llevar a cabo
Lemma Details
Translation: to carry out; to accomplish; to execute; to implement; to fulfill; to complete
Part of Speech: phrase
Etymology: This phrase combines 'llevar' (to carry, to take) with 'a cabo' (to completion, to the end). 'Cabo' originally meant 'end' or 'extremity' (from Latin 'caput' meaning 'head'). The expression literally translates as 'to carry to the end', conveying the idea of seeing something through to completion.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 40%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
El gobierno llevó a cabo una investigación exhaustiva.
The government carried out a thorough investigation.
Necesitamos llevar a cabo este proyecto antes del viernes.
We need to complete this project before Friday.
La empresa está llevando a cabo cambios importantes.
The company is implementing important changes.
Se llevaron a cabo varias reuniones para resolver el problema.
Several meetings were held to resolve the problem.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'llevar' (to carry) + 'a cabo' (to the end) = carrying something all the way to its end point.
- Visualize physically carrying a project to the finish line.
- Connect 'cabo' with 'Cabo' (cape) - like reaching the end point of land.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is widely used in both formal and informal contexts in Spanish-speaking countries, appearing frequently in business, government, and everyday speech. It's a standard way to express the completion or execution of plans, projects, or tasks.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While both phrases mean to complete something, 'llevar a cabo' is more general and common, while 'llevar a término' often emphasizes bringing something to its final conclusion or term, sometimes with a connotation of difficulty overcome.
This word:
El equipo llevó a cabo el proyecto en seis meses.
The team carried out the project in six months.
Notes: 'Llevar a cabo' is much more frequently used in everyday Spanish.
Mnemonic: 'Cabo' (end) is for general completion; 'término' suggests a final endpoint or deadline.
Explanation: 'Llevar a cabo' means to execute or complete something, while 'poner en práctica' specifically means to implement or apply something in a practical way.
This word:
El gobierno llevó a cabo las reformas prometidas.
The government carried out the promised reforms.
Confused word:
Es importante poner en práctica lo que aprendiste en el curso.
It's important to put into practice what you learned in the course.
Notes: 'Poner en práctica' often refers to applying knowledge or ideas, while 'llevar a cabo' is broader.
Mnemonic: 'Llevar a cabo' carries something to completion; 'poner en práctica' puts theory into practice.