
IdiomDaily Life
Spanish
a la buena de Dios
Meaning: To proceed carelessly or without proper planning, leaving the outcome to chance or fate.
Literally: To the good of God
Example: “Dejaron el jardín a la buena de Dios todo el verano.” — They left the garden to fend for itself all summer.
Origin: Leaving something a la buena de Dios is leaving it to God's goodwill, with no planning or care, and letting whatever happens happen. It is used of work done carelessly, travel without preparation, or people left unprotected. A Chilean novel of 1890 by Daniel Barros Grez already uses it for speaking plainly, without second thoughts.
More Spanish idioms
- con pies de plomo To proceed with extreme caution or wariness; to tread carefully in a delicate situation.
- tomar el toro por los cuernos To face a difficult problem directly and courageously rather than avoiding it.
- caer en gracia To charm someone instantly or be liked right away.
- estar entre dos aguas To be undecided or unable to choose between two options; to sit on the fence.
- arrimar el ascua a su sardina To arrange matters selfishly in one's own favor; to look out for oneself at others' expen…
- contante y sonante Money in ready cash; actual payment rather than promises or credit.
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