Significado
To be actively involved and working hard, especially in a difficult situation.
Contexto cultural
In Spain, the phrase is frequently used in the context of the 'clase obrera' (working class) and their historical struggles for labor rights. In Mexico, it can be heard in political discourse regarding the 'lucha social' and the defense of indigenous rights. In Argentina, during economic crises, the phrase is used to describe small business owners who refuse to close their doors. The phrase is common in 'Nueva Canción' lyrics, representing the artist's commitment to social change.
Use with 'Seguir'
To sound more like a native, use 'seguir' instead of 'estar' when talking about someone's long career. It emphasizes the continuity.
Don't pluralize
It is always 'la brecha' (singular). Saying 'las brechas' changes the meaning to literal gaps.
Significado
To be actively involved and working hard, especially in a difficult situation.
Use with 'Seguir'
To sound more like a native, use 'seguir' instead of 'estar' when talking about someone's long career. It emphasizes the continuity.
Don't pluralize
It is always 'la brecha' (singular). Saying 'las brechas' changes the meaning to literal gaps.
Journalistic Favorite
You will see this phrase constantly in Spanish newspapers like El País or El Mundo. It's a favorite of columnists.
Teste-se
Completa la frase con la forma correcta del verbo 'estar' o 'seguir'.
A pesar de tener 80 años, el {escritor|m} ______ en la brecha publicando libros.
We use 'estar' to describe the state of being active in the 'brecha'.
¿Cuál es el significado de 'estar en la brecha' en este contexto?
Los {sindicatos|m} están en la brecha para conseguir mejores salarios.
In a social/political context, it means being active in the struggle.
Empareja la situación con la frase más adecuada.
Un {periodista|m} que lleva 40 años informando sobre guerras.
'Estar en la brecha' is perfect for a long, active, and difficult career.
Completa el diálogo.
—¿Todavía trabajas en esa empresa tan estresante? —Sí, ahí ______ en la brecha, aguantando el tirón.
'Sigo' (I continue) is very common with this phrase to show persistence over time.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosA pesar de tener 80 años, el {escritor|m} ______ en la brecha publicando libros.
We use 'estar' to describe the state of being active in the 'brecha'.
Los {sindicatos|m} están en la brecha para conseguir mejores salarios.
In a social/political context, it means being active in the struggle.
Un {periodista|m} que lleva 40 años informando sobre guerras.
'Estar en la brecha' is perfect for a long, active, and difficult career.
—¿Todavía trabajas en esa empresa tan estresante? —Sí, ahí ______ en la brecha, aguantando el tirón.
'Sigo' (I continue) is very common with this phrase to show persistence over time.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasGenerally positive. It implies resilience, hard work, and commitment. However, it also suggests that the situation is difficult.
Only if the hobby is very demanding or you take it as seriously as a job. It sounds a bit too intense for casual hobbies.
'Al pie del cañón' is more about being available and ready at your post. 'En la brecha' is more about the active struggle and persistence in a difficult spot.
Yes, it is a universal Spanish idiom, though its frequency might vary slightly by region.
Yes, you can specify the field, e.g., 'en la brecha de la tecnología' or 'en la brecha del activismo'.
Not necessarily, but it is very often used to praise older people who are still active and haven't 'retired' from the struggle.
No, it's actually quite formal and sophisticated. You can use it in a professional email or a speech.
Absolutely. 'Estuvo en la brecha hasta el día de su muerte' is a common way to honor someone's life work.
It means a gap, a breach, or a rift. It can also mean a wound (a gash) in some contexts.
Yes, 'dar el callo' is the more informal/slang equivalent for working very hard.
Frases relacionadas
Al pie del cañón
synonymTo be at one's post, ready for anything.
Dar el callo
similarTo work very hard.
Abrir brecha
builds onTo pioneer or make a breakthrough.
Tirar la toalla
contrastTo give up.
