tirar por la ventana
Lemma Details
Translation: to throw away; to waste; to squander
Part of Speech: idiom
Etymology: This Spanish idiom combines 'tirar' (to throw) with 'por la ventana' (through the window). It creates a vivid image of literally throwing something out of a window, which metaphorically represents wasting or squandering resources, especially money. The imagery parallels the English expression 'to throw money out the window' which conveys the same meaning of wasteful spending.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 60%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
No tires tu dinero por la ventana en cosas que no necesitas.
Don't throw your money away on things you don't need.
Comprarse ese coche de lujo es tirar el dinero por la ventana.
Buying that luxury car is throwing money out the window.
El gobierno tiró por la ventana millones en ese proyecto fallido.
The government wasted millions on that failed project.
Mnemonics
- Visualize someone literally throwing money out of a window to remember this means wasting resources
- Think of 'window shopping' but instead of just looking, you're throwing your money through the window
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This idiom is commonly used in Spanish-speaking countries to criticize wasteful spending or poor financial decisions. It appears frequently in discussions about personal finances, government spending, or business investments gone wrong.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'tirar por la ventana' is an idiom specifically about wasting resources (especially money), 'tirar a la basura' literally means 'to throw in the trash' and can be used both literally and figuratively.
Confused word:
No tires esos papeles a la basura, los necesito.
Don't throw those papers in the trash, I need them.
Notes: 'Tirar por la ventana' has a stronger connotation of wastefulness and poor judgment, while 'tirar a la basura' is more neutral and often literal.
Mnemonic: Windows are for wasting money; trash cans are for discarding physical items.