quedarse sin frenos
without brakes
The Spanish phrase 'quedarse sin frenos' directly translates to 'to run out of brakes' in English. However, it is often used metaphorically to refer to a situation spiraling out of control, similar to a vehicle that has lost braking capacity and hence cannot be stopped. This phrase is commonly used in various contexts to denote lack of control or inability to stop a course of action.
Example sentences using: quedarse sin frenos
El autobús iba a quedarse sin frenos bajo la intensa lluvia.
The bus was going to run out of brakes under the intense rain.
This sentence represents a metaphorical use of 'quedarse sin frenos' in reference to a bus. It indicates a situation where the vehicle might lose its ability to stop due to a loss of brake functionality, possibly due to the intense rain.
Por hablar sin pensar, Alejandro logró quedarse sin frenos en la reunión familiar.
By speaking without thinking, Alejandro managed to lose his brakes at the family meeting.
In this context, 'quedarse sin frenos' is used metaphorically to say Alejandro had a verbal outburst (he 'lost his brakes') at a family meeting because he spoke without thinking. This metaphor is states that he didn't have control over what he was saying.
Cuando los gastos excedieron sus ahorros, Laura se dio cuenta que iba a quedarse sin frenos.
When expenses exceeded her savings, Laura realized she was going to run out of brakes.
In this sentence, 'quedarse sin frenos' is also used metaphorically. Here, it means that Laura has overspent her budget. The term 'run out of brakes' is used to convey a loss of financial control which is likened to a vehicle losing its stopping power.