al pie de la letra
Lemma Details
Translation: to the letter; literally; word for word; exactly as stated
Part of Speech: idiom
Etymology: This Spanish idiom combines 'al pie' (at the foot/base) with 'de la letra' (of the letter/writing). The metaphor suggests standing firmly at the base of written text, following it precisely without deviation. It parallels the English expression 'to the letter', which similarly emphasizes exact adherence to written instructions or statements.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 40%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Debes seguir la receta al pie de la letra para que el pastel salga bien.
You must follow the recipe to the letter for the cake to turn out well.
No tomes todo lo que digo al pie de la letra.
Don't take everything I say literally.
El abogado interpretó el contrato al pie de la letra.
The lawyer interpreted the contract literally.
Mnemonics
- Think of standing 'at the foot' (al pie) of a giant letter, reading every detail exactly as written.
- Imagine a person carefully tracing each letter with their foot to ensure perfect accuracy.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This idiom is commonly used in educational contexts, legal settings, and situations where precise adherence to instructions or texts is important. It's frequently used when emphasizing the need to follow directions exactly as written.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'al pie de la letra' means following exactly what is written, 'entre líneas' (between the lines) refers to understanding implied meanings not explicitly stated.
Notes: These expressions represent opposite approaches to interpreting text: exact adherence versus looking for hidden meanings.
Mnemonic: 'Pie' (foot) is solid and exact, while 'entre' (between) suggests looking for what's not directly visible.