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Dar calabazas

Meaning: To reject someone romantically.

Language: Spanish

Literally: To give someone pumpkins

Category: Food & Drink

Origin: Sometimes linked to ancient Greece, but that claim is unsupported; more likely from the Spanish custom of serving pumpkin dishes to signal a suitor's rejection. True origin uncertain.

More idioms — Food & Drink

  • Non tutte le ciambelle riescono col buco — Things don't always go as planned.
  • Cadere a fagiolo — To arrive at exactly the perfect moment.
  • Acqua in bocca — Keep it secret; don't tell anyone.
  • 눈에 콩깍지가 씌다 — To be blinded by love.
  • 식은 죽 먹기 — A piece of cake; very easy to do.
  • Не вешай лапшу на уши — Don't lie to me; stop trying to deceive me.

More Spanish idioms

  • Estar como una cabra — To be completely crazy.
  • Tirar la casa por la ventana — To spare no expense; to go all out.
  • Meter la pata — To make a blunder or put your foot in it.
  • Tomar el pelo — To pull someone's leg; to tease.
  • Ponerse las botas — To stuff yourself with food or to profit greatly.
  • estar en la luna de Valencia — Completely distracted or absent-minded, oblivious to what's happening around you.

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