Example: Me llevé las manos a la cabeza al ver el desastre.
Definition
"Llevarse las manos a la cabeza" is a Spanish expression used to describe the action of raising one's hands to the head as a gesture of shock, disbelief, or distress, often in response to witnessing a surprising or upsetting situation.
Translations
to be shocked
de handen in het haar slaan
portar-se les mans al cap
se prendre la tête entre les mains
die Hände über dem Kopf zusammenschlagen
Etymology
The phrase "llevarse las manos a la cabeza" literally means 'to take one's hands to the head' in Spanish. It originates from the natural human reaction of placing hands on the head when overwhelmed or stressed. This expression vividly conveys emotional intensity without needing further explanation.
Learn to use this expression actively
"Llevarse las manos a la cabeza" appears in the Vocaplus list "Spanish - General - Modismos y refranes - (C2) - parte 1", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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to be shocked