perro viejo
Lemma Details
Translation: old dog; old hand; experienced person; veteran; old-timer
Part of Speech: idiom
Etymology: This Spanish idiom combines 'perro' (dog) and 'viejo' (old). It draws on the universal concept that older animals, particularly dogs, have accumulated experience and wisdom through their years. The metaphor transfers this quality to humans, suggesting someone with extensive experience in a particular field or activity. Similar expressions exist in English with 'old dog' or 'old hand'.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 60%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Juan es un perro viejo en este negocio, sabe exactamente cómo manejar a los clientes difíciles.
Juan is an old hand in this business, he knows exactly how to handle difficult clients.
No te preocupes por él, es un perro viejo y sabrá cómo resolver la situación.
Don't worry about him, he's an experienced person and will know how to resolve the situation.
Como perro viejo en la política, anticipó la crisis mucho antes que los demás.
As a veteran in politics, he anticipated the crisis long before others did.
Mnemonics
- Think of an elderly dog who knows all the tricks and shortcuts in the neighborhood - just like an experienced person knows all the ins and outs of their profession.
- Picture an old dog that can't be fooled easily because it has seen everything before - similar to an experienced person who isn't easily deceived.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This expression is commonly used in Spanish-speaking countries to refer to someone with extensive experience in a particular field. It carries a positive connotation of wisdom and expertise gained through years of practice. The idiom is often used in professional contexts to describe seasoned workers or in social settings to refer to someone who has 'been around the block'.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'perro viejo' is an idiom meaning an experienced person, 'viejo perro' is simply a literal description of an elderly dog without the idiomatic meaning.
Confused word:
Mi viejo perro ya no puede caminar muy lejos.
My old dog can't walk very far anymore.
Notes: The order of words matters significantly in Spanish. When the adjective comes before the noun, it often emphasizes a quality or characteristic rather than creating an idiomatic meaning.
Mnemonic: Remember: 'perro viejo' (noun + adjective) refers to human experience, while 'viejo perro' (adjective + noun) is just describing an aged canine.
Explanation: 'Perro viejo' refers to an experienced person, while 'perro callejero' means a stray dog and is not typically used metaphorically for people.
Confused word:
Hay muchos perros callejeros en este barrio.
There are many stray dogs in this neighborhood.
Notes: Both expressions contain 'perro' but have completely different meanings and contexts of use.
Mnemonic: 'Viejo' connects to wisdom and experience, while 'callejero' (from 'calle' meaning street) connects to wandering without a home.