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Estar al loro

/es-TAR al LOH-roh/

To be alert, aware, on the lookout, or in the know.

Level:B2Register:InformalCommon:★★★★☆

💡 Understanding the Idiom

Literal Translation:
"To be at the parrot"
What It Really Means:
To be alert, aware, on the lookout, or in the know.
English Equivalents:
To be on the ballTo be on the lookoutTo keep your eyes peeledTo be clued in

🎨 Literal vs. Figurative

💭 Literal
A literal, humorous depiction of 'estar al loro', showing a person standing right next to a large parrot, listening to it.

Literally, the phrase means 'to be at the parrot'.

✨ Figurative
The actual meaning of 'estar al loro', showing an alert person in a crowd noticing something important.

In practice, it means being alert and paying close attention to your surroundings.

Key Words in This Idiom:

estar
estar
to be
→
loro

📝 In Action

Estate al loro, que en esta zona hay muchos carteristas.

B2

Be on the lookout, there are a lot of pickpockets in this area.

Mi amigo está al loro de todas las nuevas tendencias de moda.

B2

My friend is clued in on all the new fashion trends.

Tienes que estar al loro durante la clase para no perderte la explicación.

B1

You have to be on the ball during the class so you don't miss the explanation.

📜 Origin Story

This expression is said to come from the age of sailing. Sailors in the crow's nest (the lookout post high on the mast) would sometimes keep a parrot ('loro') with them. Parrots have excellent hearing and would often squawk at the first sign of another ship or land, alerting the sailor. Therefore, the lookout had to 'be at the parrot' — paying close attention to its warnings — to do his job effectively.

⭐ Usage Tips

Use It as a Command

This idiom is very frequently used in its command form: ¡Estate al loro! It's a quick, informal way to tell someone 'Pay attention!' or 'Watch out!'

Two Main Meanings

It can mean 'be watchful' (like watching for pickpockets) or 'be informed/up-to-date' (like knowing the latest news or gossip). The context will tell you which meaning is intended.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using it Outside of Spain

Mistake: "Using 'estar al loro' in most Latin American countries."

Correction: This is a very Spanish expression. While some might understand it from movies, it will sound unnatural. In Latin America, you're more likely to hear 'estar pilas', 'estar mosca', or simply 'estar atento'.

🌎 Where It's Used

🇪🇸

Spain

Extremely common and widely used in all informal contexts. It's a staple of colloquial Spanish.

🌎

Latin America

Generally not used and may not be understood. Most countries have their own local equivalents, such as 'estar pilas' or 'ponerse trucha'.

🔗 Related Idioms

↔️Similar Meanings

estar al tanto

To be up-to-date or informed.

andar con mil ojos

To be extremely watchful and careful.

⇆Opposite Meanings

estar en la luna

To be daydreaming or not paying attention.

estar en las nubes→

To have one's head in the clouds.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: Estar al loro

Question 1 of 1

If someone tells you `¡Estate al loro con tus cosas en el metro!`, what are they advising you to do?

🏷️ Tags

AnimalsCommonly UsedSpain

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'estar al loro' considered slang?

Yes, it's definitely on the informal, slangy side of the spectrum. It's perfect for use with friends and in casual situations, but you should avoid it in formal writing, professional meetings, or when speaking to someone you need to show a high level of respect.