andando con pies de plomo
/andando kon pjes de plomo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "walking on eggshells" can be translated into Spanish as andando con pies de plomo.
This phrase is used to describe a situation where someone is being extremely careful with their words or actions to avoid offending someone or causing a problem.
Which one should you use?
While English uses the metaphor of fragile eggshells to denote caution, Spanish uses the metaphor of heavy lead feet to denote the same sense of extreme caution and deliberation.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word plomo can also be used as slang for a bullet. Because of this, the phrase pies de plomo creates a subconscious linguistic link between caution and danger.
- The word plomo comes from the Latin 'plumbum'. This is the same root that gave English the word 'plumber' because ancient pipes were made of lead.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the concept of andando con pies de plomo is often used in professional or diplomatic contexts rather than just domestic arguments.
Examples in context
- Trata de andar con pies de plomo con tu jefe hoy, está de mal humor.Try to walk on eggshells with your boss today, he's in a bad mood.
- Hay que andar con pies de plomo cuando hablas con el jefe.You have to walk on eggshells when you talk to the boss.
- Estoy andando con pies de plomo con mi jefe.I am walking on eggshells with my boss.
- Ella está andando con pies de plomo para no discutir.She is walking on eggshells to avoid an argument.
- Parece que estás andando con pies de plomo hoy.It seems like you are walking on eggshells today.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are discussing the tense atmosphere at their workplace.
- JavierSiento que estoy andando con pies de plomo en la oficina.I feel like I am walking on eggshells in the office.
- LucíaEs verdad, el ambiente está muy tenso.It's true, the atmosphere is very tense.
- Javier¿Crees que mi jefa está enfadada conmigo?Do you think my boss is angry with me?
- LucíaNo lo sé, pero ten mucho cuidado.I don't know, but be very careful.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries con, de, plomo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
