IdiomDaily LifeSpanish

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

Explore another collection: Proverbs

Short sayings of timeless wisdom from more than 50 cultures, each with its meaning and origin.

Browse all proverbs →

Keep exploring

Explore all idioms →