Poner el dedo en la llaga
Example: Cuando le hablé, puse el dedo en la llaga sin querer.
Definition
"Poner el dedo en la llaga" is a Spanish expression meaning to touch on a sensitive or painful subject that causes discomfort or emotional pain, often unintentionally. It refers to addressing something that someone would rather avoid or finds deeply troubling.
Etymology
The phrase "poner el dedo en la llaga" literally means 'to put the finger on the sore.' It originates from the idea of physically touching a painful wound (llaga) with a finger, which naturally causes pain. Over time, it evolved metaphorically to describe mentioning or highlighting a sensitive issue that causes emotional pain or discomfort.
Learn to use this expression actively
"Poner el dedo en la llaga" 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.
Create a free account
to touch a sore spot