leh tee-ROH los GAHL-gohs
Literally, this means 'to throw the greyhounds at someone'.
In practice, it means to flirt with someone or make a romantic advance.
En la fiesta, Carlos no paraba de mirarla y finalmente le tiró los galgos.
B2At the party, Carlos couldn't stop looking at her and finally hit on her.
Creo que esa chica te está tirando los galgos, ¡no para de sonreírte!
B2I think that girl is coming on to you; she won't stop smiling at you!
This expression comes from the world of hunting. Greyhounds ('galgos') are incredibly fast dogs used to chase down prey like rabbits. The idiom creates a vivid picture of someone 'unleashing their best dogs'—that is, their best flirting techniques—in a determined effort to 'catch' the person they're interested in. It implies a direct and energetic pursuit.
Use this phrase when someone is making a very clear and direct romantic advance. It's for more than just a subtle hint; it describes an active attempt to flirt or seduce. The verb 'tirar' changes depending on who is doing the flirting (e.g., 'Te estoy tirando los galgos' - I'm hitting on you).
Mistake: “Using it to describe a very shy or subtle sign of interest, like a quick glance from across the room.”
Correction: This idiom is for a more obvious, active attempt. For subtle interest, you might say someone 'le hace ojitos' (makes eyes at them) or 'le echa miraditas' (gives them little looks).
Very common and widely understood, especially among younger and middle-aged generations.
Also used and understood, fitting in with the local slang.
Less common. Other expressions like 'echar los perros' (Colombia, Venezuela), 'coquetear', or 'ligar' are more frequently used.
Question 1 of 1
If your friend says that Juan 'le tiró los galgos' a María, what did Juan do?
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Absolutely! The expression is completely neutral. Both men and women can 'tirar los galgos' to someone they are interested in. You just change the verb and pronouns to fit the situation, like 'Ella me tiró los galgos' (She hit on me).