punta de lanza
/punta de lanθa/from spelling rules
The English phrase "tip of the spear" is translated into Spanish as punta de lanza.
The phrase punta de lanza is used metaphorically to describe the vanguard or the leading edge of a military operation, a business expansion or a social movement. It identifies the part of an attack or a project that is the first to encounter a challenge or an enemy.
What does it mean word for word?
This phrase is composed of punta (tip or point), de (of) and lanza (spear).
How does it change in a sentence?
In a sentence, the phrase is almost always preceded by the definite article la (the), forming la punta de lanza.
How do you pronounce it?
/punta de lanθa/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, punta is also used as a specialized term in knitting and crochet to describe a 'stitch' or 'point' used to create lace.
- The word lanza comes from the Latin lancea, which was actually adopted from the Celtiberian language spoken in the Iberian Peninsula before the Romans arrived.
- If you were describing the tip of a pen or a pencil in Spanish, you would use the exact same word, punta, as you do for a weapon.
Examples in context
- Durante la reunión, Juan presentó un plan que situaba a nuestra empresa en la punta de lanza de la industria.During the meeting, Juan presented a plan that positioned our company at the tip of the spear in the industry.
- Ellos serán la punta de lanza de la nueva estrategia.They will be the tip of the spear for the new strategy.
- Este equipo es la punta de lanza en la investigación.This team is the tip of the spear in the research.
- Nuestra unidad actúa como la punta de lanza en el terreno.Our unit acts as the tip of the spear on the ground.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are discussing a new business expansion project.
- MateoElena, ¿estás lista para ser la punta de lanza del proyecto?Elena, are you ready to be the tip of the spear for the project?
- ElenaSí, Mateo, acepto el desafío con mucho entusiasmo.Yes, Mateo, I accept the challenge with great enthusiasm.
- MateoTu liderazgo será clave en esta fase inicial.Your leadership will be key in this initial phase.
- ElenaHaré todo lo posible para que el lanzamiento sea un éxito.I will do everything possible to make the launch a success.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, lanza, punta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
