IdiomNatureSpanish

Estar en Babia

Meaning: To be daydreaming and miles away.

Literally: To be in Babia

Example: “Durante toda la reunión estuvo en Babia.” — He was miles away for the whole meeting.

English equivalent: To be miles away

Origin: Babia is a remote mountain district in the north of the province of León. The story usually told is that the medieval kings of León kept a residence there and spent long summers in it, so courtiers excused an absent king by saying está en Babia, he is in Babia, off in his retreat and far from business. The tale is traditional rather than documented, and the phrase now means being lost in thought or miles away.

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