Significado
Referring to someone with a lot of experience and knowledge in a particular area.
Contexto cultural
In Spain, the phrase is often used in the context of the 'picaresca'. It's a badge of honor to be a 'perro viejo' in a system that is often seen as bureaucratic or tricky. In Mexico, you might also hear 'colmilludo' (having big fangs). While 'perro viejo' is understood, 'colmilludo' is a very common local synonym for someone savvy. In Argentina, the phrase is frequently used in football (soccer) culture to describe players who use 'mañas' (tricks) to win. In Colombia, it's used with a high degree of respect for elders who have survived the country's complex history.
Use it as a compliment
If you want to impress a veteran colleague, use this phrase. It shows you value their experience over just their age.
Watch the gender
Always remember to say 'perra vieja' for women. Using 'perro viejo' for a woman is grammatically incorrect in Spanish.
Significado
Referring to someone with a lot of experience and knowledge in a particular area.
Use it as a compliment
If you want to impress a veteran colleague, use this phrase. It shows you value their experience over just their age.
Watch the gender
Always remember to say 'perra vieja' for women. Using 'perro viejo' for a woman is grammatically incorrect in Spanish.
The 'Zorro' alternative
If you want to imply the person is a bit more 'sneaky' or 'clever' in a manipulative way, use 'zorro viejo' instead.
Teste-se
Completa la frase con la forma correcta (perro viejo / perra vieja).
Mi abuela sabe exactamente cuándo miento; es una ______.
The subject is 'mi abuela' (feminine), so the phrase must be feminine.
¿Qué significa realmente la frase en este contexto?
El abogado es un perro viejo, así que no aceptará el primer trato.
The idiom refers to expertise and cunning, not physical age or literal animals.
Elige la respuesta más natural usando el modismo.
Juan: '¿Crees que el nuevo jefe se dará cuenta de que el informe está incompleto?' María: '______'
A 'perro viejo' is someone who is experienced and attentive to tricks or errors.
Empareja la situación con la frase adecuada.
Situación: Un detective que ha resuelto cientos de casos.
The detective's long history makes him a 'perro viejo'.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosMi abuela sabe exactamente cuándo miento; es una ______.
The subject is 'mi abuela' (feminine), so the phrase must be feminine.
El abogado es un perro viejo, así que no aceptará el primer trato.
The idiom refers to expertise and cunning, not physical age or literal animals.
Juan: '¿Crees que el nuevo jefe se dará cuenta de que el informe está incompleto?' María: '______'
A 'perro viejo' is someone who is experienced and attentive to tricks or errors.
Situación: Un detective que ha resuelto cientos de casos.
The detective's long history makes him a 'perro viejo'.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
5 perguntasGenerally, no. It is considered a compliment to someone's expertise. However, tone matters—if said with a sneer, it could imply someone is 'outdated', but that's rare.
Yes, if they have a lot of experience for their age. 'Es un perro viejo de la programación' could be said of a 25-year-old who has been coding since they were 8.
'Veterano' is more formal and literal. 'Perro viejo' is more idiomatic and emphasizes cunning and 'knowing the tricks'.
Yes, in 95% of cases, you need the indefinite article. 'Él es un perro viejo'.
Yes, within the context of the idiom. Just be aware that 'perra' alone can be an insult, so ensure the 'vieja' and the context of experience are clear.
Frases relacionadas
Ser un zorro viejo
synonymTo be an old fox.
Tener colmillo
similarTo have fangs/experience.
Estar de vuelta de todo
similarTo have seen it all.
Ser un novato
contrastTo be a rookie.
