a mata caballo (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation
Part of Speech
"A mata caballo" is an idiomatic expression in Spanish.
Phonetic Transcription
/a ˈmata kaˈβaʝo/
Translation Options into English
"At full gallop" or "At breakneck speed".
Meaning and Usage
Meaning: "A mata caballo" is an adverbial phrase that describes something done in a rushed, hurried, or very rapid manner. It conjures the image of a horse galloping at full speed, indicating urgency or haste.
Usage: This phrase is commonly used in both spoken and written Spanish to express the idea of acting or moving quickly, often without much thought or consideration. It appears in various contexts, from everyday conversations to literary works.
Frequency: It is used quite frequently in colloquial speech and informal contexts, but can also appear in writing, particularly in narratives or informal articles.
Example Sentences
"Salimos a mata caballo para llegar a tiempo a la cita."
"We left at breakneck speed to arrive on time for the appointment."
"Ella siempre hace las cosas a mata caballo, lo que le causa problemas."
"She always does things in a hurry, which causes her problems."
"El tráfico estaba tan pesado que llegamos a mata caballo a la reunión."
"The traffic was so heavy that we arrived at the meeting at full gallop."
Idiomatic Expressions
The phrase "a mata caballo" is utilized in several idiomatic expressions within the Spanish language, emphasizing haste or urgency.
"Hacer algo a mata caballo"
Meaning: To do something very quickly or carelessly.
Example: "Él siempre hace su trabajo a mata caballo, y por eso comete errores."
Translation: "He always does his work at full gallop, and that's why he makes mistakes."
"Ir a mata caballo"
Meaning: To go very fast or quickly, usually in a situation needing acceleration.
Example: "Cuando empezó a llover, decidimos ir a mata caballo hacia el coche."
Translation: "When it started to rain, we decided to run at breakneck speed to the car."
"Actuar a mata caballo"
Meaning: To act without due consideration, typically hurriedly.
Example: "No debes actuar a mata caballo; debes pensar antes de decidir."
Translation: "You shouldn't act in haste; you should think before you decide."
Etymology
The phrase "a mata caballo" is rooted in a combination of words:
- "Mata" comes from "matar," meaning "to kill," and historically signifies "death" or "killing" in a forceful or impactful way.
- "Caballo" means "horse," indicative of the rapid movement associated with horses, particularly in galloping. Thus, the phrase evokes a sense of speed and urgency, likening it to a horse charging forward.
Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms: "A toda prisa" (in a hurry), "a todo correr" (at full speed).