The phrase "a quema ropa" is used in Spanish to describe a situation or action that occurs at a very close distance, often implying immediacy or direct confrontation. It is frequently used in both spoken and written contexts, often in discussions of gun violence, arguments, or emotional encounters.
The frequency of use is moderate, and it tends to be employed more often in oral speech, particularly in colloquial settings. The expression is vivid and conveys a sense of intensity due to the reference to being in such close proximity.
El ladrón disparó a quema ropa al guardia de seguridad.
The thief shot at point-blank range at the security guard.
Cuando le dije la verdad, me miró a quema ropa y no sabía qué responder.
When I told him the truth, he looked at me at close range and didn't know how to respond.
La discusión se tornó violenta a quema ropa, y ambos comenzaron a gritar.
The argument became violent at close range, and both began to shout.
The phrase "a quema ropa" is often included in various idiomatic expressions relating to confrontations or situations that are direct and intense. Here are several idiomatic expressions:
Example: "El tirador disparó a quema ropa sin ningún aviso."
The shooter fired at point-blank range without any warning.
Hablar a quema ropa
Example: "El periodista decidió hablar a quema ropa con el político sobre la corrupción."
The journalist decided to speak point-blank with the politician about corruption.
Estar a quema ropa
Example: "El conflicto está a quema ropa y podría estallar en cualquier momento."
The conflict is at close range and could explode at any moment.
Sufrir a quema ropa
Example: "Ella sufrió el ataque a quema ropa de críticas en las redes sociales."
She suffered a point-blank attack of criticism on social media.
Reaccionar a quema ropa
The phrase "a quema ropa" derives from Spanish, where "quema" means "burn" or "burning" and "ropa" means "clothes." The expression evocatively conjures the idea of something being burned at such close proximity that it directly affects the clothing. It has evolved to describe situations that are immediate and intense, often with a sense of danger involved.