Example: Ella está de uñas porque no le gusta la noticia.
Definition
"Estar de uñas" is a Spanish expression used to describe someone who is very angry or upset about something. For example, if someone says, 'Ella está de uñas porque no le gusta la noticia,' it means she is very displeased or irritated by the news.
Translations
to be very irritated
op scherp staan
estar molt irritat
être à cran
gereizt sein
Etymology
The phrase "estar de uñas" literally means 'to be of nails.' It likely originates from the idea that when people are angry, they may clench their nails or fists tightly. This vivid image helped the expression become a popular way to describe feelings of annoyance or anger in Spanish.
Learn to use this expression actively
"Estar de uñas" appears in the Vocaplus list "Spanish - General - Modismos y refranes - (C1) - parte 1", containing 120 commonly used expressions.
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to be very irritated