Example: No puedes pasar por alto ese error en el informe.
Definition
"Pasar por alto" means to overlook or ignore something, especially a mistake or detail, either intentionally or unintentionally. For example, in the phrase 'No puedes pasar por alto ese error en el informe,' it implies that the error cannot be ignored or left unnoticed.
Translations
to overlook
over het hoofd zien
passar per alt
négliger
übersehen
Etymology
The phrase "pasar por alto" comes from the Spanish words 'pasar' meaning 'to pass' and 'alto' meaning 'high' or 'stop.' Together, it figuratively means to 'pass over' or 'skip' something. Did you know? The phrase suggests figuratively looking over something without paying attention to it, similar to stepping over an obstacle without noticing it.
Learn to use this expression actively
"Pasar por alto" appears in the Vocaplus list "Spanish - General - Modismos y refranes - (B2) - parte 1", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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to overlook