patas arriba
Lemma: patas arriba
Translation: upside down; in disarray; in chaos; topsy-turvy (adverbial phrase)
Etymology: This Spanish expression combines 'patas' (legs or paws) and 'arriba' (up). Literally meaning 'legs up', it creates the vivid image of something turned over with its legs pointing upward - hence 'upside down'. This imagery effectively conveys the sense of disorder or complete reversal of the normal state of things.
Example Usage
La casa está patas arriba después de la fiesta.
The house is upside down (in disarray) after the party.
Puso la habitación patas arriba buscando las llaves.
He turned the room upside down looking for the keys.
Mi vida está patas arriba desde que perdí mi trabajo.
My life has been in chaos since I lost my job.
Mnemonics
- Picture an animal with its 'patas' (legs) pointing 'arriba' (up) - that's upside down!
- Think of a table flipped over with its legs pointing up to the ceiling.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
This expression is widely used in everyday Spanish conversation to describe physical disorder or chaotic situations. It's also commonly used when someone is searching through things and creating a mess in the process.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'patas arriba' means 'upside down' in the sense of disorder or chaos, 'boca abajo' specifically means 'face down' or 'upside down' in terms of physical orientation.
This word:
La casa está patas arriba después de la mudanza.
The house is in disarray after the move.
Notes: 'Patas arriba' is more about disorder and chaos, while 'boca abajo' is more about physical positioning.
Mnemonic: 'Patas' refers to legs/disorder; 'boca' refers to mouth/face orientation.