Significado
No matter the effort or cost involved.
Contexto cultural
In Spain, the phrase is often associated with 'el pundonor'—a sense of honor and self-imposed duty. It's common in political discourse regarding national integrity. Mexicans often use 'A como dé lugar' as a more informal, punchy alternative, but 'Cueste lo que cueste' remains the standard for serious, heartfelt promises. In Argentina, the phrase might be used with 'che' or 'viste' in informal settings, but it retains its weight. It's frequently heard in football culture when discussing the 'Libertadores' cup. In Colombia, the phrase is used with great politeness but firm intent. It's common in business negotiations to show that a deadline is absolute.
The Subjunctive Secret
If you forget the word 'cueste', remember that the structure [Verb] + lo que + [Verb] works for many things: 'Pase lo que pase' (Whatever happens), 'Venga lo que venga' (Whatever comes).
Don't be Melodramatic
Using this for small things like 'I will find my keys, cueste lo que cueste' makes you sound like a character in a soap opera. Use it for big goals!
Significado
No matter the effort or cost involved.
The Subjunctive Secret
If you forget the word 'cueste', remember that the structure [Verb] + lo que + [Verb] works for many things: 'Pase lo que pase' (Whatever happens), 'Venga lo que venga' (Whatever comes).
Don't be Melodramatic
Using this for small things like 'I will find my keys, cueste lo que cueste' makes you sound like a character in a soap opera. Use it for big goals!
Regional Flavor
In Spain, you'll hear 'A toda costa' just as much. In Mexico, 'A como dé lugar' is the king of the street.
Teste-se
Choose the correct form of the verb to complete the expression of determination.
Voy a ganar esta carrera, ________ lo que cueste.
The fixed expression always uses the present subjunctive 'cueste'.
Complete the sentence with the missing words of the phrase.
Tenemos que salvar el bosque, cueste ___ ___ cueste.
The relative pronoun 'lo que' connects the two subjunctive verbs.
Which situation best fits the use of 'Cueste lo que cueste'?
Select the most appropriate context:
The phrase is used for high-stakes, long-term goals requiring great effort.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
Padre: 'Hijo, la universidad es muy cara.' Hijo: 'Lo sé, papá. Pero voy a estudiar medicina, ________.'
The son is expressing his determination to study medicine despite the financial cost.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosVoy a ganar esta carrera, ________ lo que cueste.
The fixed expression always uses the present subjunctive 'cueste'.
Tenemos que salvar el bosque, cueste ___ ___ cueste.
The relative pronoun 'lo que' connects the two subjunctive verbs.
Select the most appropriate context:
The phrase is used for high-stakes, long-term goals requiring great effort.
Padre: 'Hijo, la universidad es muy cara.' Hijo: 'Lo sé, papá. Pero voy a estudiar medicina, ________.'
The son is expressing his determination to study medicine despite the financial cost.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasNo, that is grammatically incorrect. You can say 'Costara lo que costara' (imperfect subjunctive) for the past, but the present form is always 'Cueste lo que cueste'.
No! In fact, it's more often used for effort, time, and emotional sacrifice than for actual cash.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or with your best friend.
The best equivalents are 'Whatever it takes' or 'At all costs'.
Because the verb 'costar' is an irregular stem-changing verb (o to ue) in the present subjunctive.
Yes! 'Cueste lo que cueste, lo haré' is very common and adds emphasis.
Yes, very often, to show that a project or deadline is a top priority.
It sounds very determined. Depending on your tone, it can be inspiring or a bit intense.
Usually, it's about your own determination, but you can say 'Debemos hacerlo, cueste lo que cueste' (We must do it...).
Not really, but 'A toda costa' is a bit shorter to write.
Frases relacionadas
A toda costa
synonymAt all costs.
Sea como sea
similarOne way or another.
Caiga quien caiga
specialized formNo matter who falls (no matter who is affected).
Pase lo que pase
similarWhatever happens.
