Spanish Work & Business Idioms
Master 5 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
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.
A ojo de buen cubero
★★★★☆Literal: "By the eye of a good cooper."
Meaning: To estimate or calculate something roughly, without precise measurements, but with a degree of skill or experience.
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.
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 pelota
"To make the ball"
To flatter someone to gain favor; to suck up to someone.
Ponerse las pilas
"To put the batteries in oneself."
To get energized, get your act together, or start working with more focus and effort.
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 or explore our learning resources.
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