tener bajo control
Lemma Details
Translation: to have under control; to keep in check; to maintain control over
Part of Speech: phrase
Etymology: This phrase combines 'tener' (to have), 'bajo' (under/low), and 'control' (control). 'Tener' comes from Latin 'tenere' (to hold), 'bajo' from Latin 'bassus' (low), and 'control' is a loanword from French 'contrôle', ultimately from Latin 'contra' (against) + 'rotulus' (roll, register). The phrase structure mirrors the English equivalent 'to have under control'.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
El gerente tiene bajo control la situación financiera de la empresa.
The manager has the company's financial situation under control.
No te preocupes, tengo todo bajo control.
Don't worry, I have everything under control.
Es importante tener bajo control tus emociones durante una negociación.
It's important to keep your emotions in check during a negotiation.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'bajo' (under) as pushing something down with your hand to control it.
- Visualize holding a remote control 'bajo' (under) your hand to control a situation.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is commonly used in both professional and personal contexts in Spanish-speaking countries. It's often used in business, management, and everyday situations to express mastery over a situation or task.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Tener bajo control' implies active control by the subject, while 'estar bajo control' indicates a state of being controlled (possibly by someone else).
Confused word:
El proyecto está bajo control.
The project is under control.
Notes: 'Tener bajo control' emphasizes the agent who is controlling, while 'estar bajo control' emphasizes the state of being controlled.
Mnemonic: 'Tener' = you possess the control; 'Estar' = the situation exists in a controlled state.
Explanation: 'Tener bajo control' means maintaining control, while 'fuera de control' means out of control or unmanageable.
Confused word:
El avión está fuera de control.
The plane is out of control.
Notes: These phrases represent opposite situations regarding control.
Mnemonic: Think of 'bajo' (under) vs. 'fuera' (outside) - under your influence vs. outside your influence.