Meaning
To successfully complete a project or overcome a difficulty.
Cultural Background
Commonly used regarding 'oposiciones' (competitive exams for government jobs). It highlights the years of sacrifice required to pass. Deeply tied to the concept of 'madres luchonas' (struggling/fighting mothers) who raise families against all odds. Often used in political and economic discourse about 'moving the country forward' during frequent inflationary crises. Used frequently in the startup and entrepreneurship scene in Medellín and Bogotá to describe 'making it' despite lack of initial capital.
Use it in Interviews
This is a 'power phrase'. Using it shows you are a finisher and a problem solver.
The Personal 'A'
Never forget the 'a' when talking about people. 'Sacar adelante a alguien' is the rule.
Meaning
To successfully complete a project or overcome a difficulty.
Use it in Interviews
This is a 'power phrase'. Using it shows you are a finisher and a problem solver.
The Personal 'A'
Never forget the 'a' when talking about people. 'Sacar adelante a alguien' is the rule.
Emotional Weight
When used with family, it's a very emotional phrase. Use it to show deep respect for someone's effort.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'sacar adelante'.
A pesar de la crisis, la empresa ______ el nuevo producto el mes pasado.
The sentence refers to 'el mes pasado' (last month), so the preterite 'sacó' is required.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly for raising children?
Choose the correct option:
You need the personal 'a' when the object is people (sus hijos).
Complete the dialogue.
Juan: 'Tenemos demasiado trabajo y poco tiempo.' Maria: 'No te preocupes, si nos organizamos, ________.'
Maria is talking about the work (lo) and expressing a future intention (sacaremos).
Match the sentence to the context.
1. 'Sacar adelante una ley' 2. 'Sacar adelante a un enfermo' 3. 'Sacar adelante un negocio'
Laws are political, patients are health-related, and businesses are economic.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Sacar vs. Salir
Practice Bank
4 exercisesA pesar de la crisis, la empresa ______ el nuevo producto el mes pasado.
The sentence refers to 'el mes pasado' (last month), so the preterite 'sacó' is required.
Choose the correct option:
You need the personal 'a' when the object is people (sus hijos).
Juan: 'Tenemos demasiado trabajo y poco tiempo.' Maria: 'No te preocupes, si nos organizamos, ________.'
Maria is talking about the work (lo) and expressing a future intention (sacaremos).
1. 'Sacar adelante una ley' 2. 'Sacar adelante a un enfermo' 3. 'Sacar adelante un negocio'
Laws are political, patients are health-related, and businesses are economic.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsTechnically yes, but it sounds dramatic. Use it for things that require real effort.
No. 'Terminar' is just finishing. 'Sacar adelante' is finishing something that was hard or at risk of failing.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
'Lograr' is 'to achieve'. 'Sacar adelante' focuses more on the process of pushing the project through to the end.
Yes! 'Sacar adelante una relación' means working hard to save a marriage or partnership.
Usually 'Sobreviví al día' or 'Saqué el día adelante' (if the day was very busy).
Yes, it is universally understood and used from Spain to Argentina.
Yes, to help someone recover from a serious condition.
'Abandonar' or 'dejar a medias' (leaving something half-done).
Only the personal 'a' for people. Otherwise, it's a direct object.
Related Phrases
Salir adelante
similarTo personally succeed or get by.
Llevar a cabo
synonymTo carry out / execute.
Sacar a flote
specialized formTo keep something from sinking.
Ponerse las pilas
builds onTo get one's act together.
Hacer frente
contrastTo face/confront.
