Meaning
Expresses dismissal of excuses or unconvincing arguments.
Cultural Background
In Spain, you might hear 'No me vengas con milongas'. The word 'milonga' refers to a type of music/dance, but idiomatically it means a long, boring, or false story. Mexicans often use 'No me vengas con cuentos'. 'Cuentos' (stories) implies that the person is making up a fairy tale or a fiction. In Argentina, the phrase is common but might be followed by 'che'. They also use 'No me vengas con versos'. 'Verso' is slang for a lie or a 'line' used to seduce or trick someone. In Colombia, you might hear 'No me vengas con vainas'. 'Vaina' is a universal word for 'thing', but here it implies annoying or false things.
Use the 'Hand' Gesture
In Spain and Italy, this phrase is often accompanied by a hand gesture where you move your hand away from your body as if pushing the words away.
Watch your tone
If said with a smile, it's playful. If said with a flat face, it's a serious accusation of lying.
Meaning
Expresses dismissal of excuses or unconvincing arguments.
Use the 'Hand' Gesture
In Spain and Italy, this phrase is often accompanied by a hand gesture where you move your hand away from your body as if pushing the words away.
Watch your tone
If said with a smile, it's playful. If said with a flat face, it's a serious accusation of lying.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form of the verb to complete the phrase.
¡No me _______ con esas! Sé que estás mintiendo.
Negative informal commands in Spanish require the present subjunctive.
Which situation is most appropriate for '¡No me vengas con esas!'?
Select the best context:
The phrase is used to dismiss ridiculous or unconvincing excuses in informal settings.
Complete the phrase with the correct demonstrative pronoun.
¡No me vengas con _______!
The idiom specifically uses the feminine plural 'esas' to refer to implied 'excusas' or 'historias'.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: 'No pude ir a tu fiesta porque mi gato se puso triste.' B: '____________________'
This is the most natural idiomatic response to a suspicious excuse.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises¡No me _______ con esas! Sé que estás mintiendo.
Negative informal commands in Spanish require the present subjunctive.
Select the best context:
The phrase is used to dismiss ridiculous or unconvincing excuses in informal settings.
¡No me vengas con _______!
The idiom specifically uses the feminine plural 'esas' to refer to implied 'excusas' or 'historias'.
A: 'No pude ir a tu fiesta porque mi gato se puso triste.' B: '____________________'
This is the most natural idiomatic response to a suspicious excuse.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsGenerally, no. It's too informal and implies your boss is a liar. Use 'No estoy de acuerdo' instead.
Because it refers to feminine nouns like 'excusas' (excuses) or 'mentiras' (lies).
Yes, it is universally understood, though some regions prefer 'cuentos' or 'milongas'.
It is confrontational. Between friends, it's fine. With strangers, it's rude.
Related Phrases
No me cuentes cuentos
synonymDon't tell me stories.
A otro perro con ese hueso
similarTell it to someone else (literally: to another dog with that bone).
No me vendas la moto
specialized formDon't try to sell me a motorcycle (Don't try to con me).
Déjate de historias
similarStop with the stories.
