Example: Me quedé a cuadros cuando vi el precio del coche.
Definition
"Quedarse a cuadros" is a Spanish expression meaning to be shocked or astonished by something, often unexpectedly. It describes a state of surprise or disbelief, as in the example phrase where someone is stunned by the car's price.
Translations
to be baffled
met stomheid geslagen zijn
quedar-se de pedra
rester sidéré
sprachlos sein
Etymology
The expression "quedarse a cuadros" literally translates to 'to remain in squares,' which is thought to evoke the image of a stunned or frozen facial expression, as if one's face is divided into squares. Its origins are informal and colloquial, commonly used in Spain to convey surprise or amazement.
Learn to use this expression actively
"Quedarse a cuadros" appears in the Vocaplus list "Spanish - General - Modismos y refranes - (C1) - parte 1", containing 120 commonly used expressions.
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to be baffled