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irse de las manos

Meaning: To spiral beyond control; to become unmanageable or chaotic.

Language: Spanish

Literally: to go away from the hands

Category: Body & Senses

Origin: The image is of something or someone slipping out of a person's grasp, no longer within their command or restraint.

More idioms — Body & Senses

  • a ojo — By rough estimate or visual judgment, without precision.
  • darse de cabezadas — To struggle uselessly against an impossible problem or obstacle.
  • 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.

More Spanish idioms

  • no tener vuelta de hoja — To be conclusive and beyond dispute; to admit no alternative interpretation.
  • a montones — In vast quantities; abundantly available and unremarkable.
  • dar el pistoletazo de salida — To officially begin or launch something.
  • vérsele el plumero — Someone's true nature or hidden faults become glaringly visible.
  • salga el sol por donde quiera — It does not matter what happens or what difficulties arise; one will accept whatever come…
  • poner la proa — To set one's aim or course deliberately toward something; to target or pursue.

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