The phrase "a patadas" is commonly used in Spanish to describe a situation that involves conflict, struggle, or a rough manner of doing something. It's often used colloquially to refer to a brawl or a chaotic scenario. It can also imply doing something clumsily or with force.
This expression is frequently used in oral speech, especially in informal conversations, but it can also appear in written contexts, particularly in narratives or dialogues.
Spanish: Los niños estaban jugando a patadas en el parque.
English: The children were playing with kicks in the park.
Spanish: Cuando discutieron, la pelea se volvió a patadas.
English: When they argued, the fight turned into kicks.
Spanish: Estuve a patadas con mi hermano por el control remoto.
English: I was struggling with my brother over the remote control.
The phrase "a patadas" is part of several idiomatic expressions in Spanish, often conveying a sense of struggle or chaos. Here are a few examples:
Spanish: La fiesta se volvió a patadas cuando empezó la música.
English: The party turned chaotic with kicks when the music started.
Spanish: A veces, resolver problemas se siente a patadas.
English: Sometimes, solving problems feels like a struggle.
Spanish: En la competencia, todos luchaban a patadas para ganar.
English: In the competition, everyone was fighting with kicks to win.
Spanish: No puedes hacer las cosas a patadas si quieres un buen resultado.
English: You can't do things clumsily if you want a good result.
Spanish: Me sentí a patadas cuando no lograron entenderme.
English: I felt at odds when they couldn't understand me.
Spanish: La clase se volvió a patadas cuando el profesor salió.
English: The class became chaotic with kicks when the teacher left.
The expression "a patadas" comes from the Spanish word "patada," which means "kick." The word "patada" is derived from "pata," which refers to the leg or foot of animals, and it can denote any type of striking motion with force using the leg or foot.
This idiomatic expression captures both physical and metaphorical struggles, making it a vivid part of colloquial Spanish.