sobre la marcha
Lemma Details
Translation: on the fly; as you go; on the spot; in real time; impromptu
Part of Speech: phrase
Etymology: This Spanish phrase combines 'sobre' (on, over) with 'la marcha' (the march, progress, movement). The expression evolved from the literal meaning of doing something while in motion or during a journey to its current figurative sense of making decisions or adjustments without prior planning.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Tuvimos que resolver los problemas sobre la marcha.
We had to solve the problems on the fly.
El plan cambió sobre la marcha cuando empezó a llover.
The plan changed on the spot when it started raining.
No tengo un guion, voy a improvisar sobre la marcha.
I don't have a script, I'm going to improvise as I go.
Los ajustes se harán sobre la marcha según las necesidades.
Adjustments will be made in real time according to needs.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'marcha' as 'march' - doing something while you're marching forward (without stopping to plan).
- Visualize making adjustments to a car 'sobre la marcha' (while it's moving) rather than in the garage.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is commonly used in both professional and casual contexts in Spanish-speaking countries. It reflects a cultural flexibility and adaptability to changing circumstances, which is valued in many Hispanic cultures.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Sobre la marcha' means doing something without prior planning, while 'en marcha' means to set something in motion or that something is underway.
This word:
Decidimos sobre la marcha cambiar de restaurante.
We decided on the fly to change restaurants.
Notes: While both phrases contain 'marcha', 'sobre la marcha' emphasizes improvisation while 'en marcha' emphasizes ongoing progress.
Mnemonic: 'Sobre' (on top of) suggests adapting to something already happening; 'en' suggests being inside the process itself.
Explanation: 'Sobre la marcha' refers to improvising or adapting as you go, while 'a toda marcha' means at full speed or full steam ahead.
This word:
Tuvimos que aprender el nuevo sistema sobre la marcha.
We had to learn the new system on the fly.
Notes: Both phrases use 'marcha' but with different prepositions that significantly change the meaning.
Mnemonic: 'Toda' suggests totality or maximum effort, while 'sobre' suggests adaptation.