The Meaning of poner de patitas en la calle
Keyword: Poner de patitas en la calle
Definition: The phrase “poner de patitas en la calle” is a Spanish idiomatic expression that translates literally to “to put [someone] with their little feet on the street.” It is used colloquially to mean to evict someone, to throw someone out, or to dismiss someone from a job or a place of residence. The expression conveys a sense of being unceremoniously removed or forced to leave, often implying a lack of respect or courtesy in the way the removal is executed.
Usage:
- “El jefe decidió poner de patitas en la calle a los empleados que llegaban tarde todos los días.” (The boss decided to put the employees who arrived late every day out on the street.)
- “Después de la discusión, lo pusieron de patitas en la calle.” (After the argument, they threw him out.)
Etymology: The phrase originates from the colloquial nature of Spanish, where “patitas” refers to “little feet,” often used affectionately or diminutively. The imagery evokes the sense of someone being placed outside on the street, emphasizing the abruptness and lack of dignity in the action.
Pronunciation: In IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet), the phrase is pronounced as [poˈneɾ ðe paˈtitas en la kaˈle]. In more simple terms, it can be approximated in English as “poh-ner de pah-tee-tas en la kah-leh.”
Synonyms:
- Echar (to throw out)
- Despedir (to dismiss)
- Expulsar (to expel)
- Lanzar (to launch)
Antonyms:
- Acoger (to welcome)
- Aceptar (to accept)
- Recibir (to receive)
- Contratar (to hire)
By understanding the idiomatic nature of “poner de patitas en la calle,” one can gain insight into the nuances of social and professional relations in Spanish-speaking cultures.
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Después de tantos problemas, el jefe decidió poner de patitas en la calle al empleado que siempre llegaba tarde.
(After so many problems, the boss decided to kick the employee who was always late to the curb.) -
La situación se volvió insostenible, así que finalmente pusieron de patitas en la calle a los inquilinos problemáticos.
(The situation became unsustainable, so they finally kicked the problematic tenants to the curb.) -
No puedo creer que mi amigo lo pusiera de patitas en la calle solo por un pequeño desacuerdo.
(I can’t believe my friend kicked him to the curb just for a small disagreement.) -
La empresa tuvo que poner de patitas en la calle a varios trabajadores debido a la crisis económica.
(The company had to kick several workers to the curb due to the economic crisis.) -
Si sigues faltando al trabajo, te van a poner de patitas en la calle.
(If you keep missing work, they are going to kick you to the curb.)
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