arreglárselas
Lemma Details
Translation: to manage; to cope; to get by; to make do; to figure it out
Part of Speech: verb phrase
Etymology: This reflexive verb phrase combines 'arreglar' (to fix, arrange) with the reflexive pronoun 'se' and the feminine plural direct object pronoun 'las' (them). 'Arreglar' comes from Latin 'regula' (rule, straight piece of wood), which also gave English 'regular' and 'regulate'. The construction literally means 'to arrange them for oneself', but has evolved to mean finding a way to handle difficult situations.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
No sé cómo, pero siempre se las arregla para llegar a tiempo.
I don't know how, but he always manages to arrive on time.
Con poco dinero, nos las arreglamos para viajar por todo el país.
With little money, we managed to travel throughout the country.
¿Cómo te las arreglas para trabajar y estudiar al mismo tiempo?
How do you manage to work and study at the same time?
Mnemonics
- Think of 'arrange-las' - you're arranging things to make them work for you.
- Picture someone fixing ('arreglando') a complicated situation with whatever they have available.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
This expression is very common in Spanish-speaking cultures and reflects a resourceful attitude toward overcoming obstacles. It's often used to describe how people cope with limited resources or difficult circumstances.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'arreglar' means 'to fix' or 'to arrange', 'arreglárselas' specifically refers to managing or coping with a situation. The reflexive construction with 'las' creates this idiomatic meaning.
This word:
Me las arreglaré para terminar el proyecto a tiempo.
I'll manage to finish the project on time.
Notes: The pronoun 'las' in this expression doesn't refer to any specific feminine plural noun - it's part of the fixed expression.
Mnemonic: When you add 'se las' to 'arreglar', you're not fixing an object but fixing a way for yourself.
Explanation: 'Arreglarse' means 'to get ready' or 'to dress up', while 'arreglárselas' means 'to manage' or 'to cope'.
This word:
No sé cómo me las arreglaré sin tu ayuda.
I don't know how I'll manage without your help.
Notes: Both are reflexive forms of 'arreglar', but they have different meanings and uses.
Mnemonic: Adding 'las' transforms getting yourself ready into getting a situation ready.