Example: Él tiene más cara que espalda y siempre pide favores.
Definition
"Tener más cara que espalda" is a Spanish expression used to describe someone who is shameless or audacious, often asking for favors or behaving in a bold, unapologetic manner without concern for others' opinions or social norms.
Translations
to be incredibly cheeky
ontzettend brutaal zijn
tenir molta barra
avoir un culot monstre
dreist sein
Etymology
The expression "tener más cara que espalda" literally means 'to have more face than back,' metaphorically suggesting that a person has so much 'face' (boldness or shamelessness) that it outweighs their 'back' (a part usually hidden), highlighting their unashamed or brazen behavior. Its exact origin is uncertain, but it remains a colorful way to describe shamelessness in Spanish.
Learn to use this expression actively
"Tener más cara que espalda" appears in the Vocaplus list "Spanish - General - Modismos y refranes - (C2) - parte 1", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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to be incredibly cheeky