Learning to Cover the Sun with My Finger (Part II)

Tapar El Sol Con Un Dedo

I like this saying as well. It means something like “to avoid a big problem with a simple solution”, although it translates literally as covering up the sun with a finger. It brings to mind a brilliant image of someone covering up the sun and pretending that it doesn’t exist, and this memorable image is what makes it so easy to remember. When you finish your Spanish lessons I would suggest looking for a book of Spanish expressions, as you will find lots of great phrases like this one in it and it will be a lot more interesting than reading a dictionary.

Cuando El Rio Suena Piedras Trae

This is probably my favourite expression, though. You probably won’t hear it during your Spanish courses and, to be honest, it isn’t the type of saying you will come across a lot in real life either. However, it is well worth listening out for, and you can impress people by using it now and then. It means something along the lines of “there’s no smoke without fire” although literally translated it is “when the river sounds it bring stones”. I managed to fit into a conversation the other day and felt pretty pleased with myself. It didn’t last for long though, as it was shortly after this that I realised that my car keys were still in the ignition.