Example: No debes echar por tierra sus esfuerzos sin razón.
Definition
"Echar por tierra" means to completely reject or ruin something, often referring to efforts, plans, or ideas. It implies dismissing or destroying the value or credibility of something, as in the phrase 'No debes echar por tierra sus esfuerzos sin razón,' meaning not to unfairly ruin someone's efforts.
Translations
to tear down
onderuit halen
enderrocar
démolir
zunichtemachen
Etymology
The phrase "echar por tierra" literally translates to 'throw to the ground.' It originates from the idea of physically casting something down to the earth, symbolizing destruction or rejection. Over time, it evolved into a figurative expression meaning to undermine or dismiss something entirely.
Learn to use this expression actively
"Echar por tierra" appears in the Vocaplus list "Spanish - General - Modismos y refranes - (C2) - parte 1", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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to tear down