apretar la cintura
tighten the waist
The Spanish phrase 'apretar la cintura' translates to 'tighten the waist' in English. It is a literal translation where 'apretar' means 'to tighten', 'la' is 'the', and 'cintura' is 'waist'. This phrase can be used in situations such as when referring to adjusting the fit of clothing like a belt or a dress, among others. In a figurative sense, it can be used to imply reducing expenses or making a budget stricter.
Example sentences using: apretar la cintura
Vamos a apretar la cintura y reducir los gastos este mes.
We are going to tighten our belts and reduce spending this month.
In this example, the verb phrase 'apretar la cintura' is used metaphorically. Just like physically tightening your belt would mean reducing your waist size, here it symbolises cutting back on expenses. The phrase is used in the context of planning to spend less money in the upcoming month.
Si quieres alcanzar tus metas, debes apretar la cintura y trabajar duro.
If you want to achieve your goals, you must tighten your belt and work hard.
This sentence uses 'apretar la cintura' metaphorically to express the idea of restricting or limiting oneself in some way in order to achieve something. In this example, it communicates the notion that one must make sacrifices (tighten the belt) and work hard to accomplish one's goals.
Después de perder su trabajo, tuvo que apretar la cintura y vivir de sus ahorros.
After losing his job, he had to tighten his belt and live off his savings.
In this case, 'apretar la cintura' is used to express the concept of frugality. The person had to start spending less (tighten the belt) and live off whatever money he had saved previously, due to the loss of his job. It's a figurative way to describe a change to a more pared-down lifestyle.