"quitar" - verb
"hierro" - noun
/kiˈtar ˈje.ro/
The phrase "quitar hierro" literally translates to "remove iron." However, it holds a figurative meaning in Spanish, which is akin to "to minimize" or "to downplay" a situation, especially when discussing an issue or concern that might seem serious but is being treated lightly.
This expression is frequently used in everyday conversation (oral speech) and also appears in written contexts, particularly in informal writing. It tends to occur in discussions where people are trying to lighten the mood or downplay the importance of an issue.
Es importante quitar hierro a los problemas que enfrentamos.
It is important to downplay the problems we face.
No te preocupes, vamos a quitar hierro a la situación.
Don’t worry; we’re going to minimize the situation.
Al hablar de sus miedos, decidió quitar hierro y enfocarse en lo positivo.
When talking about his fears, he decided to downplay them and focus on the positive.
The phrase "quitar hierro" is part of a larger linguistic context, often used in various idiomatic expressions. Here are several that incorporate the idea of minimizing or lightening an issue.
No hay que quitar hierro a lo que sucedió, es serio.
We shouldn't downplay what happened; it is serious.
A veces es mejor quitar hierro y no tomarse las cosas tan a pecho.
Sometimes it’s better to downplay things and not take them too seriously.
Siempre intentamos quitar hierro a las críticas que nos hacen.
We always try to minimize the criticisms directed at us.
La profesora trató de quitar hierro a los exámenes, asegurando que eran fáciles.
The teacher tried to downplay the exams, assuring that they were easy.
Es bueno quitar hierro cuando se habla de errores del pasado.
It’s good to minimize when talking about past mistakes.
En lugar de preocuparnos, vamos a quitar hierro y disfrutar del momento.
Instead of worrying, let’s downplay and enjoy the moment.
The verb "quitar" comes from the Latin "quitare," which means to remove or take away. The noun "hierro" also traces its roots back to Latin, stemming from "ferrum," which means iron. The phrase as a whole reflects the metaphorical transition from a physical action to a more abstract concept of reducing the seriousness of a situation.
Synonyms:
- "minimizar" (to minimize)
- "restar importancia" (to reduce importance)
- "relajar" (to relax)
Antonyms:
- "intensificar" (to intensify)
- "exagerar" (to exaggerate)
- "enfatizar" (to emphasize)