a oscuras
Lemma Details
Translation: in the dark; without light; blindly; in darkness
Part of Speech: adverbial phrase
Etymology: This adverbial phrase comes from the preposition 'a' (to, in) and 'oscuras', the feminine plural form of the adjective 'oscuro' (dark). 'Oscuro' derives from Latin 'obscurus' (dark, dim, indistinct), which is also the origin of the English word 'obscure'. The phrase literally means 'in darknesses' but is used idiomatically to describe being without light or knowledge.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 40%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Nos quedamos a oscuras cuando se fue la luz.
We were left in the dark when the power went out.
No me gusta dormir a oscuras.
I don't like sleeping in the dark.
Estamos a oscuras sobre sus planes.
We're in the dark about his plans.
El gobierno mantiene a la población a oscuras.
The government keeps the population in the dark.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'oscuras' as related to 'obscure' in English - when something is obscure, it's hard to see, as if you were in the dark.
- The 'a' in 'a oscuras' can be remembered as 'at' - you are 'at darkness'.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is commonly used both literally (to describe physical darkness) and figuratively (to describe ignorance or lack of information). It appears frequently in literature and everyday speech.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'a oscuras' refers specifically to darkness or lack of light, 'a ciegas' means 'blindly' or 'without seeing' and emphasizes the inability to see rather than the absence of light.
Confused word:
Firmó el contrato a ciegas.
He signed the contract blindly.
Notes: Both phrases can be used figuratively to indicate lack of knowledge, but 'a ciegas' emphasizes acting without proper information, while 'a oscuras' emphasizes being uninformed.
Mnemonic: 'Oscuras' relates to darkness (like 'obscure'), while 'ciegas' relates to blindness (from 'ciego' meaning blind).
Explanation: 'A oscuras' is an adverbial phrase that describes the state of being in darkness, while 'en la oscuridad' is a prepositional phrase that refers more to the location within darkness.
Notes: In many contexts, these phrases can be interchangeable, but 'en la oscuridad' tends to be more concrete and physical.
Mnemonic: Think of 'a oscuras' as describing a condition (how something is happening), while 'en la oscuridad' describes where something is happening.