pisar callos
/pisaɾ kaʝos/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'step on toes' can be translated into Spanish as pisar callos.
This idiom is used to describe the act of offending or annoying someone by interfering in an area of responsibility that belongs to them.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase means 'to step on calluses'.
How does it change in a sentence?
In many contexts, it is common to include the definite article 'los' to say pisar los callos, which translates to 'to step on the calluses'.
How do you pronounce it?
/pisaɾ kaʝos/
Did you know?
- The word callos refers to calluses, but in Spanish cuisine, it also refers to a traditional stew made from beef tripe. Context is essential to avoid confusing a social offense with a meal.
- The Spanish word pisar is also a cognate of the English word 'piston'. Both terms derive from the Latin pinsō, referring to a crushing or pounding motion.
- In Spanish, pisar is the standard verb for any downward pressure applied by the foot, such as in the phrase pisar el acelerador to mean 'step on the gas'.
Examples in context
- Él siempre invade el espacio personal de los demás en las reuniones.He always steps on people's toes during meetings.
- No debemos pisar los callos de nuestros socios comerciales si queremos mantener una buena relación.We shouldn't step on our business partners' toes if we want to maintain a good relationship.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pisar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
