a pesar de los pesares
Meaning: Despite all difficulties and hardships; no matter what obstacles arise.
Language: Spanish
Literally: in spite of the sorrows
Category: Daily Life
Origin: Origin uncertain; the phrase plays on the word 'pesares' (sorrows) to emphasize overcoming multiple adversities.
More idioms — Daily Life
- sin cuartel — Without mercy or restraint; ruthlessly and completely.
- vender la moto — To trick or deceive someone, often by persuading them to believe a false story.
- a vida o muerte — In a desperate, all-or-nothing struggle where the stakes are the highest possible.
- llevar la contraria — To argue against or contradict someone habitually.
- para andar por casa — Makeshift, temporary, or of poor quality; fit only for casual home use.
- salvar las apariencias — To maintain an outward show of respectability or normalcy despite underlying problems.
More Spanish idioms
- perder los estribos — To lose one's temper or composure; to become angry or agitated.
- caérsele el alma a los pies — to be deeply disappointed or dismayed.
- dorar la píldora — to make something unpleasant more palatable by presenting it attractively.
- oler a chamusquina — a situation is becoming tense or dangerous; trouble is brewing.
- cazar al vuelo — To seize or take something quickly before someone else can.
- codo con codo — Standing shoulder to shoulder, side by side in close proximity.
From our untranslatable words
- Puente — The day taken off to 'bridge' a midweek public holiday to the weekend, turning it into a…
- Vergüenza ajena — The squirming embarrassment felt on behalf of another person, who may be entirely untroub…
- Sobremesa — The unhurried conversation that lingers long after a meal, when no one wants to leave the…