso de agua
★★★★★To get overwhelmed by a small, insignificant problem; to treat a minor issue as a major crisis.
Buscar una aguja en un pajar
★★★★★To attempt something that is impossible or extremely difficult because the chances of success are incredibly small, especially when searching for something.
Comerse el coco
★★★★★To overthink, worry excessively, or rack one's brain about something.
Costar un ojo de la cara
★★★★★To be very expensive.
Cuando el gato no está, los ratones hacen fiesta
★★★★★When the person in charge is away, people will do as they please, relax the rules, or misbehave.
Explore Idioms by Topic
Find expressions related to your interests, from food and money to animals and emotions.
Commonly Used
High-frequency idioms for every learner
Social Interactions
Idioms on relationships and social dynamics
Spain
Idioms particularly common in Spain
Body Parts
Physical metaphors for emotions and situations
Animals
Animal-based expressions from folklore
Emotions
Nuanced expressions for feelings and states
Difficulty
Expressions about challenges and effort
Mexico
Spanish idioms related to Mexico
Food & Drink
Spanish idioms related to Food & Drink
Work & Business
Spanish idioms related to Work & Business
Problems
Spanish idioms related to Problems
Lies & Deception
Spanish idioms related to Lies & Deception
Latin America
Expressions widely used in Latin America
Persistence
Spanish idioms related to Persistence
Nature
Spanish idioms related to Nature
Anger
Spanish idioms related to Anger
Clothing
Spanish idioms related to Clothing
House & Home
Spanish idioms related to House & Home
Money & Wealth
Spanish idioms related to Money & Wealth
Insults
Spanish idioms related to Insults
Failure
Spanish idioms related to Failure
Time & Age
Spanish idioms related to Time & Age
Betrayal
Spanish idioms related to Betrayal
Religion
Spanish idioms related to Religion
Situations & Circumstances
Spanish idioms related to Situations & Circumstances
Numbers
Spanish idioms related to Numbers
Behavioral & Character
Spanish idioms related to Behavioral & Character
Honesty
Spanish idioms related to Honesty
Humor
Funny and playful expressions
Stupidity
Spanish idioms related to Stupidity
Surprise
Spanish idioms related to Surprise
Sports
Spanish idioms related to Sports
Transportation
Spanish idioms related to Transportation
Colors
Color-based idioms and their meanings
Sadness
Spanish idioms related to Sadness
Love & Romance
Spanish idioms related to Love & Romance
Luck
Spanish idioms related to Luck
Friendship
Spanish idioms related to Friendship
Compliments
Spanish idioms related to Compliments
Weather
Meteorological metaphors for moods
Slang
Spanish idioms related to Slang
Death
Spanish idioms related to Death
Courage
Spanish idioms related to Courage
Intelligence
Spanish idioms related to Intelligence
Fear
Spanish idioms related to Fear
Music & Dance
Spanish idioms related to Music & Dance
Gossip
Spanish idioms related to Gossip
Success
Spanish idioms related to Success
Family
Family-related idioms on cultural values
Laziness
Spanish idioms related to Laziness
Action
Spanish idioms related to Action
The Complete Spanish Idiom Dictionary
Search, filter, and discover every idiom in our database.
A caballo regalado no le mires el diente
Don't be ungrateful or find fault with something you have received as a gift or a favor.
A cada cerdo le llega su San Martín
Everyone eventually gets what they deserve or faces the consequences of their actions; a day of reckoning will come.
A cada chancho le llega su San Martín
Everyone eventually gets what they deserve; there is a day of reckoning for those who do wrong.
A capa y espada
To defend something or someone fiercely, with great determination and conviction.
A Dios rogando y con el mazo dando
You should pray for a good outcome, but you also need to take practical action and work hard to achieve your goals.
A ojo de buen cubero
To estimate or calculate something roughly, without precise measurements, but with a degree of skill or experience.
A quien madruga Dios le ayuda
Starting your day or a task early gives you an advantage and leads to success and good fortune.
A troche y moche
To do something indiscriminately, without order, care, or measure; haphazardly or in great abundance.
Abrir el paraguas
To make excuses or take precautions in advance to avoid future blame or problems.
Agárrate Catalina
Brace yourself for something difficult, intense, or surprising.
Agua que no has de beber, déjala correr
If a matter doesn't concern you or you have no intention of pursuing it, don't get involved. It's best to let it go and not interfere.
Ahogarse en un vaso de agua
To get overwhelmed by a small, insignificant problem; to treat a minor issue as a major crisis.
Al nopal sólo se le arriman cuando tiene tunas
Describes opportunistic people or 'fair-weather friends' who only appear when they can get something from you.
Al que le quepa el saco, que se lo ponga
If a general criticism or comment applies to you, you should accept it. It's a way of making a pointed remark without naming anyone directly.
Andá a cantarle a Gardel
To tell someone you don't believe them, that their request is impossible, or that they should just get lost. It's a strong, informal dismissal.
Andar como bola sin manija
To be aimless, disoriented, or flustered; moving around without a clear purpose or control.
Andar con pies de plomo
To act with great caution, to be very careful, or to proceed slowly and deliberately in a delicate situation.
Andar de capa caída
To be down in the dumps, disheartened, demoralized, or going through a rough patch.
Atar con alambre
To do a quick, temporary, or shoddy repair; to patch something up in a makeshift way.
Aunque la mona se vista de seda, mona se queda
You can't change the fundamental nature of something or someone just by changing their outward appearance. Superficial changes don't alter one's true essence.
Bajar la caña
To criticize, scold, or reprimand someone harshly.
Bajar la guardia
To let one's guard down; to become less careful, vigilant, or defensive.
Bajar la persiana
To close down a business for good; to go out of business.
Bajarse los pantalones
To give in, surrender, or yield to demands, often in a humiliating or weak way.
Batear por la izquierda
A slang expression used to say that a man is gay or homosexual.
Buscar una aguja en un pajar
To attempt something that is impossible or extremely difficult because the chances of success are incredibly small, especially when searching for something.
Cada loco con su tema
Everyone has their own obsession, strange habit, or topic they always talk about. It's a way to acknowledge or dismiss someone's peculiar fixation.
Cada maestrito con su librito
Everyone has their own unique way of doing things, their own methods, or their own opinions based on their experience.
Caer el veinte
To finally realize or understand something; for the penny to drop.
Caer en saco roto
To be ignored, disregarded, or to come to nothing. It's used for advice, suggestions, or efforts that are completely wasted.
Caerse los anillos
To feel that a task is beneath one's dignity; to be unwilling to do manual or humble work because you feel you are too important.
Cargar con el muerto
To take the blame for something you didn't do; to get stuck with an unpleasant task or responsibility that nobody else wants.
Carne de cañón
People who are considered expendable, especially soldiers or low-level workers sent into a dangerous or hopeless situation with little regard for their survival or well-being.
Castillos en el aire
Unrealistic dreams, hopes, or plans that are unlikely to happen.
Chaucha y palitos
For a very small amount of money; for next to nothing; for peanuts.
Chupar las medias
To suck up to someone, to flatter someone insincerely for personal gain.
Comerse el coco
To overthink, worry excessively, or rack one's brain about something.
Comerse un marrón
To be stuck with an unpleasant task, problem, or situation that nobody else wants.
Como el perro de las dos tortas
To be caught between two choices and lose both due to indecision or greed.
Como Pedro por su casa
To act with complete confidence and ease in an unfamiliar place, as if you own it. It can also mean to do something very easily.
Como piña
Very crowded or jam-packed with people; also, a group that is very close-knit or united.
Con el cuchillo abajo del poncho
To act with hidden, treacherous, or hostile intentions; to be secretive and prepared for conflict while appearing calm.
Con el cuchillo entre los dientes
To do something with fierce determination, aggression, or a competitive spirit.
Con la Iglesia hemos topado
To encounter a powerful, immovable obstacle or authority that cannot be overcome or reasoned with.
Cortar el bacalao
To be in charge, call the shots, or be the boss of a situation.
Costar un ojo de la cara
To be very expensive.
Creerse el ombligo del mundo
To be self-centered and arrogant, acting as if you are the most important person in existence.
Cría fama y ponte a dormir
Once you've established a reputation (good or bad), it will stick with you, and people's perception of you is set. You don't need to do anything else to maintain it.
Cuando el gato no está, los ratones hacen fiesta
When the person in charge is away, people will do as they please, relax the rules, or misbehave.
Cuando el río suena, agua lleva
Rumors usually have some truth to them; if people are talking about something, it's likely for a reason.
Dar calabazas
To reject a romantic advance; to turn someone down. It can also mean to fail someone in an exam.
Dar chance
To give someone an opportunity, a break, or some space/time.
Dar el gatazo
To deceive someone by making a low-quality or fake item look authentic and valuable.
Dar en el clavo
To be exactly right, to guess correctly, or to make a perfect point.
Dar gato por liebre
To deceive someone by giving them something of lower quality than what was promised or expected.
Dar la lata
To annoy, bother, or pester someone; to be a pain in the neck.
Dar la vuelta a la tortilla
To turn a situation around completely; to turn the tables.
Dar pena
To evoke feelings of pity, sadness, or secondhand embarrassment; also, to feel shy or embarrassed about doing something.
De la Ceca a la Meca
To go from one place to another in a restless or hectic way; to go all over the place.
De tal palo tal astilla
A child has the same qualities, behaviors, or faults as their parents.
Del dicho al hecho hay mucho trecho
It's much easier to say you will do something than to actually do it. It highlights the gap between intentions and actions.
Dorar la píldora
To make something unpleasant (like bad news or criticism) seem more attractive or acceptable than it really is.
Dormir a pierna suelta
To sleep very deeply and peacefully, without any worries.
Dormir la mona
To sleep off a period of drunkenness; to sleep while drunk to recover.
Echar aguas
To act as a lookout; to keep watch for someone, usually while they are doing something secretive or mischievous.
Echar carrilla
To tease, poke fun at, or give someone a hard time, usually in a playful but persistent way.
Echar leña al fuego
To make a bad situation, argument, or problem even worse.
Echar por la borda
To waste, discard, or ruin something valuable, like an opportunity, a relationship, or a lot of hard work.
Echar una mano
To help someone out, to lend a hand.
El que mucho abarca, poco aprieta
If you try to do too many things at once, you won't do any of them well. It's a warning against overextending yourself.
El que no llora no mama
If you don't ask for what you want or need, you won't get it. You have to speak up to get things done.
El que se fue a Sevilla perdió su silla
If you leave your spot or position, you might lose it to someone else. It's a playful way to claim a seat someone has just vacated.
En boca cerrada no entran moscas
It's better to stay quiet to avoid saying something foolish, revealing a secret, or getting into trouble.
Es la neta
It's the truth; It's the real deal; It's awesome.
Escaparse la tortuga
To make a blunder, say something foolish or inappropriate by accident, or to lose one's train of thought.
Está cañón
Something is very difficult, intense, impressive, or great. It can also mean a person is very attractive.
Estar al horno
To be in a very difficult, hopeless situation with no easy way out.
Estar al loro
To be alert, aware, on the lookout, or in the know.
Estar como agua para chocolate
To be at the boiling point, either with anger (furious) or with passion (very excited, aroused, or flustered).
Estar como bola sin manija
To be flustered, disoriented, or moving from one place to another without a clear purpose; to be agitated or anxious.
Estar como pez en el agua
To feel very comfortable or at ease in a particular situation; to be in one's element.
Estar como una cabra
To be crazy, eccentric, or act in a wild and unpredictable way.
Estar como una regadera
To be crazy, eccentric, or out of one's mind in a quirky or silly way.
Estar de mala leche
To be in a bad mood, irritable, or grumpy.
Estar en Babia
To be daydreaming, absent-minded, or not paying attention to your surroundings.
Estar en el horno
To be in big trouble, in a hopeless situation, or done for.
Estar en las nubes
To be daydreaming, distracted, absent-minded, or not paying attention to what is happening around you.
Estar en pelotas
To be completely naked or stark-naked. It can also mean to be completely clueless or ignorant about a subject.
Estar forrado
To be very rich, loaded with money.
Estar hasta las chanclas
To be extremely drunk; wasted. It can also mean to be completely fed up with something.
Estar hasta las manos
To be extremely busy, swamped with work, or deeply involved in a complicated situation.
Estar hasta las narices
To be completely fed up with something or someone; to be sick and tired of a situation.
Estar más sano que un roble
To be in excellent health; to be very healthy, robust, and strong.
Estar piripi
To be tipsy or slightly drunk in a cheerful way.
Estar sin blanca
To be broke; to have no money at all.
Flipar en colores
To be completely amazed, mind-blown, or extremely surprised by something.
Hablar por los codos
To talk a lot; to be very chatty or talkative.
Hacer buena letra
To be on your best behavior to make a good impression or win someone's favor, especially someone in authority.
Hacer buenas migas
To get along well with someone; to hit it off.
Hacer de chivo los tamales
To cheat on a romantic partner; to be unfaithful.
Hacer el agosto
To make a lot of money quickly, often by taking advantage of a specific situation; to make a killing.
Hacer la cama
To frame someone for a crime or wrongdoing; to set someone up to fail.
Hacer la pata ancha
To stand one's ground, be firm, or impose one's will, often in a stubborn or assertive way.
Hacer la pelota
To flatter someone to gain favor; to suck up to someone.
Hacer la vista gorda
To pretend not to see something; to intentionally ignore a wrongdoing or problem.
Hacer novillos
To skip school or, less commonly, work; to play hooky.
Hacerse bolas
To get confused, mixed up, or mentally tangled, especially when dealing with complex information or instructions.
Hacerse el chancho rengo
To pretend to be unaware, ignorant, or unable to do something, usually to avoid work or responsibility.
Hacerse el sota
To play dumb, feign ignorance, or pretend not to understand something, usually to avoid a task or responsibility.
Hacerse el sueco
To play dumb, feign ignorance, or pretend not to understand or hear something to avoid a responsibility.
Hacerse guaje
To play dumb, feign ignorance, or pretend not to understand something, usually to avoid responsibility.
Hacerse perdiz
To disappear, vanish, or make oneself scarce, especially to avoid a responsibility or an unpleasant situation.
Hazme el paro
An informal way to ask for a favor, help, or support, especially in an urgent situation.
Hombre prevenido vale por dos
Being prepared or having foresight gives you a significant advantage, effectively doubling your strength or capabilities.
Ir a freír espárragos
To tell someone to get lost, go away, or stop bothering you, usually out of annoyance.
Irse por las ramas
To get sidetracked, to go off on a tangent, or to beat around the bush.
Jarrito nuevo, ¿dónde te pondré?
Describes the excessive enthusiasm and special care given to a new possession, relationship, or hobby, with the implication that this excitement will eventually fade.
La gota que rebalsó el vaso
The final, small event in a series of negative ones that makes a situation unbearable.
La suerte está echada
The point of no return has been passed; a decision has been made and the outcome is now out of our hands.
Las apariencias engañan
Things are not always what they seem on the surface; you can't judge something or someone based only on their outward appearance.
Las cuentas claras conservan la amistad
Being clear and transparent about money or obligations between friends is the best way to avoid arguments and maintain a good relationship.
Le cortaron las piernas
To suddenly and unfairly destroy someone's hopes, dreams, or chances of success, especially when they were close to achieving a goal.
Le tiró los galgos
To flirt with, hit on, or make a romantic pass at someone.
Liarla parda
To cause a huge scene, to make a big mess, or to screw up big time.
Llover a cántaros
To rain very heavily; to pour down with rain.
Los de afuera son de palo
The opinions of outsiders or spectators don't count. It's used to tell people who aren't directly involved to not interfere.
Mandar al carajo
A strong, vulgar way to tell someone to go to hell, get lost, or to completely dismiss an idea or situation.
Más vale tarde que nunca
It's better to do something late than to not do it at all.
Más viejo que Matusalén
To be extremely old, ancient, or outdated.
Me agarraste en curva
You caught me off-guard, unprepared, or at a bad moment.
Me da pena
To feel pity, sorrow, or secondhand embarrassment for someone or something; to feel shy or ashamed.
Me hago el bobo y como de todo
To play dumb or feign ignorance in a situation to avoid conflict or responsibility, while still enjoying the benefits.
Me vale un reverendo cacahuate
A strong, dismissive way of saying 'I couldn't care less' or 'I don't give a damn'.
Meter baza
To chime in, join a conversation, or offer one's opinion, sometimes when it's not requested.
Meter la mula
To trick someone, lie, or pass off something of poor quality as good; to swindle or deceive.
Meter la pata
To make a mistake, say something inappropriate, or screw up. To put your foot in your mouth.
Meterse en camisa de once varas
To get involved in a complicated, difficult situation, often unnecessarily; to bite off more than you can chew.
Montar un pollo
To make a scene, cause a commotion, or kick up a fuss, usually in an angry or dramatic way.
Mostrar la hilacha
To reveal one's true, and usually negative, character, flaws, or intentions.
Mover los hilos
To pull the strings; to control a situation or people from behind the scenes, often secretly.
Nadar y ahogarse en la orilla
To fail at the very last moment after having completed all the hard work; to give up when success is just within reach.
Ni chicha ni limonada
Describes something that is mediocre, bland, unremarkable, or lacks a clear identity. It's neither one thing nor the other.
Ni tanto que queme al santo, ni tanto que no lo alumbre
A call for moderation and balance; to avoid extremes in any situation.
No busques la quinta pata al gato
Don't overcomplicate things, look for hidden problems that aren't there, or try to find fault in something that is perfectly fine.
No dar el brazo a torcer
To not give in, back down, or change one's opinion; to be stubborn or stand one's ground.
No dar pie con bola
To not get anything right; to be clumsy or screw up repeatedly.
No hay dos sin tres
If something has happened twice, it is very likely to happen a third time. It's a way of saying that events, especially unfortunate ones, tend to happen in threes.
No hay mal que dure cien años
Tough times don't last forever. This is a phrase of encouragement used to comfort someone going through a difficult period, reminding them that their situation is temporary.
No hay peor ciego que el que no quiere ver
Refers to someone who willfully ignores an obvious truth, reality, or problem because it is easier or more comfortable than facing it.
No manches
An expression of surprise, disbelief, or annoyance, similar to 'No way!', 'You're kidding!', or 'Come on!'.
No pintar nada
To have no business being somewhere; to be irrelevant, out of place, or have nothing to contribute.
No te hagas el pato
To pretend you don't know something or aren't involved; to play dumb or feign ignorance.
No te rajes
Don't back down, don't give up, or don't chicken out. It’s a phrase of encouragement to persevere or follow through on a commitment.
No tener dos dedos de frente
To be unintelligent, lack common sense, or be foolish.
No tener gollete
To be absurd, illogical, or make no sense.
No tener ni pies ni cabeza
To make no sense; to be completely illogical or nonsensical.
No tener pelos en la lengua
To be blunt, direct, and outspoken; to say what you think without filtering it.
Ojos que no ven, corazón que no siente
You don't suffer or worry about things you are unaware of.
Pagar el pato
To be unfairly blamed for something; to take the fall or be the scapegoat.
Pagar los platos rotos
To be unfairly blamed or punished for someone else's mistake; to be the scapegoat.
Pan para hoy y hambre para mañana
A short-term solution that creates bigger problems in the long run. It describes a quick fix that doesn't solve the underlying issue and has negative consequences.
Parar la olla
To earn enough money to live; to provide for oneself or one's family; to make ends meet.
Parar la oreja
To listen attentively, pay close attention, or eavesdrop.
Pararse de manos
To make a great effort, go to great lengths, or bend over backwards to achieve something or please someone.
Pasar la noche en blanco
To stay up all night without sleeping; to have a sleepless night.
Pasar una noche toledana
To have a terrible, sleepless night, often due to worry, noise, or discomfort.
Pasarse tres pueblos
To go way too far, to cross the line, to exaggerate, or to go over the top.
Planchar la oreja
To go to sleep; to hit the sack.
Poner los cuernos
To be unfaithful to one's romantic partner; to cheat on someone.
Poner los puntos sobre las íes
To clarify a situation, be very precise, and leave no room for ambiguity or misunderstanding.
Poner pies en polvorosa
To flee quickly, to beat a hasty retreat, to skedaddle.
Poner toda la carne en el asador
To go all out, give something your maximum effort, or risk everything for a single objective.
Ponerse como una fiera
To get extremely angry; to fly into a rage or become furious.
Ponerse las botas
To indulge, feast, or profit greatly from a situation; to have a field day.
Ponerse las pilas
To get energized, get your act together, or start working with more focus and effort.
Ponerse morado
To eat a lot of something; to stuff oneself with food; to pig out.
Por las dudas
To do something as a precaution, just in case it's needed.
Por si las moscas
To do something 'just in case' or 'to be on the safe side'.
Quedar en el tintero
To be left unsaid, undone, or forgotten, often unintentionally.
Quedarse de a seis
To be stunned, speechless, or completely surprised; to be gobsmacked.
Quedarse en blanco
For your mind to go completely blank; to forget something you know.
Quedarse frito
To fall fast asleep; to conk out or crash.
Quedarse sin el pan y sin las tortas
To try to get two things at once, often out of greed or indecision, and end up with neither. To lose out on everything.
Quien mucho abarca poco aprieta
Trying to do too many things at once will result in none of them being done well. It's a warning about the lack of focus.
Romper el chanchito
To break open a piggy bank; to spend one's savings, often on something special or for an emergency.
Sepa la bola
A very common way to say 'Who knows?', 'I have no idea,' or 'Your guess is as good as mine.'
Ser buena gente
To be a good, kind, and decent person; to be good-hearted.
Ser más chulo que un ocho
To be very cocky, arrogant, or stylish in a showy way. It can be used with admiration for someone's confidence or with criticism for their arrogance.
Ser pan comido
To be very easy to do; a piece of cake.
Ser un trozo de pan
To be a very kind, generous, and good-hearted person.
Tener la sartén por el mango
To be in control of a situation; to have the upper hand.
Tener mala leche
To be in a bad mood, to be ill-tempered, or to do something with bad intentions.
Tener mucho morro
To be shameless, cheeky, or to have a lot of nerve. It describes someone who acts in their own self-interest without embarrassment, often at the expense of others.
Tener salero
To be charming, witty, graceful, or have a special spark.
Tirar la casa por la ventana
To spend a lot of money lavishly, especially on a celebration or a large purchase; to spare no expense.
Tomar el pelo
To tease someone, pull their leg, or trick them in a playful way.
Ya chole
Enough already! Give it a rest! I'm fed up with this.
Ya merito
Almost; just about; on the verge of happening.
Ya ni la amuelas
An expression of exasperation, used to tell someone they are being very annoying, have gone too far, or are being ridiculous. It's a strong way to say 'Give me a break!' or 'You're pushing it'.
Ya nos cargó el payaso
We're done for; we're screwed. It signifies a situation that has gone catastrophically and irreversibly wrong.
Why Mastering Idioms Unlocks Fluency
Spanish idioms (modismos) are phrases where the meaning isn't obvious from the individual words. They're the secret sauce to sounding natural and truly understanding native speakers.
For example, "estar en las nubes" literally means "to be in the clouds," but it's used to mean "to be daydreaming." Learning these colorful expressions is key to moving from intermediate to advanced Spanish.
Did You Know?
Spanish has thousands of idioms, with huge variations between Spain and Latin American countries. What's common in Madrid might be unknown in Mexico City!
Understand Real Spanish
Native speakers use idioms constantly in movies, music, and daily conversation. Without them, you'll miss key context and humor.
Sound Like a Native
Using idioms correctly makes your Spanish sound more authentic and less like a textbook. It shows a deeper command of the language.
Gain Cultural Insights
Idioms are a window into the culture, history, and values of Spanish-speaking societies. They reveal how people view the world.
Level Up Your Spanish
Mastering common idioms is a hallmark of advanced proficiency and essential for tests like the DELE and SIELE.
Common Questions About Spanish Idioms
What's the difference between Spanish idioms in Spain vs. Latin America?
While many idioms are shared, regional variations are common. Spain has unique expressions like "ser la leche" (to be awesome), while Mexico might say "estar padre." Our database includes regional tags to help you distinguish between them.
How many Spanish idioms should I learn?
Start with 20-30 common, high-frequency idioms. As you advance, aim to learn a few new idioms each week. Focus on idioms relevant to your interests by exploring our categories.
Can I use these idioms in formal Spanish?
It depends. Each idiom is tagged with its register (formal, informal, slang). Some are fine for professional settings, while others are strictly casual. Always check the usage tips on each idiom's page.
How do I practice Spanish idioms?
Practice by 1) watching Spanish media and listening for expressions, 2) trying to use one new idiom a day in conversation or writing, and 3) using flashcards with example sentences to reinforce your memory.