Colombians in their daily lives often express themselves with idioms that reflect their cultural identity, habitually using sayings and proverbs typical of their region. Most of these expressions, when translated into other languages, do not make sense, which can be confusing for foreigners.
Ten Colombian proverbs and sayings
It is very common for foreigners to hear sayings or phrases in conversations with Colombians and become confused when trying to translate these expressions into their native language, as they do not make sense to them. These expressions reflect a bit of the country’s culture and many go beyond a literal translation, being deeply rooted in local context and experiences.
To a good listener, few words are needed (A buen entendedor, pocas palabras): This saying is commonly used when something is explained to someone and they quickly grasp the idea.
Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth (A caballo regalado no se le mira el diente): This expression, also commonly used in English, is used when you receive a gift with gratitude, without analyzing the quality of the gift or its defects.
God helps the one who rises early (Al que madruga Dios le ayuda): Colombians believe that if you get up early and start the day with diligence, it is more likely that you will do well in whatever you undertake during the day.
I’m going to talk with my pants off (Voy hablar a calzon quitado): This saying is very common among people who live in the interior of the country and refers to speaking without pretense or deceit.
You had me with Jesus in my mouth (Me tienes con el Jesus en la boca): This phrase is often used by Colombian mothers when their children go out and don’t answer the phone. When they finally communicate with them, they say, “You had me with Jesus in my mouth,” referring to the fear or worry they had from not knowing anything about their child.
Build a reputation and go to sleep (Cria fama y acuestate a dormir): This expression refers to people’s actions, whether positive or negative, and how these actions affect how others perceive you.
Clear accounts and thick chocolate (Las cuentas claras y el chocolate espeso): This saying is used to emphasize the importance of having clarity in matters related to money, documents, legal issues, and more, to avoid negative surprises in the future.
When the river sounds it is because it carries stones (Cuando el rio suena es porque piedras lleva): This phrase means that when there are certain rumors or many people are talking about something, there is usually some truth to it, and corresponds to the English saying ‘there’s no smoke without fire’.
Don’t open your eyes wide, I’m not going to put drops in them (No me abras los ojos que no te voy a echar gotas): This expression is used as a way to respond to the action or gesture of disapproval, commonly manifested by opening one’s eyes exaggeratedly. It is a way of telling someone not to overreact, as there is no reason to do so.
The devil knows more because he is old than because he is the devil (Mas sabe el diablo por viejo que por diablo): This expression is very common among Colombian grandparents, referring to the life experience gained over the years. The saying emphasizes that wisdom and knowledge come from accumulated experience over time, rather than from a title or position.