Proverbs and Expressions, Part 1

Here are some fun expressions that you can try out in Spanish! If a native speakers hears you say these, you will most definitely have scored brownie points with them. Included is the Spanish proverb as well as the word-for word translation so you can see how the expression compares and contrasts to the English equivalent. Instead of the quotation marks (" ") around the expression, Spanish speakers use brackets (<< >>). Try to use these on a semi-regular basis so they can become fluent in your conversations when they are needed.

Spanish Expression	English Equivalent	Literal Translation
A caballo regalado, no se le mira el colmillo.	Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.	On a gifted horse, the incisor tooth isn't looked at.
A lo hecho, pecho.	Don't cry over spilled milk.	To what's done, chest.
Al que madruga, Dios le ayuda.	The early bird catches the worm.	To he or she that rises early, God helps them.
Antes que te cases, mira lo que haces.	Look before you leap.	Before you get married, look at what you're doing.
de tal palo, tal astilla	a chip off the old block	from such a stick, such a splinter
Del dicho al hecho hay gran techo.	There's many a slip 'twixt the cup and the lip.	From what's said to what's done there is a huge distance.
Más vale pájaro en mano que ciento volando.	A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.	In the hand a bird is worth more than a hundred flying.
Poderoso caballero es don Dinero.	Money talks.	A powerful gentleman is Mr. Money.