salvar (las) distancias
bridge (the) distances
The Spanish phrase 'salvar (las) distancias' is a figurative expression used in comparing two situations, things or people. It literally translates as 'to save (the) distances' in English, which means to clarify the differences or to distinguish items whilst comparing them. In order to appropriately translate it, the context must be clear. It is generally used when you are comparing two things that are generally not the same but have some similarities, or when you're trying to clarify that there are differences despite similarities.
Example sentences using: salvar (las) distancias
Aunque debemos salvar las distancias, su estilo de escritura es similar al de Hemingway.
Although we must save the distances, his writing style is similar to Hemingway's.
The phrase 'salvar las distancias' is used to admit a comparison, but at the same time acknowledge that there is still a big difference. In this case, the speaker is comparing someone's writing style to Hemingway's but simultaneously clarifying that this similarity doesn't elevate this person to Hemingway's level.
Con todas las advertencias necesarias para salvar las distancias, podría decirse que su trabajo es comparable al de Picasso.
With all the necessary warnings to save the distances, it could be said that his work is comparable to that of Picasso.
Here, the phrase 'salvar las distancias' is used in the context of undermining a comparison that's been made between two entities. In this case, the person's work is being compared to Picasso's, however, the speaker makes it clear that even though there may be some similarities, the two are not on the same level.
Puede que tengan una meta similar, pero antes de compararlos necesitamos salvar las distancias.
They might have a similar goal, but before comparing them we need to save the distances.
In this sentence, 'salvar las distancias' is used before making a comparison between two entities with a similar goal. It suggests that while a comparison might be drawn, one must first consider the clear differences or specifics that separate these two things.