la mirada en la meta
/la miɾada en la meta/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "eyes on the prize" can be expressed as la mirada en la meta.
A phrase used to describe staying focused on a goal and not getting distracted.
Which one should you use?
Mantén los ojos en el premio is a common way to convey the idea of 'Eyes on the prize' in an informal context, whereas Enfócate en lo que quieres lograr is a colloquial way to express the concept of 'Eyes on the prize'. No pierdas de vista el premio is an informal translation of 'Eyes on the prize'. Finally, No distraigas tu mirada del objetivo is a way to express the concept of staying focused.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the action of 'keeping' your eyes on the prize, you add the verb mantener to the front, as in mantener la mirada en la meta.
How do you pronounce it?
/la miɾada en la meta/
Did you know?
- In modern slang, meta is also used as a clipping of metanfetamina, the word for methamphetamine. Because of this, the context of the sentence is crucial to avoid confusing a 'goal' with a controlled substance.
- The word meta for 'goal' comes from the Latin word for the turning post in a Roman circus or arena. It originally referred to the physical point where a chariot racer had to pivot to complete a lap.
- While la mirada en la meta refers to the gaze, Spanish speakers often use the verb enfocarse to express focus. This shares a root with 'focus', which originally meant 'hearth' or 'fireplace' in Latin.
Examples in context
- No te distraigas, mantén la mirada en la meta.Don't get distracted, keep your eyes on the prize.
- Debes mantener la mirada en la meta.You must keep your eyes on the prize.
- Si quieres ganar, mantén la mirada en la meta.If you want to win, keep your eyes on the prize.
Example conversation
Two students are studying for a difficult final exam.
- MaríaEstoy muy cansada de estudiar.I am very tired of studying.
- JavierLo sé, María, pero mantén la mirada en la meta.I know, María, but keep your eyes on the prize.
- MaríaTienes razón, quiero graduarme con honores.You're right, I want to graduate with honors.
- JavierExacto, solo falta un esfuerzo más.Exactly, just one more effort.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries en, la, meta, mirada, CC BY-SA 4.0.
