Con el cuchillo abajo del poncho
/kohn el koo-CHEE-yoh ah-BAH-hoh del POHN-choh/
To act with hidden, treacherous, or hostile intentions; to be secretive and prepared for conflict while appearing calm.
💡 Understanding the Idiom
🎨 Literal vs. Figurative
Literally, this means 'with the knife under the poncho'.
It describes someone who is hiding their true, possibly hostile, intentions.
Key Words in This Idiom:
📝 In Action
Ten cuidado con ese político, siempre negocia con el cuchillo abajo del poncho.
C1Be careful with that politician; he always negotiates with a hidden agenda.
Entró a la reunión con una sonrisa, pero todos sabíamos que venía con el cuchillo abajo del poncho, listo para atacar.
C1He entered the meeting with a smile, but we all knew he came with treacherous intentions, ready to attack.
📜 Origin Story
This phrase comes directly from the culture of the 'gauchos,' the legendary cowboys of the South American pampas (plains), especially in Argentina and Uruguay. A gaucho's poncho was a versatile garment, and his 'facón' (a large knife) was his most essential tool and weapon. In a duel or a tense situation, a gaucho might keep his knife hidden under his poncho, ready for a surprise attack or to defend himself. The expression perfectly captures this image of concealed readiness for a fight, and over time it came to mean anyone who hides their hostile or deceitful intentions.
⭐ Usage Tips
To Describe Mistrust
Use this idiom when you want to describe someone you don't trust. It powerfully suggests that their friendly exterior is hiding a secret plan or bad intentions. It’s a very visual way to say 'He's not what he seems'.
Strongly Regional
This is a signature phrase from the Río de la Plata region (Argentina and Uruguay). Using it correctly shows a deep understanding of the local culture. Be aware that in Spain or Mexico, it might not be immediately understood.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using it for a Simple Secret
Mistake: "Describing someone who is planning a surprise party as having 'el cuchillo abajo del poncho'."
Correction: This idiom has a strong negative feeling of hostility or betrayal. It's not for neutral or positive secrets. For a hidden advantage, 'tener un as bajo la manga' (to have an ace up your sleeve) is a better choice. This phrase is reserved for when you suspect danger or deception.
🌎 Where It's Used
Argentina
Extremely common and iconic. It's deeply connected to the national identity and the figure of the gaucho.
Uruguay
Very common and culturally significant, just as in Argentina.
Other Latin American Countries
May be understood in neighboring countries like Chile or Paraguay, but it is not commonly used. In most other places, it would likely be understood through cultural products like films or books.
Spain
Not used. Most people would likely not understand the figurative meaning without an explanation.
🔗 Related Idioms
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: Con el cuchillo abajo del poncho
Question 1 of 1
If your colleague says of a competitor, 'Viene con el cuchillo abajo del poncho', what does he mean?
🏷️ Tags
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this idiom in a formal business setting?
It's informal, but very expressive. You might hear it used in a business context between trusted colleagues to warn about a competitor or difficult negotiator, but you wouldn't use it in a formal presentation or with someone you don't know well. It carries a strong, accusatory tone.