Meaning
There is no danger or obstacle; it is safe to proceed.
Cultural Background
In Spain, the phrase is deeply tied to the 'Torres de Vigía' (Watchtowers) seen along the Mediterranean coast, especially in regions like Alicante and Málaga. In Mexico, the phrase is widely used and understood, though the historical connection to Berber pirates is less immediate. It is used purely as a social idiom. Argentines use this phrase frequently in casual conversation, often with a very informal tone, sometimes shortening it to just 'No hay moros'. The term 'moro' has various meanings in the Spanish-speaking world, ranging from historical to culinary (e.g., 'Moros y Cristianos' is a dish of rice and beans).
Use it for gossip
This is the most natural way to use it. It makes you sound very native and adds a bit of humor to the conversation.
Don't use with 'estar'
Remember it's always 'hay' (from haber). Saying 'están moros' is a common mistake for English speakers.
Meaning
There is no danger or obstacle; it is safe to proceed.
Use it for gossip
This is the most natural way to use it. It makes you sound very native and adds a bit of humor to the conversation.
Don't use with 'estar'
Remember it's always 'hay' (from haber). Saying 'están moros' is a common mistake for English speakers.
Master the Subjunctive
Using 'cuando no haya moros' or 'espera a que no haya moros' will instantly boost your CEFR level in the eyes of a listener.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
Podemos entrar en la cocina, no hay ______ en la costa.
The idiom is fixed with the word 'moros'.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly in the subjunctive?
Asegúrate de que...
After 'Asegúrate de que', we use the subjunctive 'haya'.
Match the situation to the best use of the phrase.
You want to tell your friend a secret about your teacher while the teacher is in the hallway.
You should wait until the teacher (the 'moro') is gone.
Complete the dialogue.
Juan: ¿Podemos hablar del plan? Maria: No, todavía está tu hermano aquí. Juan: Vale, avísame cuando ______.
The phrase needs to be negative and in the subjunctive after 'cuando' referring to the future.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesPodemos entrar en la cocina, no hay ______ en la costa.
The idiom is fixed with the word 'moros'.
Asegúrate de que...
After 'Asegúrate de que', we use the subjunctive 'haya'.
You want to tell your friend a secret about your teacher while the teacher is in the hallway.
You should wait until the teacher (the 'moro') is gone.
Juan: ¿Podemos hablar del plan? Maria: No, todavía está tu hermano aquí. Juan: Vale, avísame cuando ______.
The phrase needs to be negative and in the subjunctive after 'cuando' referring to the future.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIn this specific idiom, it is not considered offensive; it's a historical fossil. However, using 'moro' to describe a person today can be derogatory depending on the context and tone.
Yes, it is widely understood and used across Latin America, although it originated in Spain.
Usually, yes. The 'moros' represent people who might see or hear you. It's rarely used for inanimate obstacles.
The closest equivalent is 'The coast is clear.'
No, the idiom is fixed. You must use 'costa'.
No, it's too informal for essays or business letters. Use 'No hay moros en la costa' for speech and casual writing.
Because of the historical raids by North African pirates on the Spanish coast.
Yes! It's purely metaphorical. You can use it in a basement in the middle of a desert.
No, it's always plural: 'moros'.
You say 'Hay moros en la costa.'
Related Phrases
El camino está despejado
synonymThe path is clear.
Haber gato encerrado
contrastThere's something fishy going on.
Tierra a la vista
similarLand ho!
Estar a salvo
similarTo be safe.
