Meaning
To state something explicitly, ensuring there are no misunderstandings.
Cultural Background
There is a famous proverb: 'Las cosas claras y el chocolate espeso' (Things clear and chocolate thick). It means that just as chocolate should be thick, communication should be transparent and direct. In Mexico, people often use the diminutive 'clarito' to soften the impact of the phrase, making it sound less like a confrontation and more like a friendly clarification. Argentines are known for being very 'frontales' (direct). Using 'dejar las cosas claras' is very common in 'asados' (barbecues) when friends discuss politics or football to avoid long-term grudges. In formal Colombian Spanish, you might hear 'poner las cartas sobre la mesa' more often in business, while 'dejar las cosas claras' is reserved for very personal or emotional clarifications.
Use 'Lo'
If you forget 'las cosas,' just say 'Quiero dejarlo claro.' It's shorter and very natural.
Watch your tone
This phrase can sound like an ultimatum if said too loudly. Keep your voice calm to remain professional.
Meaning
To state something explicitly, ensuring there are no misunderstandings.
Use 'Lo'
If you forget 'las cosas,' just say 'Quiero dejarlo claro.' It's shorter and very natural.
Watch your tone
This phrase can sound like an ultimatum if said too loudly. Keep your voice calm to remain professional.
The Chocolate Proverb
Mentioning 'las cosas claras y el chocolate espeso' will make you sound like a native speaker!
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing verb in the correct form (Present Tense).
Yo siempre _______ las cosas claras con mi jefe.
The idiom always uses the verb 'dejar.'
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct option:
'Cosas' is feminine plural, so 'claras' must match.
Match the situation to the best use of the phrase.
You are starting a business partnership and want to discuss money.
This is a professional and appropriate use of the phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
A: No entiendo por qué estás enfadada conmigo. B: Pues vamos a __________, no me llamaste en mi cumpleaños.
This fits the context of resolving a misunderstanding.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Clarity vs. Precision
Practice Bank
4 exercisesYo siempre _______ las cosas claras con mi jefe.
The idiom always uses the verb 'dejar.'
Select the correct option:
'Cosas' is feminine plural, so 'claras' must match.
You are starting a business partnership and want to discuss money.
This is a professional and appropriate use of the phrase.
A: No entiendo por qué estás enfadada conmigo. B: Pues vamos a __________, no me llamaste en mi cumpleaños.
This fits the context of resolving a misunderstanding.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, suena muy poco natural. Siempre usa el verbo 'dejar'.
No, es una frase de honestidad. Pero depende de tu tono de voz.
'Aclarar' es un verbo simple (to clarify). 'Dejar las cosas claras' es más enfático y emocional.
Sí, es universalmente entendida en España y Latinoamérica.
Sí, es perfecta para correos profesionales donde necesitas confirmar acuerdos.
Porque debe concordar con 'las cosas' (femenino plural).
Ambas son correctas. 'Dejarlo claro' es un poco más informal y rápido.
¡Nunca! Pero es mejor hacerlo al principio de una relación o proyecto.
Mucho. Los políticos la usan para desmentir rumores.
Sí, 'cantar las cuarenta' es mucho más fuerte y agresivo.
Related Phrases
Poner los puntos sobre las íes
similarTo be very precise and detailed.
Hablar en plata
synonymTo speak clearly and bluntly.
Cantar las cuarenta
specialized formTo tell someone off.
No tener pelos en la lengua
builds onTo have no filter when speaking.
