Spanish Work & Business Idioms
Master 20 authentic Spanish expressions about work & business with meanings, examples, and pronunciation guidance
Understanding Spanish Work & Business Idioms
Spanish work and business idioms express professional situations, workplace dynamics, and commercial activities. From "echar el resto" (to give it your all at work) to "ponerse las pilas" (to get motivated), these expressions help Spanish speakers navigate professional environments with culturally appropriate language that balances formality and camaraderie.
When to Use These Expressions
Work idioms are used in professional contexts, discussing careers, describing work ethic, negotiating business, or talking about workplace situations. They appear in meetings, networking, job discussions, and professional correspondence.
Learning Tips for Work & Business Idioms
- Learn formal vs. informal work idioms—register matters in business
- Practice idioms for common workplace situations: meetings, deadlines, projects
- Understand regional business culture differences across Spanish-speaking countries
- Note that some work idioms double as general effort expressions
Most Common Work & Business Idioms
Start with these high-frequency expressions used daily by native speakers
Cuando el gato no está, los ratones hacen fiesta
★★★★★Literal: "When the cat isn't here, the mice have a party."
Meaning: When the person in charge is away, people will do as they please, relax the rules, or misbehave.
Hacer la pelota
★★★★★Literal: "To make the ball"
Meaning: To flatter someone to gain favor; to suck up to someone.
Ponerse las pilas
★★★★★Literal: "To put the batteries in oneself."
Meaning: To get energized, get your act together, or start working with more focus and effort.
Complete List of Work & Business Idioms
A ojo de buen cubero
"By the eye of a good cooper."
To estimate or calculate something roughly, without precise measurements, but with a degree of skill or experience.
Abrir el paraguas
"To open the umbrella"
To make excuses or take precautions in advance to avoid future blame or problems.
Bajar la persiana
"To lower the shutter"
To close down a business for good; to go out of business.
Cada maestrito con su librito
"Every little teacher with their little book."
Everyone has their own unique way of doing things, their own methods, or their own opinions based on their experience.
Carne de cañón
"Cannon meat"
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.
Cortar el bacalao
"To cut the codfish."
To be in charge, call the shots, or be the boss of a situation.
Cuando el gato no está, los ratones hacen fiesta
"When the cat isn't here, the mice have a party."
When the person in charge is away, people will do as they please, relax the rules, or misbehave.
El que mucho abarca, poco aprieta
"He who embraces a lot, squeezes little."
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.
Estar hasta las manos
"To be up to the hands"
To be extremely busy, swamped with work, or deeply involved in a complicated situation.
Hacer buena letra
"To make good letter / To have good handwriting"
To be on your best behavior to make a good impression or win someone's favor, especially someone in authority.
Hacer el agosto
"To make the August"
To make a lot of money quickly, often by taking advantage of a specific situation; to make a killing.
Hacer la cama
"To do the bed / To make the bed"
To frame someone for a crime or wrongdoing; to set someone up to fail.
Hacer la pelota
"To make the ball"
To flatter someone to gain favor; to suck up to someone.
Meter la mula
"To put the mule in"
To trick someone, lie, or pass off something of poor quality as good; to swindle or deceive.
Mover los hilos
"To move the strings."
To pull the strings; to control a situation or people from behind the scenes, often secretly.
Parar la olla
"To stop the pot."
To earn enough money to live; to provide for oneself or one's family; to make ends meet.
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.
Ponerse las pilas
"To put the batteries in oneself."
To get energized, get your act together, or start working with more focus and effort.
Quedar en el tintero
"To remain in the inkwell"
To be left unsaid, undone, or forgotten, often unintentionally.
Quien mucho abarca poco aprieta
"Whoever embraces a lot, squeezes little."
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spanish Work & Business Idioms
What are essential Spanish work and business idioms?
Essential Spanish work idioms include "ponerse las pilas" (to get motivated), "echar el resto" (to give it your all), "ir sobre ruedas" (to go smoothly), "estar hasta el cuello" (to be swamped), "cerrar un trato" (to close a deal), and "trabajar codo con codo" (to work side by side). These are common in professional contexts.
How formal should Spanish business language be?
Spanish business language varies by country and situation. Spain tends toward more informal business culture than Latin American countries. While idioms add color, maintain appropriate formality levels. Start formal ("usted") and follow your counterparts' lead. Idioms work better after rapport is established.
Have more questions about learning Spanish idioms? Browse our complete idiom guide.
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