Meaning
People tend to take advantage of someone's misfortune or weakness.
Cultural Background
In Spain, this proverb is a staple of 'tertulias' (political talk shows). It is often used to criticize the 'chaqueterismo' (changing one's jacket/allegiance) of politicians who abandon their leader the moment they lose an election. In Mexico, the phrase is often used with a touch of 'malinchismo' or cynicism regarding social climbing. It's a warning that your 'friends' might be the first to take your 'firewood' if you fail. Argentines might use this in the context of football or high-stakes business. It reflects the 'implacable' (relentless) nature of public opinion in Buenos Aires. In Colombia, it's used to emphasize the value of loyalty. Using the phrase is often a way to shame those who are being disloyal to someone in trouble.
Use it to show empathy
Using this phrase often signals that you are a fair-minded person who doesn't like unfair criticism.
Don't over-conjugate
While you can change the verb, the proverb is most powerful in its fixed, present-tense form.
Meaning
People tend to take advantage of someone's misfortune or weakness.
Use it to show empathy
Using this phrase often signals that you are a fair-minded person who doesn't like unfair criticism.
Don't over-conjugate
While you can change the verb, the proverb is most powerful in its fixed, present-tense form.
Test Yourself
Completa la frase con la palabra correcta.
Del árbol ________, todos hacen leña.
The proverb specifically uses 'caído' (fallen) to indicate a natural or sudden collapse.
En qué situación es más apropiado usar este proverbio?
Un político muy poderoso pierde las elecciones y sus propios compañeros empiezan a decir que siempre fue un mal líder.
This situation describes people attacking a former leader once they have lost power, which is the exact meaning of the proverb.
Elige la respuesta más natural para completar el diálogo.
Persona A: '¿Viste que la tienda de ropa de la esquina cerró? Ahora todos los vecinos dicen que la ropa era de mala calidad.' Persona B: '_________________.'
Persona B is agreeing that people are criticizing the shop only after it has failed.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesDel árbol ________, todos hacen leña.
The proverb specifically uses 'caído' (fallen) to indicate a natural or sudden collapse.
Un político muy poderoso pierde las elecciones y sus propios compañeros empiezan a decir que siempre fue un mal líder.
This situation describes people attacking a former leader once they have lost power, which is the exact meaning of the proverb.
Persona A: '¿Viste que la tienda de ropa de la esquina cerró? Ahora todos los vecinos dicen que la ropa era de mala calidad.' Persona B: '_________________.'
Persona B is agreeing that people are criticizing the shop only after it has failed.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsNo, it's not offensive. It's a critical observation of behavior. However, if you use it to *encourage* making firewood, you might sound mean.
It's better for significant 'falls'—losing a job, a big scandal, or a major failure. For small things, it might sound too dramatic.
'Madera' is the material (wood). 'Leña' is specifically wood for burning (firewood). The proverb uses 'leña' because it implies the person's reputation is being 'burned' or used up.
Related Phrases
Hacer leña del árbol caído
specialized formTo actively take advantage of or criticize someone in disgrace.
A perro flaco, todo son pulgas
similarWhen things go wrong, they keep going wrong.
Echar sal en la herida
similarTo make a painful situation even worse.
Leña al fuego
builds onTo add fuel to the fire.
