Meaning
To spend excessively, often for a celebration or special occasion.
Cultural Background
In Spain, this phrase is often associated with 'El Gordo', the massive Christmas lottery. Winners are expected to 'tirar la casa por la ventana' by inviting the whole village to drinks. The 'Quinceañera' is the prime example. Families may spend their entire savings on this one night, literally 'echando la casa por la ventana'. Argentines use it frequently for 'asados' (barbecues) that turn into massive events with high-quality meats and many guests. In Colombia, it's common during 'Las Novenas' in December, where hosts might spend a lot on food and gifts for neighbors.
Use it for 'Splurging'
If you want to sound like a native when you buy something expensive just for fun, use this phrase instead of just saying 'es caro'.
Don't use for accidents
If you lose your wallet, you didn't 'tirar la casa por la ventana'. That phrase implies you *chose* to spend the money.
Meaning
To spend excessively, often for a celebration or special occasion.
Use it for 'Splurging'
If you want to sound like a native when you buy something expensive just for fun, use this phrase instead of just saying 'es caro'.
Don't use for accidents
If you lose your wallet, you didn't 'tirar la casa por la ventana'. That phrase implies you *chose* to spend the money.
Echar vs Tirar
If you are in Mexico, use 'Echar'. If you are in Spain, use 'Tirar'. Both are understood everywhere, but these are the local preferences.
Test Yourself
Complete the idiom with the correct words.
Para la fiesta de graduación, mis padres decidieron tirar la ____ por la ____.
The fixed idiom is 'tirar la casa por la ventana'.
Which situation best fits the idiom?
Juan tiró la casa por la ventana el sábado.
The idiom refers to extravagant spending for a celebration.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¿Viste la boda de Sofía? B: ¡Sí! Fue increíble. Realmente ____.
This is the natural way to comment on a lavish wedding.
Match the phrase to the intent.
Match 'Tirar la casa por la ventana' with its purpose.
The idiom is used for big celebrations.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesPara la fiesta de graduación, mis padres decidieron tirar la ____ por la ____.
The fixed idiom is 'tirar la casa por la ventana'.
Juan tiró la casa por la ventana el sábado.
The idiom refers to extravagant spending for a celebration.
A: ¿Viste la boda de Sofía? B: ¡Sí! Fue increíble. Realmente ____.
This is the natural way to comment on a lavish wedding.
Match 'Tirar la casa por la ventana' with its purpose.
The idiom is used for big celebrations.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsNo, it's generally a positive or neutral observation. It can be used as a compliment to a host's generosity.
No, it specifically refers to large, significant expenses that are unusual for the person.
You conjugate 'tirar'. For example: 'Ellos tiraron la casa por la ventana'.
In formal settings, you would say 'hacer un gran desembolso' or 'no escatimar en gastos'.
You can, but it means wasting money on something stupid, not celebrating.
Related Phrases
Gastar a manos llenas
synonymTo spend money very freely.
Costar un ojo de la cara
similarTo be very expensive.
Ser un agarrado
contrastTo be stingy/cheap.
Echar el resto
similarTo give one's all (often financially).
