Example: Me quedé de piedra cuando vi el accidente en la calle.
Definition
"Quedarse de piedra" is a Spanish expression meaning to be stunned or shocked to the point of being motionless or speechless. It describes a reaction of extreme surprise or disbelief, as in the example where someone was left frozen after witnessing an accident.
Translations
to be stunned
met stomheid geslagen zijn
quedar-se de pedra
rester bouche bée
wie versteinert sein
Etymology
The phrase "quedarse de piedra" literally translates to 'to remain like stone.' It uses 'quedarse' (to remain) combined with 'de piedra' (like stone) to metaphorically describe someone becoming as still and unresponsive as a stone due to shock or amazement. Did you know this vivid metaphor reflects how people might feel immobilized by strong emotions?
Learn to use this expression actively
"Quedarse de piedra" appears in the Vocaplus list "Spanish - General - Modismos y refranes - (C1) - parte 1", containing 120 commonly used expressions.
Would you like to not only understand these expressions, but also remember them and use them actively? Create a free account and select Spanish as the language you want to learn.
to be stunned