المعنى
To finally yield or concede after initial resistance.
خلفية ثقافية
In Spain, the phrase is often linked to the concept of 'cabezonería' (stubbornness), which is stereotypically associated with people from certain regions like Aragon. It's used frequently in sports journalism when a team refuses to lose. In Mexico, while the phrase is common, you might also hear 'no doblar las manos', which carries a very similar meaning of not yielding or not giving up. In Argentina, 'torcer el brazo' is often used in a political sense to describe one power group forcing another to change its mind. It feels slightly more aggressive than in Spain. In Colombia, the phrase is used in business and family life to describe someone who is 'firme' (firm). Giving in is seen as a significant social concession.
Use Possessives
It sounds much more natural to say 'No dio SU brazo a torcer' than 'No dio EL brazo a torcer'.
Don't use for 'helping'
Remember this is about stubbornness, not physical help. To help is 'dar una mano' or 'echar una mano'.
المعنى
To finally yield or concede after initial resistance.
Use Possessives
It sounds much more natural to say 'No dio SU brazo a torcer' than 'No dio EL brazo a torcer'.
Don't use for 'helping'
Remember this is about stubbornness, not physical help. To help is 'dar una mano' or 'echar una mano'.
The 'Pulso' Context
If you want to sound like a native, use the word 'pulso' to describe the situation leading up to it: 'Hay un pulso entre el director y los empleados'.
اختبر نفسك
Completa la frase con la forma correcta del verbo 'dar'.
Ayer, después de mucho insistir, mi jefe finalmente ______ su brazo a torcer y me dio el día libre.
We use the preterite 'dio' because it refers to a specific completed action in the past (ayer).
¿Qué significa realmente 'dar el brazo a torcer'?
Selecciona la definición correcta:
The phrase is a metaphor for yielding after a period of stubbornness.
Completa el diálogo de forma natural.
Ana: '¿Convenciste a tu padre de prestarte el coche?' Luis: 'No, es muy testarudo. No ______.'
The idiom specifically uses 'brazo' and 'torcer'.
Relaciona la situación con la frase más adecuada.
Situación: Un político cambia su opinión tras ver que todo el pueblo está en contra.
This situation describes a concession after pressure, which is the perfect use for the idiom.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
وسائل تعلم بصرية
بنك التمارين
4 تمارينAyer, después de mucho insistir, mi jefe finalmente ______ su brazo a torcer y me dio el día libre.
We use the preterite 'dio' because it refers to a specific completed action in the past (ayer).
Selecciona la definición correcta:
The phrase is a metaphor for yielding after a period of stubbornness.
Ana: '¿Convenciste a tu padre de prestarte el coche?' Luis: 'No, es muy testarudo. No ______.'
The idiom specifically uses 'brazo' and 'torcer'.
Situación: Un político cambia su opinión tras ver que todo el pueblo está en contra.
This situation describes a concession after pressure, which is the perfect use for the idiom.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
الأسئلة الشائعة
5 أسئلةNo, it's neutral. However, calling someone 'alguien que nunca da su brazo a torcer' implies they are stubborn, which could be perceived as a negative trait depending on the context.
Yes! You can praise someone for being firm: 'Me gusta que no des tu brazo a torcer por tus principios' (I like that you don't yield on your principles).
'Ceder' is the direct verb for 'to yield'. 'Dar el brazo a torcer' is more idiomatic and emphasizes the struggle or the stubbornness that existed before yielding.
Yes, it is universally understood from Spain to Argentina, though regional variations like 'torcer el brazo' exist.
No, it is only for people's opinions, decisions, or wills. You wouldn't use it for a literal metal bar that you are trying to bend.
عبارات ذات صلة
No bajarse del burro
synonymTo refuse to admit one's mistake or change one's mind.
Cerrarse en banda
similarTo refuse to listen to any reason or argument.
Echar un pulso
builds onTo engage in a trial of strength or a standoff.
Pasar por el aro
similarTo accept something you don't like because you have no choice.
