Meaning
To go back to former negative behaviors.
Cultural Background
In Spain, this phrase is frequently used in political commentary to describe parties that return to old, corrupt practices. It's a staple of editorial cartoons. In Mexico, it's often used in the context of 'parrandas' (partying/drinking). If someone who was 'reformed' goes out for a wild night, they've 'vuelto a las andadas.' In the Southern Cone, while understood, it competes with 'volver a las mismas.' It's often used with a sense of 'I told you so' (te lo dije). Used commonly in family settings to scold children or spouses who repeat bad behaviors after being warned.
Use it for 'I told you so' moments
It's the perfect phrase when you aren't surprised that someone failed to change.
Gender Agreement
Never say 'los andados'. It is always 'las andadas'.
Meaning
To go back to former negative behaviors.
Use it for 'I told you so' moments
It's the perfect phrase when you aren't surprised that someone failed to change.
Gender Agreement
Never say 'los andados'. It is always 'las andadas'.
Combine with 'Ya'
Starting the sentence with 'Ya' (Ya volvió a las andadas) adds a natural touch of exasperation.
Test Yourself
Completa la frase con la forma correcta del verbo 'volver' y la expresión idiomática.
Juan prometió no beber más, pero ayer ________ a las ________.
The subject is 'Juan' (he), so the verb must be 'volvió' (past) or 'vuelve' (present). The idiom is always 'andadas' (feminine plural).
En qué situación es apropiado usar 'volver a las andadas'?
Selecciona la opción correcta:
The phrase is used for relapsing into negative habits, like smoking.
Completa el diálogo de forma natural.
A: ¿Sabías que Pedro perdió su trabajo por llegar tarde otra vez? B: No me sorprende, él siempre ________.
The context of a recurring bad habit (being late) perfectly fits 'vuelve a las andadas.'
Empareja la frase con el sentimiento que expresa.
Frase: '¡Ya volvió este a las andadas!'
The phrase often carries a tone of frustration or 'here we go again.'
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJuan prometió no beber más, pero ayer ________ a las ________.
The subject is 'Juan' (he), so the verb must be 'volvió' (past) or 'vuelve' (present). The idiom is always 'andadas' (feminine plural).
Selecciona la opción correcta:
The phrase is used for relapsing into negative habits, like smoking.
A: ¿Sabías que Pedro perdió su trabajo por llegar tarde otra vez? B: No me sorprende, él siempre ________.
The context of a recurring bad habit (being late) perfectly fits 'vuelve a las andadas.'
Frase: '¡Ya volvió este a las andadas!'
The phrase often carries a tone of frustration or 'here we go again.'
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, in 99% of cases. It implies returning to a behavior that is considered a vice, a mistake, or a character flaw.
Yes! 'He vuelto a las andadas' is a common way to admit you've failed at a resolution, like a diet or a new schedule.
The singular is 'andada,' but it is never used in this idiom. The phrase is fixed in the plural.
Yes, it is universally understood from Spain to Argentina, though regional alternatives exist.
You can, and people will understand you, but it sounds much less natural than 'volver.'
Related Phrases
Tropezar con la misma piedra
similarTo make the same mistake twice.
Caer en la tentación
similarTo fall into temptation.
Hacer de las suyas
similarTo be up to one's old tricks.
Reincidir
specialized formTo relapse or commit a crime again.
