Borra con el codo lo que escribe con la mano.
Erase with the elbow what is written by hand.
معنی
To contradict oneself or undo one's own actions or words.
زمینه فرهنگی
In Spain, this phrase is a favorite of political columnists in newspapers like El País or El Mundo to describe 'giros de 180 grados' (180-degree turns) in government policy. In Mexico, the phrase is often used in the context of 'la palabra de honor'. Breaking a verbal agreement is seen as a significant social slight. Argentines might use this phrase during 'asados' (barbecues) when discussing football or politics, often with a touch of sarcasm or 'ironía'. In Colombia, the phrase is used to emphasize 'transparencia'. It is common in family settings to teach children about the importance of consistency.
Use it for emphasis
This phrase is much more impactful than simply saying 'él mintió' (he lied). It paints a picture of someone sabotaging their own work.
Don't over-possess
Remember to say 'con la mano', not 'con su mano'. Using 'su' sounds like a direct translation from English and is less natural in Spanish.
معنی
To contradict oneself or undo one's own actions or words.
Use it for emphasis
This phrase is much more impactful than simply saying 'él mintió' (he lied). It paints a picture of someone sabotaging their own work.
Don't over-possess
Remember to say 'con la mano', not 'con su mano'. Using 'su' sounds like a direct translation from English and is less natural in Spanish.
The 'Short' Version
If you are in a hurry, you can just say 'No borres con el codo'. Everyone will understand the full meaning.
خودت رو بسنج
Completa la frase con las palabras correctas.
No puedes borrar con el _______ lo que escribiste con la _______.
The proverb specifically uses 'codo' (elbow) for erasing and 'mano' (hand) for writing.
Which situation best describes 'borrar con el codo lo que se escribe con la mano'?
Situación: Un político promete no subir el precio del metro, pero al día siguiente de ganar, lo sube un 20%.
This is a classic example of contradicting a promise immediately after making it.
Selecciona la forma gramaticalmente correcta.
Juan siempre...
The verbs must agree with the subject (Juan - 3rd person singular).
Completa el diálogo.
Marta: 'Dijiste que vendrías a mi fiesta, pero ahora te vas a la playa.' Luis: 'Lo siento, cambié de opinión.' Marta: '¡Qué mal! Tú siempre...'
Marta is calling out Luis's inconsistency using the full proverb.
Match the Spanish phrase with its English equivalent concept.
Match the following:
All pairs are correctly matched to their conceptual equivalents.
🎉 امتیاز: /5
ابزارهای بصری یادگیری
بانک تمرین
5 تمرینهاNo puedes borrar con el _______ lo que escribiste con la _______.
The proverb specifically uses 'codo' (elbow) for erasing and 'mano' (hand) for writing.
Situación: Un político promete no subir el precio del metro, pero al día siguiente de ganar, lo sube un 20%.
This is a classic example of contradicting a promise immediately after making it.
Juan siempre...
The verbs must agree with the subject (Juan - 3rd person singular).
Marta: 'Dijiste que vendrías a mi fiesta, pero ahora te vas a la playa.' Luis: 'Lo siento, cambié de opinión.' Marta: '¡Qué mal! Tú siempre...'
Marta is calling out Luis's inconsistency using the full proverb.
هر مورد سمت چپ را با جفتش در سمت راست مطابقت دهید:
All pairs are correctly matched to their conceptual equivalents.
🎉 امتیاز: /5
سوالات متداول
10 سوالIt is not vulgar, but it is a strong criticism. It's like calling someone a hypocrite or unreliable.
Yes, if you want to admit you were inconsistent. 'Siento que borré con el codo lo que escribí con la mano'.
Yes, it is a universal Spanish proverb, though it might be slightly more common in Spain and Mexico.
'Mentir' is just telling a lie. This phrase is specifically about the contradiction between a previous statement and a current action.
It might be a bit too informal or confrontational for a standard email. Better to use 'inconsistencia' or 'cambio de postura'.
No, it is almost always used for verbal promises or general actions, not literal writing.
Not really. To express the opposite, you would say 'Es una persona de palabra' (He/She is a person of their word).
Usually in the present (borra) or past (borró). It follows regular -ar verb patterns.
Yes, it acts as the object 'that which'. Without it, the sentence doesn't make sense.
No, the proverb specifically uses 'codo'. Using 'brazo' (arm) would sound wrong to a native speaker.
عبارات مرتبط
Donde dije digo, digo Diego
similarTo change what one said by pretending to have said something else.
Ser un veleta
similarTo be like a weather vane (changing mind constantly).
Caerse de su palabra
synonymTo fail to keep one's word.
Mantenerse en sus trece
contrastTo stick to one's guns / stay firm in an opinion.
Palabra de rey no vuelve atrás
contrastA king's word is final.
