IdiomDaily LifeSpanish

llevar la contraria

Meaning: To argue against or contradict someone habitually.

Literally: To carry the contrary

Example: “Mi hermano me lleva la contraria hasta con el color del cielo.” — My brother plays devil's advocate about the color of the sky.

Origin: La contraria is the opposite position, and carrying it is always taking the other side, whatever has been said. The RAE dictionary lists llevar a alguien la contraria, and its opposite is seguirle la corriente (to go along with someone's current).

More Spanish idioms

Explore another collection: Untranslatable Words

Words that capture a feeling or idea English needs a whole sentence for.

  • Puente The day taken off to 'bridge' a midweek public holiday to the weekend, turning it into a…
  • Vergüenza ajena The squirming embarrassment felt on behalf of another person, who may be entirely untroub…
  • Sobremesa The unhurried conversation that lingers long after a meal, when no one wants to leave the…

Browse all untranslatable words →

Keep exploring

Explore all idioms →