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apertura de capullos concentrada
kilos de mas son años de menos
Oct 12, 2007 00:27
17 yrs ago
5 viewers *
español term

según el tamaño del sapo es la pedrada

español al inglés Otros Ciencias sociales, sociología, ética, etc. unsure
This is a very common expression in Mexico so --whereas I can fully grasp the concept and meaning, I'm ashamed to admit that even after 30 years here, I still don't know the precise English equivalent..if there is one. This is actually for a friend who, when I asked her, says the context is "general".
I know I'm asking a lot but, in advance, I appreciate any help you can provide.
Regards..
Terry
Proposed translations (inglés)
3 +1 Don't use a lot where a little will do.
3 +2 desperate times call for desperate measures
4 a big head requires a big hat
4 The bigger they are the harder they fall.
1 +1 It's not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog.

Discussion

Terry Burgess (asker) Oct 12, 2007:
Tks Daniel! How I basically grasp or interpret it is as: "the bigger the problem, the bigger the solution required". I just wondered if there was a "true" equivalent in English.
Daniel Greuel Oct 12, 2007:
could you describe the meaning? is it just that the magnitude of things should correspond? i.e. a big X deserves/requires/calls for a big Y? or is there more to it?

Proposed translations

+1
46 minutos
Selected

Don't use a lot where a little will do.

El dicho reza "Del tamaño del sapo es la pedrada"

Other possibilities:

Don't use a sledgehammer to crack a walnut.
Don't use an axe to embroider.
Peer comment(s):
agree Hasselt
7 horas
Something went wrong...
4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer. Comment: "Tks David! I also sincerely thank all of you for some "inspired" and very funny suggestions. It's been a very instructive experience. For what it's worth, a friend came up with: "Cut your coat according to your cloth."--in case you want to add one more to the list:-) Tks again to you all! Terry "
+1
16 minutos

It's not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog.

I'm not sure if this idiom would fit or not. Just a thought.
Peer comment(s):
agree Aldona Parra
26 minutos
Gracias!!
Something went wrong...
1 hora

a big head requires a big hat

sugg

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Note added at 1 hr (2007-10-12 01:34:44 GMT)
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you can't put 5 pounds of potatoes in a 2 pound bag
Something went wrong...
1 hora

The bigger they are the harder they fall.

Creo que se puede referir a una persona que se cree que nadie lo puede tumbar.
Something went wrong...
+2
13 horas

desperate times call for desperate measures

My Salvadoran friend agrees with your interpretation :)

This one is slightly different, but the idea is similar. Hope it helps!
Peer comment(s):
agree Cecilia Della Croce
22 minutos
agree Carol Gullidge : my first thought!
3 horas
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