Example: El presupuesto se quedó corto para comprar todos los libros.
Definition
"Quedarse corto" means to fall short or not be enough, especially regarding quantity, amount, or expectations. For example, it describes situations where resources like money or time do not meet the required or anticipated needs.
Translations
to fall short
tekortschieten
quedar curt
être insuffisant
zu kurz greifen
Etymology
The phrase "quedarse corto" literally translates to 'stay short' in English. It combines 'quedarse' (to remain) and 'corto' (short). It originated from everyday Spanish, emphasizing something not reaching a necessary limit or extent, much like a shortfall.
Learn to use this expression actively
"Quedarse corto" appears in the Vocaplus list "Spanish - General - Modismos y refranes - (C1) - parte 1", containing 120 commonly used expressions.
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to fall short