techo presupuestario
Lemma Details
Translation: budget ceiling; spending cap; budgetary limit
Part of Speech: noun phrase
Etymology: Compound term from 'techo' (ceiling, roof) and 'presupuestario' (budgetary). 'Techo' derives from Latin 'tectum' (roof, covering), while 'presupuestario' comes from 'presupuesto' (budget), which itself combines Latin 'prae' (before) and 'supponere' (to suppose). The metaphorical extension of 'techo' (physical ceiling) to represent an upper limit in financial contexts parallels the English use of 'ceiling' in 'debt ceiling' or 'price ceiling'.
Commonality: 40%
Guessability: 60%
Register: formal
Example Usage
El gobierno ha establecido un techo presupuestario para controlar el déficit fiscal.
The government has established a budget ceiling to control the fiscal deficit.
Las negociaciones sobre el techo presupuestario para el próximo año fiscal han comenzado.
Negotiations on the budget ceiling for the next fiscal year have begun.
Exceder el techo presupuestario podría resultar en sanciones económicas.
Exceeding the budget ceiling could result in economic sanctions.
Mnemonics
- Think of a physical ceiling (techo) that stops you from spending more than your budget allows.
- Visualize a roof (techo) over a pile of money, preventing more from being added.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Frequently used in economic, political, and governmental contexts, especially in discussions about fiscal policy, public spending, and financial management. The concept is particularly important in countries with strict fiscal rules or those under economic adjustment programs.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'techo presupuestario' refers to the overall budget ceiling, 'techo de gasto' specifically refers to a spending cap, often for a particular department or category. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but 'techo de gasto' is more specific to expenditure limits.
Notes: In some contexts, especially in media reporting, these terms may be used interchangeably, but in technical economic or governmental documents, the distinction is usually maintained.
Mnemonic: 'Presupuestario' relates to the entire budget plan, while 'gasto' focuses specifically on spending.
Explanation: 'Techo presupuestario' refers to spending limits within a budget, while 'techo de deuda' (debt ceiling) refers to the maximum amount of debt a government can incur.
Confused word:
El Congreso votó para aumentar el techo de deuda nacional.
Congress voted to increase the national debt ceiling.
Notes: Both concepts are important in fiscal policy but address different aspects of government finance.
Mnemonic: Budget ceiling (techo presupuestario) is about spending; debt ceiling (techo de deuda) is about borrowing.