salir a la luz
Lemma Details
Translation: to come to light; to be revealed; to be published; to become known
Part of Speech: phrase
Etymology: This Spanish phrase combines 'salir' (to go out, to exit) with 'a la luz' (to the light). It creates a metaphorical expression about something hidden becoming visible or known, similar to the English expression 'to come to light.' The imagery evokes something emerging from darkness into illumination, representing the revelation of previously unknown information.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 60%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Recientemente han salido a la luz nuevos documentos sobre el caso.
Recently, new documents about the case have come to light.
Su libro saldrá a la luz el próximo mes.
His book will be published next month.
La verdad siempre sale a la luz.
The truth always comes to light.
El escándalo salió a la luz después de años de encubrimiento.
The scandal came to light after years of cover-up.
Mnemonics
- Think of something 'exiting' (salir) into the light (luz) - like a secret stepping out of the shadows.
- Imagine a book being published as 'going out to the light' where everyone can see it.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is commonly used in Spanish media when referring to scandals, new information, or publications that become public. It's frequently used in news reporting and everyday conversation when discussing revelations of previously unknown facts.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'salir a la luz' refers to something becoming known or revealed, 'ver la luz' can refer to something being published or born, but also has the literal meaning of seeing light.
Confused word:
Su novela finalmente vio la luz después de años de trabajo.
His novel finally saw the light after years of work.
Notes: Both phrases use 'luz' (light) as a metaphor for visibility and public knowledge.
Mnemonic: 'Salir' (to exit) implies something hidden is emerging, while 'ver' (to see) suggests something new is being perceived.
Explanation: 'Salir a la luz' is something happening on its own (information becoming known), while 'sacar a la luz' implies someone actively revealing or exposing information.
Confused word:
El periodista sacó a la luz los documentos confidenciales.
The journalist brought the confidential documents to light.
Notes: The difference is in agency - whether information emerges naturally or is deliberately exposed.
Mnemonic: 'Salir' is intransitive (something comes out), while 'sacar' is transitive (someone takes something out).