Any family problems should be handled in private and not shared with neighbors, friends, etc.
La práctica hace el maestro
Practice makes perfect. By practicing a person can achieve a high level of expertise that would not otherwise be possible.
La mujer es como el espejo, si se toca mucho se empaña
Wisdom given to make sure that a woman protects her image.
La luz de alante es la que alumbra
The grass is greener on the other side. No matter where you are, things always look better somewhere else. For example, you may have a wonderful family and home, but you may wish to be in your neighbor’s situation, simply because it is different than yours.
La luna no es de queso ni se come con melao
Not as easy as it looks. Something may look simple, but it is actually complicated or involved.
La ley entra por la casa
Lead by example, Actions speak louder than words. It is better to be an example for people, showing them how to act, than for you to tell them how they should act and living your life differently.
La ley de Dios no tiene trampa
You get what you deserve. Since God never makes mistakes, whatever happens to you is something that you deserved.
La lengua es arma de doble filo
It is possible to influence people positively through one’s words, but at the same time it is just as easy to cause problems by speaking negatively.
La ignorancia es atrevida
Being ignorant of the dangers involved in an action, people sometimes move forward with their plans. If they were more aware of the dangers, they would not have pushed forward.
La gota que colmó la copa
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