Example: Quedamos en agua de borrajas porque no llegaron a tiempo.
Definition
"Quedarse en agua de borrajas" is a Spanish expression meaning that plans or efforts fail to produce the expected results, ending up in nothing or being wasted. For example, when an event is canceled last minute, it can be said that it 'quedó en agua de borrajas.'
The phrase "quedarse en agua de borrajas" literally translates to 'to remain in borage water.' Borage is a plant whose watery infusion was once considered weak or ineffective, so the expression metaphorically refers to something that turns out to be futile or disappointing. Did you know? This saying highlights how something promising can end up as useless as borage water.
Learn to use this expression actively
"Quedarse en agua de borrajas" appears in the Vocaplus list "Spanish - General - Modismos y refranes - (C2) - parte 1", containing 105 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 come to nothing