tener más conchas que un galápago
Meaning: To be extremely cunning or crafty; to have many tricks up one's sleeve.
Language: Spanish
Literally: to have more shells than a Galápagos tortoise
Category: Animals
Origin: The tortoise's shell, with its hard protective ridges, is used to suggest the many layers of deception or strategems a sly person employs.
More idioms — Animals
- cachicamo diciéndole a morrocoy conchudo — Calling out someone's faults when the accuser has the very same fault, especially when th…
- como pez en el agua — perfectly at ease in a situation; in one's natural element.
- pico de oro — someone with exceptional eloquence or persuasive speech.
- no decir ni pío — to remain completely silent or say nothing at all.
- vérsele el plumero — Someone's true nature or hidden faults become glaringly visible.
- a uña de caballo — To move or travel at great speed.
More Spanish idioms
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- romper la baraja — To abandon a game or situation in frustration; to take one's ball and go home.
- a todo gañote — At the top of one's voice; very loudly.
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From our false friends
- Lectura — Actually means 'reading'. A lecture is una conferencia.
- Compromiso — Actually means 'commitment', 'obligation', or 'engagement'. For a negotiated compromise,…
- Gracioso — Actually means 'funny' or 'amusing'. For gracious (kind and polite), say amable.