Cuando las barbas de tu vecino veas pelar, pon las tuyas a remojar
When your neighbor's beard you see shaved, put yours to soak
Signification
Learn from others' misfortunes and take precautions for yourself.
Contexte culturel
In Spain, the 'refranero' (collection of proverbs) is a point of pride. Using this phrase shows a connection to rural, traditional roots, even in a modern city like Madrid. In Mexico, you might hear 'arder' instead of 'pelar.' The sentiment remains identical: watch out when your neighbor is in trouble. Argentines use many Italian-influenced idioms, but this classic Spanish proverb remains a staple, especially in economic contexts given the country's history of inflation. In Colombia, proverbs are often used by grandparents to teach 'malicia indígena' (native shrewdness/wisdom).
The Half-Proverb Trick
In Spain, you can just say 'Cuando las barbas de tu vecino veas pelar...' and stop there. Everyone knows the rest, and it sounds very native.
Don't use for hair
Even though 'pelar' can mean getting a haircut, this phrase is never used for actual haircuts. It's strictly metaphorical.
Signification
Learn from others' misfortunes and take precautions for yourself.
The Half-Proverb Trick
In Spain, you can just say 'Cuando las barbas de tu vecino veas pelar...' and stop there. Everyone knows the rest, and it sounds very native.
Don't use for hair
Even though 'pelar' can mean getting a haircut, this phrase is never used for actual haircuts. It's strictly metaphorical.
Arder vs Pelar
If you are in Mexico or Colombia, 'arder' (to burn) might sound more natural than 'pelar.'
Teste-toi
Completa el refrán con las palabras correctas.
Cuando las _______ de tu vecino veas _______, pon las tuyas a _______.
El refrán original usa 'barbas', 'pelar' y 'remojar'.
En qué situación usarías este refrán?
Tu colega ha sido regañado por usar el móvil en el trabajo.
Debes aprender del error de tu colega para que no te regañen a ti.
Cuál es el significado correcto de 'pon las tuyas a remojar'?
En el contexto del refrán, esto significa:
Es una metáfora de preparación y prevención.
Completa el diálogo.
—¿Has oído que van a cerrar la sucursal del banco de la esquina? —Sí, ya he sacado mis ahorros. —¡Bien hecho! Ya sabes lo que dicen: cuando las barbas de tu vecino...
Es la terminación estándar del refrán.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesCuando las _______ de tu vecino veas _______, pon las tuyas a _______.
El refrán original usa 'barbas', 'pelar' y 'remojar'.
Tu colega ha sido regañado por usar el móvil en el trabajo.
Debes aprender del error de tu colega para que no te regañen a ti.
En el contexto del refrán, esto significa:
Es una metáfora de preparación y prevención.
—¿Has oído que van a cerrar la sucursal del banco de la esquina? —Sí, ya he sacado mis ahorros. —¡Bien hecho! Ya sabes lo que dicen: cuando las barbas de tu vecino...
Es la terminación estándar del refrán.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, though more often in a slightly ironic or humorous way, or when discussing serious topics like the economy.
Absolutely. It's a very professional way to suggest caution without sounding like you're panicking.
Historically, beards were a symbol of status and manhood. Touching or cutting someone's beard was a very significant act.
In the formal proverb, yes. Using 'ves' is considered a grammatical error by most educated speakers.
It means to soak something in liquid, like soaking beans before cooking or soaking a beard before shaving.
No, it's only for negative events or warnings.
Yes: 'Poner las barbas a remojar' is the verb phrase version used in sentences.
Not usually, but be careful not to sound like you are happy about the neighbor's misfortune.
Yes, it is one of the most universal Spanish proverbs.
'Forewarned is forearmed' is the closest in meaning.
Expressions liées
Guerra avisada no mata soldado
similarA warned war doesn't kill soldiers.
Más vale prevenir que lamentar
similarBetter to prevent than to lament.
Ver la paja en el ojo ajeno
contrastTo see the straw in someone else's eye.
Escarmiento en cabeza ajena
synonymLearning a lesson through someone else's head/experience.
