Cuando la limosna es grande, hasta el santo desconfía.
When alms are great, even the saint distrusts.
Significado
Be suspicious of overly generous offers, as they may have ulterior motives.
Contexto cultural
In Spain, this proverb is often linked to the 'picaresque' literary tradition, where characters survive by their wits in a society full of tricksters. In Mexico, it's common to hear this in 'tianguis' (open-air markets) when someone tries to sell something at an impossibly low price. Argentines might use this to refer to 'promesas de políticos' (politicians' promises) during election cycles, reflecting a deep-seated skepticism. In Colombia, the phrase is often used as a warning among family members to stay away from 'negocios raros' (shady businesses).
Use it for scams
This is the #1 phrase to use when talking about internet security or phishing.
Don't be too cynical
If you use this for every small favor, you will sound like you don't trust anyone.
Significado
Be suspicious of overly generous offers, as they may have ulterior motives.
Use it for scams
This is the #1 phrase to use when talking about internet security or phishing.
Don't be too cynical
If you use this for every small favor, you will sound like you don't trust anyone.
Teste-se
Completa el refrán con la palabra correcta.
Cuando la ________ es grande, hasta el santo desconfía.
'Limosna' (alms) is the traditional word used in this proverb.
¿Qué significa este refrán?
Cuando la limosna es grande, hasta el santo desconfía.
The proverb is a warning against being too naive with generous offers.
Empareja la situación con el refrán.
Un desconocido te ofrece un iPhone 15 nuevo por solo 50 euros.
This situation is a classic example of an offer that is too good to be true.
Completa el diálogo.
—¡Mira! Me han enviado un mensaje diciendo que he ganado un crucero gratis. —Ten cuidado, recuerda que...
The context of a 'free cruise' message is a typical scam scenario.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
When to use this phrase
Scams
- • Phishing emails
- • Fake lotteries
- • Pyramid schemes
Shopping
- • 90% discounts
- • Free iPhones
- • Too-cheap cars
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosCuando la ________ es grande, hasta el santo desconfía.
'Limosna' (alms) is the traditional word used in this proverb.
Cuando la limosna es grande, hasta el santo desconfía.
The proverb is a warning against being too naive with generous offers.
Un desconocido te ofrece un iPhone 15 nuevo por solo 50 euros.
This situation is a classic example of an offer that is too good to be true.
—¡Mira! Me han enviado un mensaje diciendo que he ganado un crucero gratis. —Ten cuidado, recuerda que...
The context of a 'free cruise' message is a typical scam scenario.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
2 perguntasTiene origen religioso, pero hoy se usa en contextos totalmente laicos y cotidianos.
Sí, en algunos países dicen 'Cuando la limosna es mucha', pero 'grande' es más común.
Frases relacionadas
No es oro todo lo que reluce
similarNot everything that glitters is gold.
Nadie da duros a cuatro pesetas
synonymNobody gives five pesetas for four.
A caballo regalado no le mires el diente
contrastDon't look a gift horse in the mouth.
Gato encerrado
builds onThere's a hidden cat (something fishy).
