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 (nun-e kongkkakjiga sseuida) — To be blinded by love.
- 식은 죽 먹기 (Sigeun juk meokgi) — A piece of cake; very easy to do.
- Не вешай лапшу на уши (Ne veshay lapshu na ushi) — 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.
From our proverbs
- A watched pot never boils — Time seems to pass slowly when you are waiting.
- Fortune favors the bold — Taking risks often leads to rewards.
- Beggars can't be choosers — When you need help, you accept what's offered.