Meaning
To annoy or irritate someone to the point of losing their patience.
Cultural Background
In Spain, the phrase is often accompanied by a specific gesture: bringing the hand to the forehead or making a 'pinching' motion in the air to show tension. While 'sacar de quicio' is common, Mexicans might also use 'me saca de mis casillas' or 'me saca el tapón' (it takes my plug out) for similar levels of anger. Argentines often use 'sacar' in many idiomatic ways. 'Me saca' can sometimes be used alone as shorthand for 'it drives me crazy' in very informal slang. The phrase is a staple in Telenovelas, used by villains and protagonists alike to express the peak of a conflict.
Use with 'Me'
90% of the time, you will use this with 'me' (Me saca de quicio). Focus on mastering this form first.
Strong Emotion
This is a strong phrase. Don't use it for small things unless you are being hyperbolic/funny.
Meaning
To annoy or irritate someone to the point of losing their patience.
Use with 'Me'
90% of the time, you will use this with 'me' (Me saca de quicio). Focus on mastering this form first.
Strong Emotion
This is a strong phrase. Don't use it for small things unless you are being hyperbolic/funny.
Subjunctive Trigger
Phrases like 'Me saca de quicio que...' always trigger the subjunctive mood in the following verb.
Regional Sounds
Remember the 's' vs 'th' sound for 'quicio' depending on where you are!
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing pronoun and verb form.
A mi hermana ___ (me/te/le) _______ (sacar) de quicio que yo use su ropa.
The subject is 'que yo use su ropa' (singular), and the person being annoyed is 'mi hermana' (le).
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct option:
The correct preposition is always 'de'.
Match the situation to the most likely reaction.
Your computer deletes your work for the third time today.
Repeated technical failure is a prime cause for being 'sacado de quicio'.
Complete the dialogue.
Juan: '¿Por qué estás tan enfadado?' María: 'Es que el vecino lleva todo el día con el taladro y...'
The phrase 'me saca de quicio' perfectly completes the expression of frustration.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Levels of Annoyance
Practice Bank
4 exercisesA mi hermana ___ (me/te/le) _______ (sacar) de quicio que yo use su ropa.
The subject is 'que yo use su ropa' (singular), and the person being annoyed is 'mi hermana' (le).
Choose the correct option:
The correct preposition is always 'de'.
Your computer deletes your work for the third time today.
Repeated technical failure is a prime cause for being 'sacado de quicio'.
Juan: '¿Por qué estás tan enfadado?' María: 'Es que el vecino lleva todo el día con el taladro y...'
The phrase 'me saca de quicio' perfectly completes the expression of frustration.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt's not 'bad language,' but it is very direct. It's fine with friends, but use caution with your boss.
Yes, but usually we say 'Me estoy sacando de quicio' (I'm driving myself crazy), though it's less common than others doing it to you.
It's the part of the door frame where the hinge sits. Think of it as the 'socket' for the door.
No, 'quicio' is always singular in this idiom.
'Enojar' is the verb 'to anger.' 'Sacar de quicio' is the idiom 'to drive crazy with anger.' The idiom is more descriptive.
It's better to use 'exasperar' or 'provocar una gran irritación' in formal writing.
Yes! 'Este teléfono me saca de quicio' is very common.
You could say 'Me molesta un poco' or 'Me resulta un tanto irritante.'
Exactly this: 'Me estás sacando de quicio.'
Yes, it is universally understood from Spain to Argentina.
Related Phrases
Sacar de las casillas
synonymTo drive someone crazy.
Poner de los nervios
similarTo make someone nervous or irritated.
Hacer perder los estribos
similarTo make someone lose their temper.
Tocar las narices
informal alternativeTo annoy someone.
