echar a pique (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

The phrase "echar a pique" is a verb phrase.

Phonetic Transcription

/ˈe.t͡ʃaɾ a ˈpike/

Translation Options into English

1. To sink (a ship)
2. To ruin
3. To bring down (someone or something)

Meaning and Usage

The expression "echar a pique" literally means "to throw to the depths," and it is commonly used in both a nautical and figurative sense. In nautical terms, it refers to the act of a ship sinking or being cast to the bottom of the sea. In a figurative sense, it's often used to describe the act of causing something (a project, idea, or even a person's reputation) to fail or come to ruin. It is frequently used in oral speech and also appears in written contexts, particularly in colloquial expressions or informal literature.

Example Sentences

1. Echar a pique un barco viejo es peligroso para el medio ambiente.

2. Sinking an old ship is dangerous for the environment.

3. La decisión de la empresa de cerrar la fábrica echará a pique su reputación.

4. The company's decision to close the factory will ruin its reputation.

5. Si sigues ignorando los problemas, vas a echar a pique todo el trabajo que has hecho.

6. If you keep ignoring the problems, you’ll bring down all the work you’ve done.

Idiomatic Expressions

The phrase "echar a pique" is commonly used within idiomatic expressions relating to failure or downfall. Here are some examples:

1. Echar todo a pique
2. Es un riesgo echar todo a pique solo por un error.

3. It's a risk to throw everything away just for one mistake.

4. Echar a pique una relación

5. La falta de comunicación puede echar a pique una relación.

6. Lack of communication can ruin a relationship.

7. Echar a pique un proyecto

8. La falta de financiamiento puede echar a pique un proyecto valioso.

9. Lack of funding can bring down a valuable project.

10. Echar a pique un negocio

11. La competencia desleal puede echar a pique un negocio pequeño.
12. Unfair competition can ruin a small business.

Etymology

The phrase "echar a pique" comes from the Spanish verb "echar," meaning "to throw" or "to cast," combined with "piquete," which refers to a pit, hole, or the depths of the sea. The expression reflects maritime language used by sailors, indicating the action of dropping something into the ocean.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Hundir (to sink) - Arruinar (to ruin) - Destruir (to destroy)

Antonyms: - Flotar (to float) - Rescatar (to rescue) - Salvar (to save)

This expansive understanding of "echar a pique" illustrates its versatility and usage in both literal and metaphorical contexts within the Spanish language.