tira y afloja
Meaning: a back-and-forth negotiation or struggle where each side gives and takes.
Language: Spanish
Literally: pull and loosen
Category: Daily Life
Origin: The image is of two people pulling a rope or object in opposite directions, then loosening their grip—a tug of war.
More idioms — Daily Life
- a escondidillas — in secret; covertly or without someone's knowledge.
- de pitiminí — something trivial or of insignificant value.
- cada muerte de obispo — extremely rarely; once in a blue moon.
- arma de doble filo — something that has both positive and negative consequences, or can harm the user as easil…
- tirar de la manta — to reveal a secret or expose something hidden; to blow the lid off a situation.
- poner el broche de oro — To add a final, perfect touch that completes or perfects something.
More Spanish idioms
- como pez en el agua — perfectly at ease in a situation; in one's natural element.
- no haber color — there is no comparison; one option is vastly superior to another.
- arroz con mango — a chaotic, confused mess or pandemonium.
- pico de oro — someone with exceptional eloquence or persuasive speech.
- no decir ni pío — to remain completely silent or say nothing at all.
- sacar las castañas del fuego — to rescue someone from a difficult situation or to solve a problem at one's own risk or e…