"A todo cerdo le llega su San Martín."
/ah TOH-doh SEHR-doh leh YEH-gah soo sahn mar-TEEN/
Every pig gets its Saint Martin's Day.
💡 Understanding the Quote
"A todo cerdo le llega su San Martín."
🎨 Visual Representation
The proverb uses an agricultural cycle to symbolize the idea that everyone eventually faces the consequences of their actions.
🔑 Key Words
📖 Context
A traditional Spanish proverb (refrán) with origins in rural agricultural practices. It does not come from a specific literary work.
📝 In Action
El jefe nos trata fatal, pero tranquilo, que a todo cerdo le llega su San Martín.
C1The boss treats us terribly, but don't worry, he'll get what's coming to him eventually.
Después de años de evadir impuestos, finalmente lo atraparon. Como dice el refrán, a todo cerdo le llega su San Martín.
B2After years of evading taxes, they finally caught him. As the saying goes, everyone gets their comeuppance in the end.
✍️ About the Author
📜 Historical Context
This proverb is tied to the Feast of Saint Martin of Tours (San Martín) on November 11th. In rural Spain, this date marked the traditional time for the 'matanza del cerdo' (the slaughter of the pig). Families would slaughter a pig to cure ham, make sausages, and prepare meat to last through the winter. For the pig, its 'San Martín' was literally its final day.
🌍 Cultural Significance
It's a classic piece of Spanish folk wisdom, reflecting a somewhat grim but practical view of justice and inevitability. It captures the idea that cycles must come to an end, and accounts must be settled. While its agricultural origin is less relevant today, the metaphorical meaning is universally understood in Spain.
📚 Literary Analysis
The power of this proverb lies in its use of a concrete, rustic image—the pig slaughter—to explain an abstract concept: nemesis or karma. The juxtaposition of a saint's name with a rather brutal event creates a memorable and impactful phrase. It’s a masterclass in how folk sayings use everyday life to teach broader lessons.
⭐ Usage Tips
For Negative Consequences
Use this phrase to predict or comment on a negative outcome for someone who deserves it. It implies 'they'll get what's coming to them.' It is not used for positive situations.
Colloquial and Fatalistic Tone
This is an informal, colloquial saying. It carries a strong sense of fatalism and can sound a bit harsh or vengeful, so it's best used among friends rather than in a formal or professional setting.
🔗 Related Quotes
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: A todo cerdo le llega su San Martín.
Question 1 of 2
What is the historical origin of the phrase 'su San Martín' in this proverb?
🏷️ Categories
Themes:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this proverb considered rude or offensive?
Not in its traditional context. While calling someone a 'cerdo' (pig) is an insult, within this fixed proverb it's understood metaphorically to refer to a wrongdoer. The focus is on the concept of inevitable justice, not on the insult itself.
Can I use this proverb in any Spanish-speaking country?
While it will be instantly understood in Spain, its usage is less common in Latin America. For a more universally understood alternative, you could say 'El que la hace, la paga' or 'Se cosecha lo que se siembra' (You reap what you sow).