Spanish Honesty Idioms
Master 5 authentic Spanish expressions about honesty with meanings, examples, and pronunciation guidance
Understanding Spanish Honesty Idioms
Spanish honesty idioms celebrate truthfulness, integrity, and straightforwardness. From "no tener pelos en la lengua" (to have no hairs on the tongue/be blunt) to "ser de palabra" (to keep one's word), these expressions reflect the high value Hispanic cultures place on honesty, directness, and keeping promises in personal and business relationships.
When to Use These Expressions
Honesty idioms are used when praising truthfulness, describing direct people, emphasizing integrity, or discussing reliability. They appear in character references, business contexts, and when establishing trust in relationships.
Learning Tips for Honesty Idioms
- Learn different types of honesty: blunt truth, keeping promises, authenticity
- Understand cultural differences: some cultures value directness more than others
- Practice idioms about both speaking and living honestly
- Note that honesty idioms often appear in professional and trust contexts
Most Common Honesty Idioms
Start with these high-frequency expressions used daily by native speakers
Del dicho al hecho hay mucho trecho
★★★★★Literal: "From the saying to the deed, there is a long stretch."
Meaning: It's much easier to say you will do something than to actually do it. It highlights the gap between intentions and actions.
Es la neta
★★★★★Literal: "It's the net."
Meaning: It's the truth; It's the real deal; It's awesome.
No tener pelos en la lengua
★★★★★Literal: "To not have hairs on the tongue"
Meaning: To be blunt, direct, and outspoken; to say what you think without filtering it.
Complete List of Honesty Idioms
Del dicho al hecho hay mucho trecho
"From the saying to the deed, there is a long stretch."
It's much easier to say you will do something than to actually do it. It highlights the gap between intentions and actions.
Es la neta
"It's the net."
It's the truth; It's the real deal; It's awesome.
Las cuentas claras conservan la amistad
"The clear accounts preserve the friendship."
Being clear and transparent about money or obligations between friends is the best way to avoid arguments and maintain a good relationship.
No tener pelos en la lengua
"To not have hairs on the tongue"
To be blunt, direct, and outspoken; to say what you think without filtering it.
Poner los puntos sobre las íes
"To put the dots on the i's"
To clarify a situation, be very precise, and leave no room for ambiguity or misunderstanding.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spanish Honesty Idioms
What are Spanish honesty idioms?
Spanish honesty idioms include "no tener pelos en la lengua" (to be blunt/speak frankly), "ser de palabra" (to keep one's word), "llamar al pan pan y al vino vino" (to call a spade a spade), "ser una persona íntegra" (to be a person of integrity), and "hablar con el corazón en la mano" (to speak from the heart).
How important is honesty in Spanish-speaking cultures?
Honesty, especially keeping one's word, is highly valued in Hispanic cultures where personal trust often outweighs formal contracts. "Ser de palabra" (being true to your word) is a significant character trait, and someone's reputation for honesty carries substantial weight in business and personal relationships.
Have more questions about learning Spanish idioms? Browse our complete idiom guide.
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