a puerta cerrada
Lemma Details
Translation: behind closed doors; in private; in camera
Part of Speech: phrase
Etymology: This Spanish phrase combines 'a' (at/to), 'puerta' (door, from Latin 'porta'), and 'cerrada' (closed, the past participle of 'cerrar', from Latin 'serare' meaning 'to bolt, bar'). The expression literally means 'at a closed door' and metaphorically refers to something happening in private, without public access or knowledge.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 60%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
El juicio se celebró a puerta cerrada para proteger la identidad de los menores.
The trial was held behind closed doors to protect the identity of the minors.
Las negociaciones entre los dos países se realizaron a puerta cerrada.
The negotiations between the two countries were conducted in private.
El comité tomó la decisión a puerta cerrada sin consultar a los miembros.
The committee made the decision behind closed doors without consulting the members.
Mnemonics
- Think of a closed door ('puerta cerrada') as a barrier to public access or knowledge.
- Visualize important people meeting behind a locked door to discuss secret matters.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is commonly used in legal, political, and business contexts to describe meetings or proceedings that exclude the public or press. In Spanish-speaking countries, it's frequently used when referring to confidential government sessions, private court hearings, or exclusive business negotiations.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'a puerta cerrada' means 'behind closed doors' or 'in private', 'a puerta abierta' means 'with an open door' or 'openly'.
Confused word:
Su oficina siempre está a puerta abierta para los empleados.
His office always has an open door for employees.
Notes: The key difference is in the adjective: 'cerrada' (closed) vs. 'abierta' (open), which completely changes the meaning from private/secret to public/open.
Mnemonic: 'Cerrada' contains 'cerr' which sounds like 'secure' - private meetings are secure; 'abierta' contains 'abier' which sounds like 'a beer' - something you might share openly.
Explanation: Both phrases involve something being closed or sealed, but 'a puerta cerrada' refers specifically to privacy or secrecy, while 'a cal y canto' (literally 'with lime and stone') means 'firmly shut' or 'hermetically sealed'.
This word:
El debate se llevó a cabo a puerta cerrada.
The debate was conducted behind closed doors.
Confused word:
Después del robo, cerraron la tienda a cal y canto.
After the robbery, they sealed the store completely shut.
Notes: 'A cal y canto' is more about physical security and impenetrability, while 'a puerta cerrada' is about privacy and exclusivity.
Mnemonic: 'A puerta cerrada' involves privacy (think of a closed door to a meeting room), while 'a cal y canto' involves security (think of a medieval castle sealed with mortar).