Signification
Very close up, directly, or without warning.
Contexte culturel
In Spain, 'a bocajarro' is used almost as frequently as 'a quemarropa.' Both are common in sports newspapers like MARCA or AS. In Mexican crime journalism (nota roja), 'a quemarropa' is a standard term to describe the severity of an attack. Argentines might use 'a quemarropa' in political debates to describe a 'chicana' (a tricky or direct jab) or a tough question. The phrase is universally understood and used in telenovelas to heighten the drama of a sudden confession.
Use it for 'The Big Question'
If you are writing a story, use 'a quemarropa' when a character finally asks the secret they've been hiding. It adds instant drama.
Not for Temperature
Never use this to say food is hot. Use 'hirviendo' (boiling) or 'quemando' (burning) instead.
Signification
Very close up, directly, or without warning.
Use it for 'The Big Question'
If you are writing a story, use 'a quemarropa' when a character finally asks the secret they've been hiding. It adds instant drama.
Not for Temperature
Never use this to say food is hot. Use 'hirviendo' (boiling) or 'quemando' (burning) instead.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct meaning for 'a quemarropa' in this sentence: 'El portero paró un balón a quemarropa.'
What does it mean here?
In sports, 'a quemarropa' refers to a shot taken from a very short distance.
Fill in the missing preposition.
Me preguntó ___ quemarropa si quería el trabajo.
The fixed phrase is always 'a quemarropa'.
Match the sentence to the context.
Sentence: 'Me lo soltó a quemarropa mientras desayunábamos.'
'Soltar algo a quemarropa' means to say something surprising and direct.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¿Cómo te pidió el divorcio? B: Pues, así, __________.
It fits the context of a sudden, direct, and painful communication.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesWhat does it mean here?
In sports, 'a quemarropa' refers to a shot taken from a very short distance.
Me preguntó ___ quemarropa si quería el trabajo.
The fixed phrase is always 'a quemarropa'.
Sentence: 'Me lo soltó a quemarropa mientras desayunábamos.'
'Soltar algo a quemarropa' means to say something surprising and direct.
A: ¿Cómo te pidió el divorcio? B: Pues, así, __________.
It fits the context of a sudden, direct, and painful communication.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
3 questionsIt can be. It implies a lack of tact. If you use it to describe your own actions, you are admitting you were very direct.
Yes, but it's less common. Usually, it's for tough questions or physical attacks/shots.
There is none. It is an adverbial phrase and remains singular even if referring to multiple things.
Expressions liées
A bocajarro
synonymPoint-blank / directly.
Sin pelos en la lengua
similarTo speak one's mind bluntly.
De sopetón
similarSuddenly / all of a sudden.
Ir al grano
builds onTo get to the point.
