Al paredón

[ROBINDESBOIS]

Hola a todos, me gustaría saber si existe una expresión similar en inglés a "al paredón", que normalmente la usamos cuando nos enfrentamos a algo díficil, como un examen oral, una visita médica con cierta incertidumbre etc... justo segundos antes de afrontarlo decimos "al paredón". Gracias.

[hermit]

yes, in english one would say "your back is to the wall", or "you're up
against the wall".

hermit

[ROBINDESBOIS]

Thank you hermit. Can you say just " to the wall " I guess not.

[poli]

You guessed right. My back is to the wall is the way to say it.
A similar phrase is " between a rock and a hard place" (entre la espada y la pared)

[AngelicaDeAlquezar]

"Al paredón" had the meaning that you would be shot to death by a firing squad. You're facing a fatal situation (obviously in a figured sense you'll be executed)but it's like a "higher power" determines that situation.

"Entre la espada y la pared" gives more an idea of a fight, so either you put yourself in such a situation, or at least you'll have a chance to "bargain" with the sword and get out "alive".

[ROBINDESBOIS]

Si, claro muy buena definición. Entonces supongamos que alguien va a enferentarse a un examen oral, y el profesor dice : CHicos al paredón, how do you translate that into ENglish ? I´m sure there is something simple and to the point.

[poli]

Up against the wall!(tal vez seguido por)--with your hands up.
Si un pedagoga lo hace espero que lo hace en un modo chistoso..
Parece más algo un policia dice contra alguien que sorpechan hacer un acto grave.

[AngelicaDeAlquezar]

Justo, Poli, ésa es la intención.

[ROBINDESBOIS]

Bueno en España se usa, por que como bien apuntó Angelica en su día : Al paredón" had the meaning that you would be shot to death by a firing squad. You're facing a fatal situation (obviously in a figured sense you'll be executed)but it's like a "higher power" determines that situation.
Pero todo el mundo entiende la expresión y puede que se diga en tono humorístico, precisamente para decir que no va a pasar nada grave.