Meaning
To annoy or exasperate someone greatly.
Cultural Background
In Spain, the phrase is often used with 'ya' for emphasis: '¡Es que me saca de quicio ya!'. It's very common in social debates. While 'sacar de quicio' is used, you will also hear 'sacar de onda' (to confuse/annoy) or 'me purga' (it purges me/I hate it) in similar contexts. Argentines might use 'sacar' alone in slang: 'Me sacaste' (You made me lose it). 'Sacar de quicio' remains the formal/standard version. The phrase is universally understood. In some regions, 'sacar de quicio' is considered slightly more 'elegant' than 'sacar de las casillas'.
Master the Subjunctive
Always use the subjunctive after 'Me saca de quicio que...'. It's the hallmark of a B2/C1 speaker.
Don't overdo it
Because it's a strong phrase, using it for every little thing can make you sound like a very angry person. Save it for real frustration.
Meaning
To annoy or exasperate someone greatly.
Master the Subjunctive
Always use the subjunctive after 'Me saca de quicio que...'. It's the hallmark of a B2/C1 speaker.
Don't overdo it
Because it's a strong phrase, using it for every little thing can make you sound like a very angry person. Save it for real frustration.
Regional Pronunciation
Remember the 'c' in 'quicio' changes based on where you are. 'Kee-thyo' in Madrid, 'Kee-syo' in Mexico City.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'sacar' and the pronoun 'me'.
Ese ruido constante ___ ___ de quicio.
The subject is 'ese ruido constante' (singular), so the verb must be 'saca'. The pronoun 'me' indicates it affects me.
Which sentence uses the subjunctive correctly?
Me saca de quicio que...
Expressions of emotion like 'me saca de quicio que' require the subjunctive mood ('llegue').
Match the idiom with its literal meaning.
Idioms and Meanings
Each idiom has a unique historical/literal origin related to architecture, riding, anatomy, or games.
Choose the best response to the situation.
A: '¡El internet no funciona y tengo que entregar el trabajo ya!' B: 'Tranquilo, no dejes que eso...'
After 'dejes que', we use the subjunctive 'saque'. The preposition is 'de'.
In which situation would you MOST likely use 'sacar de quicio'?
Select the best scenario.
'Sacar de quicio' is for high levels of annoyance and exasperation.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Intensity Scale
Practice Bank
5 exercisesEse ruido constante ___ ___ de quicio.
The subject is 'ese ruido constante' (singular), so the verb must be 'saca'. The pronoun 'me' indicates it affects me.
Me saca de quicio que...
Expressions of emotion like 'me saca de quicio que' require the subjunctive mood ('llegue').
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Each idiom has a unique historical/literal origin related to architecture, riding, anatomy, or games.
A: '¡El internet no funciona y tengo que entregar el trabajo ya!' B: 'Tranquilo, no dejes que eso...'
After 'dejes que', we use the subjunctive 'saque'. The preposition is 'de'.
Select the best scenario.
'Sacar de quicio' is for high levels of annoyance and exasperation.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt's not vulgar, but it is forceful. It's fine with friends, but use it sparingly with your boss.
Yes, 'Me saco de quicio a mí mismo' (I drive myself crazy), but it's less common than others driving you crazy.
It's the part of the door frame where the hinge sits. Think of it as the 'pivot point'.
It's stronger. 'Enojar' is just to make angry; 'sacar de quicio' is to drive someone to the point of losing their cool.
No, 'quicio' is almost always singular in this expression.
Yes, it is one of the most universal idioms in the Spanish language.
'Poner de los nervios' is more about anxiety/agitation; 'sacar de quicio' is more about exasperation/anger.
Yes, if you are describing a situation that is truly exasperating, but 'resulta exasperante' is more formal.
'Me saca de quicio' is the most natural translation.
The verb conjugates (nos sacan), but 'quicio' stays singular.
Related Phrases
Sacar de sus casillas
synonymTo drive someone crazy/out of their boxes.
Poner de los nervios
similarTo get on someone's nerves.
Hacer perder los estribos
similarTo make someone lose their temper.
Sacar de onda
specialized formTo throw someone off / to annoy.
