Meter la pata
backTo put one's paw into something.
to put one's foot in one's mouth; to mess up; to make a blunder; to screw up (informal)
Meter la pata is one of the most common idiomatic expressions in modern Spanish. It refers to making an embarrassing mistake through ignorance, poor judgement, carelessness or unfortunate timing. Unlike expressions that describe incompetence, this idiom usually implies that the speaker had good intentions but accidentally created an awkward situation.
Le pregunté por su padre sin saber que había fallecido. Metí la pata.
I asked about his father without knowing he had died. I really put my foot in my mouth.
No deberías haber contado ese secreto. Has metido la pata.
You shouldn't have revealed that secret. You really messed up.
El ministro volvió a meter la pata durante la entrevista.
The minister made another embarrassing blunder during the interview.
The mistake is generally social rather than technical. Someone may ask an inappropriate question without knowing the circumstances, reveal confidential information unintentionally or make a comment that suddenly changes the atmosphere of a conversation.
The expression is used every day throughout Spain and Latin America. It is suitable for conversations, newspapers, television interviews and informal writing.
One of its strengths is that it sounds sympathetic rather than harsh. Saying that somebody ha metido la pata recognises the mistake without necessarily judging the person.
- asked an embarrassing question
- revealed a secret
- made an unfortunate joke
- misunderstood a delicate situation
- spoken before knowing all the facts
- unintentionally offended another person
It grew naturally out of everyday colloquial speech.
The most widely accepted explanation relates the expression to the image of an animal placing its paw where it should not, immediately creating trouble. Other theories connect the idiom with much older expressions involving the medieval word Pateta, an old popular name for the Devil, although this explanation remains controversial.
Whatever its origin, the metaphor has survived because it is immediately understandable.
Spanish speakers often use this expression immediately after an awkward moment.
Interestingly, admitting He metido la pata is generally viewed positively. Recognising one's mistake demonstrates humility and usually helps reduce social tension.
English speakers put their foot in their mouth.
Spaniards put a paw where it should not be.
Different images.
Exactly the same human experience.
Do not use meter la pata for every mistake.
If someone answers a maths question incorrectly, Spaniards normally say equivocarse, not meter la pata.
Reserve this idiom for situations involving embarrassment or social consequences.
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