Meaning
To manage to do what one wants, despite opposition.
Cultural Background
In Spain, this phrase is often used in political commentary to describe a politician who manages to pass a law despite public outcry. In Mexico, it is often used in family contexts to describe a child or a family member who is very persuasive. Argentines often use this with a sense of irony, acknowledging the 'viveza criolla' (street smarts) of the person. In Colombia, it is frequently used in professional settings to describe someone who is a tough negotiator.
Possessive Agreement
Always check the subject. If you are talking about yourself, use 'la mía'. If talking about them, use 'la suya'.
Not for everything
Don't use this for every success. It specifically implies that someone else wanted something different.
Meaning
To manage to do what one wants, despite opposition.
Possessive Agreement
Always check the subject. If you are talking about yourself, use 'la mía'. If talking about them, use 'la suya'.
Not for everything
Don't use this for every success. It specifically implies that someone else wanted something different.
Context is key
Use it with a tone of voice that matches your intent—sarcastic for annoyance, or admiring for skill.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
A pesar de que todos votaron en contra, él ___________.
The subject is 'él', so the possessive must be 'la suya'.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?
Choose the correct option:
The subject is 'yo', so the possessive must be 'la mía'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¿Logró convencer al jefe? B: Sí, ___________.
The subject is the boss or the person who convinced him, contextually 'se salió con la suya' fits best.
Match the situation to the correct interpretation.
Someone forces their project through despite team objections.
This idiom describes achieving a goal despite opposition.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesA pesar de que todos votaron en contra, él ___________.
The subject is 'él', so the possessive must be 'la suya'.
Choose the correct option:
The subject is 'yo', so the possessive must be 'la mía'.
A: ¿Logró convencer al jefe? B: Sí, ___________.
The subject is the boss or the person who convinced him, contextually 'se salió con la suya' fits best.
Someone forces their project through despite team objections.
This idiom describes achieving a goal despite opposition.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt is better to avoid it unless you have a very informal relationship, as it can sound slightly manipulative.
Not necessarily. It can be used to describe someone who is a very effective negotiator.
It refers to 'la voluntad' (the will), which is a feminine noun.
Yes, it is universally understood.
Yes, 'se salieron con la suya' works for a group.
It is neutral. It fits in most contexts but is not 'academic' or 'legal'.
Use 'Me salí con la mía'.
No, it is a standard idiom.
Yes, it is very common when talking about children who get their way.
It can, but it doesn't have to. It just implies persistence or cleverness.
Remembering to change the possessive pronoun to match the subject.
Yes, 'to get one's way'.
Related Phrases
Hacerse con la suya
similarTo get one's way
Imponer su voluntad
similarTo impose one's will
Lograr su objetivo
similarTo achieve one's goal
Salir ganando
similarTo come out winning
