Meter la pata
Example: Metí la pata en la reunión y me disculpé después.
Definition
"Meter la pata" is a Spanish expression meaning to make a mistake or blunder, especially in a social or formal situation. For example, saying or doing something inappropriate and later realizing the error, as in 'I messed up in the meeting and apologized afterward.'
Etymology
The phrase "meter la pata" literally translates to 'put the paw in,' with 'pata' referring to an animal's paw or leg. Its origin is metaphorical, suggesting the act of stepping into a problematic situation or making a misstep. The exact origin is uncertain, but it vividly conveys the idea of unintentionally causing trouble.
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"Meter la pata" appears in the Vocaplus list "Spanish - General - Modismos y refranes - (C1) - parte 1", containing 120 commonly used expressions.
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to put one's foot in it