Hacer la pata ancha
/ah-SEHR la PA-ta AN-cha/
To stand one's ground, be firm, or impose one's will, often in a stubborn or assertive way.
💡 Understanding the Idiom
🎨 Literal vs. Figurative
Literally, this means 'to make the leg wide'.
In reality, it means to stand your ground and be firm.
Key Words in This Idiom:
📝 In Action
Querían que me fuera, pero hice la pata ancha y me quedé hasta que me atendieron.
B2They wanted me to leave, but I stood my ground and stayed until they helped me.
No dejes que tu compañero de piso haga la pata ancha y ocupe todo el espacio en la nevera.
C1Don't let your roommate throw his weight around and take up all the space in the fridge.
📜 Origin Story
This expression paints a picture of an animal, like a horse or a bull. When these animals want to be impossible to move, they plant their legs ('patas') far apart, creating a wide, stable base. Think of a stubborn mule refusing to budge! We use this image to talk about a person who is being equally firm and unmovable in their position.
⭐ Usage Tips
Assertive or Stubborn?
Use this idiom to describe someone being firm. The tone can be positive (defending your rights) or negative (being pushy and unreasonable). The context tells you which it is.
It's About Willpower, Not Body Size
Remember, 'making the leg wide' is a metaphor for a strong stance or a firm will. It has nothing to do with a person's physical size.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Pierna' Instead of 'Pata'
Mistake: "'Hacer la pierna ancha.'"
Correction: The idiom always uses 'pata'. While 'pierna' is the correct word for a human leg, 'pata' (animal leg/paw) gives the phrase its rustic, informal, and stubborn flavor. Stick with 'pata'.
🌎 Where It's Used
Argentina
Very common and widely used in everyday conversation.
Uruguay & Chile
Also common and well-understood.
Spain
It is understood, but less common. Spanish speakers might prefer expressions like 'plantarse' or 'ponerse firme'.
🔗 Related Idioms
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: Hacer la pata ancha
Question 1 of 1
If your friend 'hace la pata ancha' during an argument, what is she doing?
🏷️ Tags
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'hacer la pata ancha' a rude expression?
It can be, depending on the situation. If you use it to describe someone defending their rights, it's neutral or even positive. If you use it to describe someone being a bully or unreasonably stubborn, it's negative. Tone and context are everything!