El que mucho abarca, poco aprieta
/el keh MOO-choh ah-BAR-kah, POH-koh ah-PREE-eh-tah/
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.
💡 Understanding the Idiom
🎨 Literal vs. Figurative
Literally, this means 'He who embraces a lot, squeezes little'.
It means if you try to do too many things at once, you won't do any of them well.
Key Words in This Idiom:
📝 In Action
Intenté estudiar para tres exámenes y trabajar a la vez. Al final, no me fue bien en ninguno. El que mucho abarca, poco aprieta.
B2I tried to study for three exams and work at the same time. In the end, I didn't do well in any of them. I bit off more than I could chew.
El nuevo gerente quiere cambiar el marketing, las ventas y la producción a la vez. Me temo que el que mucho abarca, poco aprieta.
B2The new manager wants to change marketing, sales, and production all at once. I'm afraid he's spreading himself too thin.
📜 Origin Story
This is a classic Spanish proverb, or 'refrán', that comes from simple, everyday wisdom. Imagine a farmer trying to carry a huge armful of firewood or hay. If they try to 'abarcar' (embrace or encompass) too much at once, their grip ('apretar' means to squeeze or grip) will be weak, and they'll end up dropping most of it. The saying takes this very physical, common-sense image and applies it to any task in life, from work projects to personal goals.
⭐ Usage Tips
A Gentle Warning
Use this proverb to offer advice or comment on a situation where someone (including yourself!) is taking on too many responsibilities. It's a wise and common way of saying, 'It's better to focus on a few things and do them well'.
Use the Full Phrase
Unlike some idioms where you can use just a part, this one is almost always said in its complete form. It works as a standalone observation.
❌ Common Pitfalls
It's Not About Laziness
Mistake: "Thinking this idiom is an excuse for not working hard or for being lazy."
Correction: This saying isn't about avoiding work; it's about working effectively. It criticizes the inefficiency that comes from a lack of focus, not a lack of effort. In fact, it's often applied to people who are trying to work too hard on too many things.
🌎 Where It's Used
Spain
Extremely common and used by all generations. It is a cornerstone of the Spanish 'refranero' (collection of proverbs).
Latin America
Universally understood and widely used across the entire continent, from Mexico to Argentina. It's a fundamental piece of shared cultural wisdom.
🔗 Related Idioms
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: El que mucho abarca, poco aprieta
Question 1 of 1
Your friend is starting a new business, learning Japanese, and training for a marathon all at the same time. What piece of advice could you give them using a Spanish proverb?
🏷️ Tags
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'El que mucho abarca, poco aprieta' a formal or informal saying?
It's considered neutral. Because it's a traditional proverb, it can be used in almost any situation, from a casual chat with friends to a more formal discussion at work, without sounding out of place. It conveys timeless wisdom.
Can I use this idiom to talk about myself?
Absolutely! It's very common to use it self-critically. For example, you might say, 'Uf, tengo que dejar uno de mis proyectos. El que mucho abarca, poco aprieta.' (Ugh, I have to drop one of my projects. I'm spreading myself too thin.)