Ask a Question

(Create a thread)
Go Back   Spanish language learning forums > Spanish & English Languages > Vocabulary > Idioms & Sayings


Dar un paso de menos

 

An idiom is an expression whose meaning is not readily apparent based on the individual words in the expression. This forum is dedicated to discussing idioms and other sayings.


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old June 25, 2009, 09:41 AM
poli's Avatar
poli poli is offline
rule 1: gravity
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: In and around New York
Posts: 7,810
Native Language: English
poli will become famous soon enoughpoli will become famous soon enough
Dar un paso de menos

What does it mean?
__________________
Me ayuda si corrige mis errores. Gracias.
Reply With Quote
   
Get rid of these ads by registering for a free Tomísimo account.
  #2  
Old June 25, 2009, 09:59 AM
Rusty's Avatar
Rusty Rusty is online now
Señor Speedy
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: USA
Posts: 11,299
Native Language: American English
Rusty has a spectacular aura aboutRusty has a spectacular aura about
I'd like to add a few sentences. Sometimes context (and maybe I haven't provided enough) can make a lot of difference in the answer you'll get.

¡Cuidado! Un paso de más o un paso de menos puede ser la muerte.
Él dio un paso de menos al día.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old June 25, 2009, 10:05 AM
poli's Avatar
poli poli is offline
rule 1: gravity
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: In and around New York
Posts: 7,810
Native Language: English
poli will become famous soon enoughpoli will become famous soon enough
misstep
__________________
Me ayuda si corrige mis errores. Gracias.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old June 25, 2009, 11:19 AM
irmamar's Avatar
irmamar irmamar is offline
Diamond
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 7,071
Native Language: Español
irmamar is on a distinguished road
I'd say "dar un paso atrás".
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old June 25, 2009, 11:33 AM
AngelicaDeAlquezar's Avatar
AngelicaDeAlquezar AngelicaDeAlquezar is online now
Obsidiana
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Mexico City
Posts: 9,038
Native Language: Mexican Spanish
AngelicaDeAlquezar is on a distinguished road
I agree with Rusty that more context would help to find the right answer... Could it be something like "Quedarse a un paso de (hacer) algo"?
__________________
Ain't it wonderful to be alive when the Rock'n'Roll plays...
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old June 25, 2009, 11:44 AM
poli's Avatar
poli poli is offline
rule 1: gravity
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: In and around New York
Posts: 7,810
Native Language: English
poli will become famous soon enoughpoli will become famous soon enough
"Creían ser felices, y tal vez lo eran, hasta que uno lo los dos decía una palabra de más o daba un paso de menos, y la noche se pudría en un pleito de vándalos que desmoralizaba a los mastines" Gabriel Garcia Marquez
__________________
Me ayuda si corrige mis errores. Gracias.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old June 25, 2009, 11:50 AM
AngelicaDeAlquezar's Avatar
AngelicaDeAlquezar AngelicaDeAlquezar is online now
Obsidiana
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Mexico City
Posts: 9,038
Native Language: Mexican Spanish
AngelicaDeAlquezar is on a distinguished road
Hasta que uno decía algo inapropiado o hacía menos de lo que se esperaba (para acercarse al otro).
__________________
Ain't it wonderful to be alive when the Rock'n'Roll plays...
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old June 25, 2009, 11:53 AM
irmamar's Avatar
irmamar irmamar is offline
Diamond
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 7,071
Native Language: Español
irmamar is on a distinguished road
Quote:
Originally Posted by AngelicaDeAlquezar View Post
Hasta que uno decía algo inapropiado o hacía menos de lo que se esperaba (para acercarse al otro).
But do you say "un paso de menos"? Because he could be playing with "de más"/"de menos"
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old June 25, 2009, 11:56 AM
poli's Avatar
poli poli is offline
rule 1: gravity
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: In and around New York
Posts: 7,810
Native Language: English
poli will become famous soon enoughpoli will become famous soon enough
Yes, it is now clear that he is playing with words. What a great author!
How hard to read, but worthwhile.
__________________
Me ayuda si corrige mis errores. Gracias.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old June 25, 2009, 12:03 PM
irmamar's Avatar
irmamar irmamar is offline
Diamond
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 7,071
Native Language: Español
irmamar is on a distinguished road
Quote:
Originally Posted by poli View Post
Yes, it is now clear that he is playing with words. What a great author!
How hard to read, but worthwhile.
You must be proud of yourself if you're able to read García Márquez in Spanish! Congratulations!
Reply With Quote
Reply

 

Link to this thread
URL: 
HTML Link: 
BB Code: 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Site Rules

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Dar la talla poli Idioms & Sayings 6 May 04, 2009 11:01 AM
El verbo dar Jessica Practice & Homework 1 April 21, 2009 07:52 PM
Salir al paso poli Idioms & Sayings 16 April 02, 2009 05:44 AM
Por lo que and por lo menos soyricogringo Vocabulary 5 October 02, 2008 07:59 PM
Los que no son de paso poli Idioms & Sayings 2 September 10, 2008 07:42 AM


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 03:24 PM.

Forum powered by vBulletin® Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.

X