Idiomatic sentences Spanish-English. Charlie, your teacher of English # 1
Tener barra libre para hacer lo que le dé la gana: to have all the powers to do anything (A
couple of governors just came together and believed they had all the powers to do
anything.)
Hacer chantaje: to blackmail (to subject to blackmail. To exert pressure on someone
through threats; obtain through threats)
El negocio de la hosteleria y la restauración: The hotel and restaurant business
Poner en práctica: to put into practice (we put into practice a series of experiential and
action learning activities for a team of first line managers.)
Un remanso de bienestar: A haven of well-being.
Ponerse en la situación de alguien: one has to put oneself in sb's shoes.
Baremo económico: gauge value
Derecho a una vivienda digna: The right to decent housing.
Ante (la amenaza de algo): against (Primitive man, unprotected against the forces of
nature and at the mercy of every foe)
A costa de: at the expense of (to the detriment of someone or something; to the harm of
someone or something. He had a good laugh at the expense of his brother. He took a job
in a better place at the expense of a larger income.)
Tener una sonrisa para: to have smile for (Have a smile for everyone you meet, and they
will have a smile for you.)
Ley laboral: labor law.
Contratar trabajadores por horas: to hire worker by the hour.
Conceder deseos a cambio de: to grante favors in exchange for (Isn't it that there are
favors granted in exchange for sex.)
Empresas de servicios: utility companies (Companies that provide services. mirar mejor)
Mirar a otro lado: to turn a blind eye to (Deliberately overlook, ignore, as in She decided
to turn a blind eye to her roommate's goings-on)
Cifrar en (calcular coste, precio): to calculate at (But then you look at the contract and
find that the dealer actually calculated the price at $25,000.)
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