Just a Spanish Phrase

El origen de la tercera es la vencida es tema de debate. Algunos aseguran que se basa en las luchas competitivas greco-romanas, donde la victoria se logra al derribar a tu oponente tres veces. Otros opinan que viene de las leyes del siglo XVI, que imponían la pena de muerte para quienes cometían un robo por tercera vez. Pero quizás la teoría más interesante observa que en Latín, la frase Ad triarios ventum est significa "se alcanza la tercera línea" y el ejército Romano se organizaba con tres líneas sucesivas de combate. La primera reunía a los soldados más inexpertos y la tercera a los veteranos más hábiles y experimentados. Por lo tanto, aún si el enemigo lograba superar las primeras dos líneas, la tercera seguramente los vencería.

https://www.newsinslowspanish.com/latino/series/expressions/2/59/lesson

The common expression cortar el bacalao, literalmente to cut the cod, means to rule or lead in a group and have the last word in important decisions and situations. This expression is used in all kinds of contexts, namely, work, family, relationships.

El origen de esta expresión proviene de varios contextos. Las tiendas donde vendían bacalao seco es uno de ellos. En esas tiendas, sólo cortaban el bacalao los empleados más diestros porque era necesaria una habilidad especial y mucha práctica para manejar un cuchillo muy grande y afilado y hacer un corte perfecto. Esta habilidad especial separaba a estos empleados de aquellos que todavía no sabían cómo cortar el bacalao y por eso tenían más prestigio dentro del grupo. Otro contexto es la familia a la hora de comer o a la hora de cenar. Antiguamente, la persona que servía la comida en los hogares era el cabeza de familia. Esta persona era el padre, la persona con más autoridad dentro de la familia. Esta costumbre de repartir la comida y cortar el bacalao en trozos pequeños para los miembros de la familia con el tiempo adoptó el significado de tener poder y autoridad dentro de un grupo.

Esta actividad de cortar el bacalao se asoció con la idea de autoridad.

https://www.newsinslowspanish.com/series/expressions/8/12/transcript/1

Dive into the rich world of Spanish idioms and expressions, discussed entirely in English! Each short episode uncovers the origins and cultural context behind popular Spanish phrases, perfect for language enthusiasts at any level. A companion to News in Slow Spanish (www.NewsInSlowSpanish.com) that adds color to your daily commute and helps you appreciate the wit and wisdom of Spanish-speaking cultures, one phrase at a time.

https://www.newsinslowspanish.com/series/expressions/16/55/transcript/1

Dive into the rich world of Spanish idioms and expressions, discussed entirely in English! Each short episode uncovers the origins and cultural context behind popular Spanish phrases, perfect for language enthusiasts at any level. A companion to News in Slow Spanish (www.NewsInSlowSpanish.com) that adds color to your daily commute and helps you appreciate the wit and wisdom of Spanish-speaking cultures, one phrase at a time.

https://www.newsinslowspanish.com/latino/series/expressions/14/77/transcript/1

Dive into the rich world of Spanish idioms and expressions, discussed entirely in English! Each short episode uncovers the origins and cultural context behind popular Spanish phrases, perfect for language enthusiasts at any level. A companion to News in Slow Spanish (www.NewsInSlowSpanish.com) that adds color to your daily commute and helps you appreciate the wit and wisdom of Spanish-speaking cultures, one phrase at a time.

https://www.newsinslowspanish.com/latino/series/expressions/2/17/transcript/1

Dive into the rich world of Spanish idioms and expressions, discussed entirely in English! Each short episode uncovers the origins and cultural context behind popular Spanish phrases, perfect for language enthusiasts at any level. A companion to News in Slow Spanish (www.NewsInSlowSpanish.com) that adds color to your daily commute and helps you appreciate the wit and wisdom of Spanish-speaking cultures, one phrase at a time.

https://www.newsinslowspanish.com/series/expressions/11/48/transcript/1

Dive into the rich world of Spanish idioms and expressions, discussed entirely in English! Each short episode uncovers the origins and cultural context behind popular Spanish phrases, perfect for language enthusiasts at any level. A companion to News in Slow Spanish (www.NewsInSlowSpanish.com) that adds color to your daily commute and helps you appreciate the wit and wisdom of Spanish-speaking cultures, one phrase at a time.

https://www.newsinslowspanish.com/series/expressions/7/233/transcript/1

Dive into the rich world of Spanish idioms and expressions, discussed entirely in English! Each short episode uncovers the origins and cultural context behind popular Spanish phrases, perfect for language enthusiasts at any level. A companion to News in Slow Spanish (www.NewsInSlowSpanish.com) that adds color to your daily commute and helps you appreciate the wit and wisdom of Spanish-speaking cultures, one phrase at a time.

https://www.newsinslowspanish.com/latino/series/expressions/1/152/transcript/1

Dive into the rich world of Spanish idioms and expressions, discussed entirely in English! Each short episode uncovers the origins and cultural context behind popular Spanish phrases, perfect for language enthusiasts at any level. A companion to News in Slow Spanish (www.NewsInSlowSpanish.com) that adds color to your daily commute and helps you appreciate the wit and wisdom of Spanish-speaking cultures, one phrase at a time.

https://www.newsinslowspanish.com/latino/series/expressions/11/7/transcript/1

Dive into the rich world of Spanish idioms and expressions, discussed entirely in English! Each short episode uncovers the origins and cultural context behind popular Spanish phrases, perfect for language enthusiasts at any level. A companion to News in Slow Spanish (www.NewsInSlowSpanish.com) that adds color to your daily commute and helps you appreciate the wit and wisdom of Spanish-speaking cultures, one phrase at a time.

https://www.newsinslowspanish.com/series/expressions/11/3/transcript/1