al rape

closely-cropped; close cut (lit.: to the monkfish)

al revés

backwards; the other way around; the opposite

alcornoque

blockhead; dunderhead; nincompoop (lit.: cork oak)

almas gemelas

soulmates (lit.: twin souls)

andar a palos

be fighting or squabbling all the time

andar como burro sin mecate

be wild; be out of control (lit.: to walk like a donkey wihout a leash)

año nuevo, vida nueva

Happy New Year (lit.: new year, new life; used as a greeting or statement around Jan. 1)

apalear oro

be rolling in dough; be made of money

apretarse el cinturón

tighten one's belt; economize

armar un jaleo

make a fuss, commotion (lit.: to arm or raise a fuss)

armar una bronca

kick up a fuss

armarse la gorda

cause a ruckus; have all hell break loose (lit.: to arm oneself the fat one)

armarse un lio

raise hell; make a fuss (lit.: to arm or raise a fight)

arrimar el ascua a su sardina

put one’s own interests first; work things to one’s advantage (lit.: to bring coals or embers to one’s
sardine)

así que

so that, which means that (lit.: thus that)

atar corto a alg

keep someone on a short leash; keep someone under tight rein (lit.: tie someone close)

ausente sin culpa ni presente sin disculpa

the absentee is always in the wrong (lit.: absent without blame and no present without excuses)

Ave María Purísima

for heaven’s sake (lit.: hail most pure Mary; n.b.: used in religious services, and as an exclamation)