tengo los huevos bien puestos
/tenɡo los webos bjen pwestos/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I have big balls" can be translated into Spanish as tengo los huevos bien puestos.
This expression is used to say that someone is brave, daring or has a lot of nerve. It is a way to boast about having a great deal of courage.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
This is an informal and vulgar expression. It is typically used when boasting about one's own courage.
Did you know?
- The phrase uses the adjective puestos (placed or set), which implies that one's courage is 'set' or 'firmly established' in a physical sense.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, calling someone huevos can be an insult or a compliment depending on the context. While tengo los huevos bien puestos is a boast, calling someone un huevo can be derogatory.
- A common variation of this sentiment is tener huevos, which is used as a challenge to others. A person might ask ¿Tienes huevos?, which functions as 'do you have the guts?' rather than a literal question about anatomy.
Examples in context
- Si voy a renunciar hoy, es porque tengo los huevos bien puestos.If I am going to quit today, it is because I have a lot of guts.
- No me asusta el jefe, tengo los huevos bien puestos.I am not afraid of the boss, I have a lot of courage.
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are discussing a risky business proposal.
- Lucía¿Realmente vas a invertir todo tu dinero en esto?Are you really going to invest all your money in this?
- AlejandroSí, tengo los huevos bien puestos y confío en el plan.Yes, I have a lot of guts and I trust the plan.
- LucíaEres muy valiente, Alejandro, pero es un gran riesgo.You are very brave, Alejandro, but it is a big risk.
- AlejandroLo sé, pero así es como se gana.I know, but that is how you win.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
