Meaning
To celebrate or carry someone with great enthusiasm and support, often literally.
Cultural Background
In bullfighting, 'salir a hombros por la Puerta Grande' is the highest honor, and it is the literal definition of being carried 'en volandas'. During the feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe, many pilgrims are supported 'en volandas' by the sheer energy of the crowd. Football culture in Argentina is so intense that 'llevar en volandas' is a standard phrase in sports journalism to describe the '12th player' (the fans). The phrase reflects the importance of 'el grupo' over 'el individuo' in moments of crisis or celebration.
Use it in Sports
If you want to sound like a native Spanish sports fan, use this phrase to describe a comeback victory.
Personal 'a'
Don't forget the 'a' before the person. 'Llevar a mi hermano', not 'Llevar mi hermano'.
Meaning
To celebrate or carry someone with great enthusiasm and support, often literally.
Use it in Sports
If you want to sound like a native Spanish sports fan, use this phrase to describe a comeback victory.
Personal 'a'
Don't forget the 'a' before the person. 'Llevar a mi hermano', not 'Llevar mi hermano'.
Figurative Power
Use it in job interviews to describe how you work in a team: 'Me gusta llevar en volandas a mis compañeros'.
Test Yourself
Completa la frase con la forma correcta.
Cuando ganamos el campeonato, los fans nos llevaron en ________.
The fixed idiom is 'en volandas'.
Which sentence uses the phrase figuratively?
Selecciona la opción figurada:
This refers to emotional support, not physical lifting.
Completa el diálogo.
A: ¿Cómo lograste terminar el trabajo tan rápido? B: Mis compañeros ________.
This correctly uses the object pronoun 'me' and the full idiom.
Match the situation to the phrase.
Un torero sale de la plaza después de una gran actuación.
This is the classic literal context for the phrase.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesCuando ganamos el campeonato, los fans nos llevaron en ________.
The fixed idiom is 'en volandas'.
Selecciona la opción figurada:
This refers to emotional support, not physical lifting.
A: ¿Cómo lograste terminar el trabajo tan rápido? B: Mis compañeros ________.
This correctly uses the object pronoun 'me' and the full idiom.
Un torero sale de la plaza después de una gran actuación.
This is the classic literal context for the phrase.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it only exists in this idiom and a few very rare archaic forms. You won't use it on its own.
Usually no. It's for people. However, you can use it for 'projects' or 'ideas' if you are being poetic.
It's neutral. You can use it with friends or in a newspaper article.
'En hombros' is strictly physical. 'En volandas' can be physical or metaphorical support.
Technically yes, if you are celebrating the dog, but it sounds a bit funny!
Almost always. It implies a positive movement toward a goal or a celebration.
Yes, though it is slightly more common in Spain due to the bullfighting and Holy Week traditions.
Yes, 'traer en volandas' means to bring someone toward you with that same support.
It is always 'en volandas'.
'Llevar en volandas' is a great translation for that, especially if it's done quickly.
Related Phrases
Llevar en hombros
synonymTo carry on shoulders.
Poner por las nubes
similarTo praise someone highly.
A pulso
contrastBy one's own effort.
Salir por la puerta grande
builds onTo succeed brilliantly.
