Meaning
To express strong indignation, protest, or outrage about something unfair.
Cultural Background
In Spain, 'poner el grito en el cielo' is frequently used in the context of 'derechos adquiridos' (acquired rights). If a traditional festival is cancelled or a local bar closes, the social reaction is often described this way. In Argentina, where political and economic fluctuations are common, this phrase is a staple of daily conversation and news. It often accompanies the 'cacerolazo' (pot-banging protest) culture. In Mexico, the phrase is often used in family contexts, particularly regarding 'las buenas costumbres' (good manners/traditions). A breach of etiquette can cause the matriarch to 'poner el grito en el cielo.' In many regions, you might hear 'poner el grito en el techo' as a variation, influenced by the English 'hit the roof,' though 'cielo' remains the prestige form.
Use the Preterite
90% of the time you will use this in the past tense ('puso', 'pusieron') because you are describing a reaction that already happened.
Not for Joy
Never use this for shouting with happiness. It will sound very confusing to a native speaker.
Meaning
To express strong indignation, protest, or outrage about something unfair.
Use the Preterite
90% of the time you will use this in the past tense ('puso', 'pusieron') because you are describing a reaction that already happened.
Not for Joy
Never use this for shouting with happiness. It will sound very confusing to a native speaker.
The 'Sky' is Universal
This is one of the few idioms that works perfectly in every single Spanish-speaking country without exception.
Test Yourself
Completa la frase con la forma correcta del verbo 'poner'.
Cuando los vecinos se enteraron del nuevo horario, ________ el grito en el cielo. (Pasado/Ellos)
'Poner' is irregular in the preterite. The correct form for 'ellos' is 'pusieron'.
¿En qué situación es más apropiado usar esta frase?
Selecciona la opción correcta:
The idiom is used for indignation and protest against an injustice or scandal.
Completa el diálogo de forma natural.
A: ¿Le has dicho a tu jefe que te vas de vacaciones en julio? B: No, todavía no. Seguro que ________.
This is the standard idiomatic form to predict a strong negative reaction.
Empareja el inicio con el final de la frase.
Une las partes:
The phrase is a fixed unit: [verbo poner] + el grito + en el cielo.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesCuando los vecinos se enteraron del nuevo horario, ________ el grito en el cielo. (Pasado/Ellos)
'Poner' is irregular in the preterite. The correct form for 'ellos' is 'pusieron'.
Selecciona la opción correcta:
The idiom is used for indignation and protest against an injustice or scandal.
A: ¿Le has dicho a tu jefe que te vas de vacaciones en julio? B: No, todavía no. Seguro que ________.
This is the standard idiomatic form to predict a strong negative reaction.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
The phrase is a fixed unit: [verbo poner] + el grito + en el cielo.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo, it's not rude. It's a descriptive idiom. However, saying someone 'puso el grito en el cielo' can sometimes imply that you think they overreacted.
No, it must be 'el grito'. Using 'un' changes the meaning to a literal, single shout.
'Enfadarse' is just to get angry. 'Poner el grito en el cielo' is to *show* that anger through loud protest or public complaint.
It's a bit informal for a direct email to a client, but you could use it when talking *about* a reaction to a colleague.
Related Phrases
Clamar al cielo
similarTo be scandalous or totally unacceptable.
Ponerse de uñas
similarTo get defensive or aggressive.
Gritar a los cuatro vientos
contrastTo announce something to everyone.
Ponerse como una fiera
similarTo get extremely angry.
