salir disparado
Lemma Details
Translation: to shoot off; to dash off; to bolt; to rush away; to take off suddenly
Part of Speech: phrase
Etymology: This phrase combines 'salir' (to exit, to leave) from Latin 'salire' meaning 'to leap, jump' and 'disparado' (the past participle of 'disparar' meaning 'to shoot, fire'). 'Disparar' comes from Latin 'disparare' (to separate), from 'dis-' (apart) and 'parare' (to prepare). The combined phrase creates a vivid image of someone or something leaving a place with the speed and suddenness of a fired projectile.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 40%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Cuando sonó la alarma, salió disparado de la cama.
When the alarm went off, he shot out of bed.
El gato salió disparado por la ventana cuando vio al perro.
The cat bolted through the window when it saw the dog.
En cuanto terminó la reunión, salí disparado hacia el aeropuerto.
As soon as the meeting ended, I rushed off to the airport.
Mnemonics
- Think of someone 'exiting' (salir) as if they were 'shot from a gun' (disparado).
- Imagine a cartoon character who gets startled and shoots off the screen.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is commonly used in everyday Spanish to describe sudden, rapid movement. It's often used in situations of urgency, surprise, or when someone is in a hurry. The imagery is similar to English expressions like 'shooting off like a rocket' or 'bolting like lightning'.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'salir corriendo' (to run off) also indicates quick movement, 'salir disparado' implies even greater speed and suddenness, like being propelled or shot forward.
This word:
El conejo salió disparado cuando escuchó el ruido.
The rabbit shot off when it heard the noise.
Notes: 'Salir disparado' often implies a reaction to something sudden or alarming, while 'salir corriendo' can be used in more general contexts of running away.
Mnemonic: 'Disparado' relates to 'disparo' (gunshot), suggesting bullet-like speed, while 'corriendo' just means running.
Explanation: 'Disparar' means 'to shoot' or 'to fire' (a weapon), while 'salir disparado' means to move very quickly away from somewhere.
Confused word:
El cazador disparó su rifle.
The hunter fired his rifle.
Notes: The connection between these terms helps understand the imagery behind 'salir disparado' - moving as if shot from a gun.
Mnemonic: Think of 'disparar' as the action of firing, and 'salir disparado' as being the projectile that's fired.