Example: Me quedé con un palmo de narices cuando no gané el premio.
Definition
"Quedarse con un palmo de narices" is a Spanish expression meaning to be left disappointed or frustrated after expecting a positive outcome but not achieving it, as in feeling surprised and let down by an unexpected failure or denial.
Translations
to be left disappointed
met lege handen achterblijven
quedar-se amb un pam de nas
rester bredouille
leer ausgehen
Etymology
The phrase "quedarse con un palmo de narices" literally translates to 'to be left with a palm's length of nose,' which figuratively describes being left short or disappointed. This vivid image likely originates from the idea of having only a small measure left in front of the nose, symbolizing unmet expectations. It's a colorful Spanish idiom used to express surprise and disappointment.
Learn to use this expression actively
"Quedarse con un palmo de narices" appears in the Vocaplus list "Spanish - General - Modismos y refranes - (C2) - parte 1", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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to be left disappointed