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darse de cabezadas

Meaning: To struggle uselessly against an impossible problem or obstacle.

Language: Spanish

Literally: to give oneself head-blows

Category: Body & Senses

Origin: The phrase directly pictures someone repeatedly banging their head in frustration against something immovable, a gesture of futile effort.

More idioms — Body & Senses

  • pasarlo teta — To have an excellent, carefree time.
  • con el pie derecho — To make a good start or beginning.
  • ser culo de mal asiento — To be restless and unable to stay still.
  • volver la espalda — To reject, abandon, or refuse to help someone.
  • caérsele el alma a los pies — to be deeply disappointed or dismayed.
  • oler a chamusquina — a situation is becoming tense or dangerous; trouble is brewing.

More Spanish idioms

  • poner la proa — To set one's aim or course deliberately toward something; to target or pursue.
  • ley del hielo — A state of deliberate coldness or refusal to speak to someone as a form of punishment or…
  • ir que chuta — Something is working excellently or progressing at great speed; matters are proceeding be…
  • a uña de caballo — To move or travel at great speed.
  • írsele la onda — To lose focus or to forget an important point.
  • hambre canina — Extreme, ravenous hunger.

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