
IdiomDaily Life
Spanish
a pesar de los pesares
Meaning: Despite all difficulties and hardships; no matter what obstacles arise.
Literally: In spite of the sorrows
Example: “A pesar de los pesares, la función se celebró.” — Come hell or high water, the show went on.
English equivalent: Come hell or high water
Equivalents in other languages
English: come hell or high water
French: Contre vents et marées Literally: Against winds and tides
Origin: A play on words: a pesar de means "in spite of," and pesares are sorrows, so the phrase stacks the two, "in spite of all the sorrows." It means despite everything, and the repetition gives it the weight of a sigh.
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.
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