The word “paso” has a variety of meanings and is used in a many expressions
A cada paso – at every turn Fracaso a cada paso. I fail every step of the way.
A paso de tortuga – at a snail’s pace. José hace todo a paso de tortuga. Joe does everything at a snail’s pace.
Abrir paso a tiros – to shoot one’s way through. Los soldados abrieron paso a tiros por la multitud. The soldiers shot their way through the crowd.
Abrir paso por – To make one’s way through or force one’s way through. Los exploradores abririeron paso por la selva. The explorers made their way through the jungle.
Andar en malos pasos – to be on the wrong track or to do something bad. Los adolecentes andan en malos pasos. The teenagers are on their way to getting into trouble.
Ceder el paso – to yield the right of way. Knowing this expression can help non-Spanish speaker avoid car accidents. El chofer cedío el paso. The driver yielded the right of way.
Cerrar el paso – to cut someone off El futbolista le cerró el paso al otro jugador. The football player cut off the other player.
Dar un paso en falso – to take a false step. El dio un paso en falso y se cayó. He took a false step and fell.
Estar de paso –to be passing through a town, etc.
Llevar or marcar el paso – to keep time
Marcapasos – a pacemaker for the heart
Paso a paso –step by step Seguí las instrucciones paso a paso. I followed the directions step by step.
Paso de peatones or paso peatonal – crosswalk
Prohibido el paso – no trespassing El Rótulo dice “prohibido el paso.” The sign says “No trespassing.”
Salir al paso – to confront
Seguir los pasos – to follow in one’s footsteps. Mi hijo va a seguir mis pasos. My son is going to follow in my footsteps.
Un paso en la dirección adecuada –a step in the right direction José dio un paso en la dirección adecuada. Joe took a step in the right direction (figurative).
Tiquismos (Costa Rican Expressions) of the week:
Miado – to have bad luck (vulgar)
Tome para el pinto – take this you S.O.B. (vulgar)
Besar las huellas de tus pies – to worship the ground someone walks on
