Echar aguas
/eh-CHAR AH-gwass/
To act as a lookout; to keep watch for someone, usually while they are doing something secretive or mischievous.
💡 Understanding the Idiom
🎨 Literal vs. Figurative
Literally, the phrase means 'to throw waters'.
In practice, it means to act as a lookout for someone.
Key Words in This Idiom:
📝 In Action
Mientras pinto el grafiti, tú échame aguas para que no venga la policía.
B2While I paint the graffiti, you be the lookout so the police don't come.
Necesito que alguien me eche aguas mientras le preparo la fiesta sorpresa a mi mamá.
B2I need someone to keep watch for me while I set up the surprise party for my mom.
📜 Origin Story
This expression has a fascinating origin story from colonial times, before modern plumbing existed. People would dispose of dirty water (and other waste!) by throwing it out of their windows onto the street. To avoid hitting an unsuspecting passerby, they would shout '¡Aguas!' ('Waters!') as a warning. Over time, '¡Aguas!' became a general exclamation for 'Watch out!' and the phrase 'echar aguas' evolved to mean the action of being the person who watches for danger and gives that warning.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use for Secret Missions
This idiom is perfect for informal, slightly mischievous situations. Use it when you need a friend to keep an eye out for a boss, a teacher, a parent, or anyone you're trying to avoid while you do something in secret.
The Warning Shout: '¡Aguas!'
Remember the origin! You can use '¡Aguas!' all by itself as a quick, common warning in Mexico. If you see a friend about to trip, you can yell '¡Aguas!' It's the equivalent of 'Heads up!' or 'Watch out!'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Not for General 'Watching'
Mistake: "Using 'echar aguas' when you mean to watch something for entertainment, like a TV show."
Correction: This phrase is exclusively for being a lookout. For watching TV or a game, you would use the verb 'ver' (e.g., 'ver la televisión'). 'Echar aguas' always implies watching for a potential interruption or danger.
🌎 Where It's Used
Mexico
Extremely common and widely understood. It's a hallmark of informal Mexican Spanish.
Central America
Used and understood in some countries, but it is most strongly associated with Mexico.
Spain
Not used. A speaker from Spain would likely not understand this idiom and would use expressions like 'vigilar' or 'estar al loro' instead.
🔗 Related Idioms
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: Echar aguas
Question 1 of 1
Your friend is planning a surprise and asks you, '¿Me echas aguas?'. What are they asking you to do?
🏷️ Tags
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'echar aguas' only used for illegal activities?
Not at all! While it can be used in that context (like in movies about heists), it's most often used for harmless, everyday secrets: planning a surprise party, sneaking a snack before dinner, or leaving a secret admirer note. The key element is secrecy, not necessarily illegality.