meter la cintura
to tuck in the waist
The Spanish phrase 'meter la cintura' directly translates to 'to tuck in the waist' in English. It is often used in the context of adjusting clothing for a better fit or to achieve a certain style. For example, when you tuck in a shirt or blouse into your pants, skirt or shorts, you are 'metiendo la cintura'. This phrase can be literal or metaphorical, meaning the act of toning or reducing one's waist size through exercise or dieting. As with all phrases, the specific context often determines the exact meaning.
Example sentences using: meter la cintura
Necesitamos meter la cintura para completar este proyecto a tiempo.
We need to buckle down to complete this project on time.
In this context, 'meter la cintura' is used as an idiomatic expression meaning to work hard or to put significant effort into something, similarly to the English phrase 'to buckle down'.
Si quieres escalar esa montaña, necesitas meter la cintura.
If you want to climb that mountain, you need to buckle down.
Here, 'meter la cintura' is used to imply that a significant effort or dedication will be required to achieve a challenging task, such as climbing a mountain - similar to the English equivalent 'buckle down' which suggests readiness to hard work.
Para aprender español, tienes que meter la cintura.
To learn Spanish, you have to buckle down.
In this sentence, 'meter la cintura' implies the need for hard work and commitment in order to learn Spanish. The English equivalent 'buckle down' is used in a similar context when one needs to apply themselves fully to excel at something, in this case, learning a new language.