The straw that broke the camel’s back.
La gallina vieja da buen caldo
Just because a woman is older does not mean that the sex is not good. In fact, it may be better because she has experience in the matter.
La fiebre no está en la sábana, está en el enfermo
Look for the cause of the problem where it is. In this example, look for the disease by studying the sick person, not by reviewing their bed sheets (that have nothing to do with it).
La fe mueve montañas
Faith will move mountains. Having faith in someone or something is such a strong power that it can achieve impossible events, such as moving mountains.
La envidia es una mala consejera
The envy that someone has for others can push them to do something unethical in an attempt to achieve the same level as the other people.
La curiosidad mató al gato
Curiosity killed the cat. Being curious about people and situations can sometimes get you in trouble.
La culpa es tan fea que nadie quiere cargar con ella
No one ever takes the blame. People don’t stand up and admit when they’re wrong.
La cuestión no es llegar, sino quedarse
What is important is not to obtain something, but to show how well you can use it. For example, getting a job is not what is important, however working well and showing your expertise.
La carne no esta en garabatos por falta de gatos
Points out that a situation has not occurred not from lack of trying.
La caridad empieza por casa
Charity begins at home. Pay attention to your surroundings before you start thinking about other things further away. If you are going to help others, help your neighbors first, before helping people in other cities or countries.
La ausencia causa olvido
Out of sight, out of mind. Once a person is gone from your view (often in a romantic sense) it is easy to forget about them, and move on.
La agonía es larga pero la muerte es segura
Nothing lasts forever. Said to someone that is suffering through a problem or situation, consoling them that eventually they will die and the problem will go away.
Juntos pero no revueltos
a romantic couple who is not too serious
Irse con la música a otra parte
When someone is bothering you, this phrase is an indirect way of telling them to go somewhere else, and stop bothering you.
Irse como guineo en boca de vieja
To move rapidly, to go by quickly
Ir contra viento y marea
Fight against all odds. To achieve something against all possibilities, Overcome difficult obstacles.
Huele a sicote
Something smells here. This is a bad situation. Something is not right here.
Hoy vivo, mañana muerto
Here today, gone tomorrow. Highlights both the mortality of humans, and the unexpectedness with which death can arrive.
Hoy por ti, mañana por mi
You owe me one. Comment made after helping a friend out of a jam, highlights that you expect the same in return in the future.
Honor, a quien honor merece
Give credit where credit is due. You should recognize people for the good they have done.
Hombre precavido vale por dos
The person that anticipates events is worth extra
Hijo eres, padre serás, según lo hiciste, así lo verás
What goes around comes around. Whatever you did as a child, your children will do the same thing to you.
Hijo de gato, caza ratón
Like father, like son. Children mimic what they see their parents doing.
Hiciste como San Blas, comistes y te vas
Criticizes the person that arrives for dinner, eats and then immediately leaves. Someone does this regularly comes off as a freeloader and rude.
Haz bien y no mires a quien
Worry about yourself and how you act, you do not need to compare yourself to others and see what they’re up to.
Hay que ver para creer
Seeing is believing. Something so unbelievable has happened, that the only way that people will believe it is by seeing it themselves.
Hay que sembrar para cosechar
In order to receive the benefits of something, a person must first plan and prepare so that those benefits appear.
Hay que sacarle las castañas del fuego
To remove yourself from a bad situation. To pull back to avoid becoming involved.
Hay que llevar dos sacos, uno para dar y otro para recibir
Be prepared for anything
Hay que leerle la cartilla
Put someone in his place. When someone steps out of line, it is necessary to remind them of their status or position.