poner pie en
Lemma Details
Translation: to set foot in; to enter; to arrive at
Part of Speech: phrase
Etymology: This Spanish phrase combines 'poner' (to put, to place) with 'pie' (foot) and the preposition 'en' (in/on). It creates a metaphorical expression about physically entering a place by placing one's foot in it. The construction parallels the English expression 'to set foot in' which shares the same imagery and meaning.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'putting your foot in' a place as the first step to entering it.
- Visualize physically placing (poner) your foot (pie) in (en) a doorway to remember this phrase.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is commonly used in Spanish to emphasize the act of entering a place, often with connotations of doing so for the first time or after a long absence. It can be used both literally and figuratively.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'poner pie en' means to enter a place, 'poner los pies en polvorosa' means to flee or run away quickly.
Confused word:
Cuando vio a la policía, puso los pies en polvorosa.
When he saw the police, he fled quickly.
Notes: The phrase 'poner los pies en polvorosa' is more idiomatic and less transparent in meaning than 'poner pie en'.
Mnemonic: 'Polvorosa' sounds like 'powder/dust' - imagine kicking up dust as you run away, versus simply placing your foot somewhere to enter.
Explanation: 'Poner pie en' refers to entering a place, while 'meter la pata' (literally 'to put in the paw/foot') means to make a mistake or blunder.
Confused word:
Metí la pata cuando mencioné su ex-novia.
I put my foot in it when I mentioned his ex-girlfriend.
Notes: 'Meter la pata' is equivalent to the English expression 'to put one's foot in one's mouth'.
Mnemonic: Both involve feet, but 'meter la pata' is about making a misstep (figuratively), while 'poner pie en' is about taking a step into a place.