ser la mamá de los pollitos
Lemma: ser la mamá de los pollitos
Translation: to be the boss; to be in charge; to be the one who calls the shots (idiom)
Etymology: This Spanish idiom literally translates to 'to be the mother of the chicks.' It draws on the imagery of a mother hen who takes care of and controls her chicks, establishing a metaphor for someone who is in charge or has authority over others. The expression reflects the cultural importance of maternal figures as authority figures in Hispanic societies.
Example Usage
En esta oficina, María es la mamá de los pollitos; todos hacen lo que ella dice.
In this office, María is the boss; everyone does what she says.
No intentes ser la mamá de los pollitos en mi casa.
Don't try to be the boss in my house.
Desde que lo ascendieron, Juan cree que es la mamá de los pollitos.
Since he got promoted, Juan thinks he's in charge of everything.
Mnemonics
- Picture a mother hen clucking and organizing all her baby chicks - that's someone who's 'la mamá de los pollitos'
- Think of a mother chicken with her wings spread out, protecting and controlling her chicks' movements
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This idiom is commonly used in Latin American countries, particularly in contexts where someone is being bossy or controlling. It can be used both critically and humorously to describe someone who likes to take charge, sometimes excessively. The expression reflects the traditional importance of maternal authority in Hispanic cultures.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While both idioms use poultry imagery, 'ser la mamá de los pollitos' means to be in charge, whereas 'ser un gallina' means to be a coward.
This word:
En este proyecto, Ana es la mamá de los pollitos.
In this project, Ana is the one in charge.
Confused word:
No quiere saltar del trampolín porque es un gallina.
He doesn't want to jump from the diving board because he's a coward.
Notes: Both expressions use bird imagery but convey completely opposite personality traits.
Mnemonic: Mother hen (mamá de los pollitos) = protector and leader; chicken (gallina) = fearful and timid