Signification
To make a mistake or say something inappropriate.
Contexte culturel
In Spain, 'meter la pata' is often followed by the expression 'Tierra, trágame' (Earth, swallow me), expressing the desire to disappear from embarrassment. While 'meter la pata' is common, Mexicans also use 'regarla' (to water it) to mean the same thing. In Argentina, 'meter la pata' is standard, but you might also hear 'mandarse una macana' for making a mistake. Colombians might use 'embarrarla' (to muddy it) as a very common synonym for 'meter la pata'.
Use it to be likable
Admitting you 'metiste la pata' makes you seem more human and humble to native speakers.
Not for 'pie'
Never say 'meter el pie'. It sounds like you are literally putting your foot in a hole.
Signification
To make a mistake or say something inappropriate.
Use it to be likable
Admitting you 'metiste la pata' makes you seem more human and humble to native speakers.
Not for 'pie'
Never say 'meter el pie'. It sounds like you are literally putting your foot in a hole.
The 'Hasta el fondo' trick
Add 'hasta el fondo' to make your story sound more dramatic and native-like.
Regional variations
In Mexico, 'la regué' is just as common as 'metí la pata'.
Teste-toi
Conjugate the verb 'meter' in the Pretérito Indefinido (Past Tense).
Ayer yo ________ la pata en la cena con mis suegros.
The sentence refers to 'Ayer' (yesterday), so we need the first-person singular past tense: 'metí'.
Which of these is the correct idiom?
No quiero...
The standard idiom is always 'meter la pata'.
Match the situation to the phrase.
You accidentally told your sister about her surprise party.
Revealing a surprise is a classic 'metedura de pata'.
Complete the dialogue.
Juan: '¿Le dijiste a la jefa que el proyecto es aburrido?' Tú: 'Sí, lo siento. ________.'
'Hasta el fondo' is used to emphasize a big mistake, like insulting your boss's project.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Meter la pata vs. Equivocarse
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesAyer yo ________ la pata en la cena con mis suegros.
The sentence refers to 'Ayer' (yesterday), so we need the first-person singular past tense: 'metí'.
No quiero...
The standard idiom is always 'meter la pata'.
You accidentally told your sister about her surprise party.
Revealing a surprise is a classic 'metedura de pata'.
Juan: '¿Le dijiste a la jefa que el proyecto es aburrido?' Tú: 'Sí, lo siento. ________.'
'Hasta el fondo' is used to emphasize a big mistake, like insulting your boss's project.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's informal but safe for most social and work situations.
You can, but 'me equivoqué' is more common for technical mistakes.
'Cagarla' is vulgar (slang) and much stronger. Use 'meter la pata' in polite company.
Use 'Metí la pata hasta el fondo'.
Yes, it is universally understood from Spain to Argentina.
Yes, that is the noun form meaning 'a blunder'.
It is always 'la pata' (the leg).
It's better to use 'cometer un error' to sound more professional, unless you are telling a funny story.
In literal terms, yes, or the leg of a piece of furniture.
There isn't a direct idiomatic opposite, but 'acertar' (to get it right) or 'hacerlo bien' works.
Expressions liées
meter la mano
similarTo intervene or sometimes to steal.
meter el cuezo
synonymTo make a mistake (Spain).
irse de la lengua
specialized formTo talk too much or reveal a secret.
poner el dedo en la llaga
contrastTo touch a sore spot.
dar un traspié
similarTo trip or have a setback.
