sobre la marcha
Lemma: sobre la marcha
Translation: on the fly; as you go; on the spot; in real time; impromptu (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.
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.