BACKS - Translation from English into Spanish | PONS

How would you like to use PONS.com?

Already a PONS subscriber?

PONS with ads

Go to PONS.com as usual with ad tracking and advertisements.

You can find details of tracking in Information about data protection and under Privacy settings.

PONS Pur

without advertising by third parties

without ad tracking

If you already have a user account for PONS.com, then you can subscribe to PONS Pur here.

Legal notice Data protection Privacy settings

Oxford Spanish Dictionary

English

Spanish

back on to VB [Am bæk -, Brit bak -] (v + adv + prep + o)

the house backs on to the river: el fondo de la casa da al río

I. back [Am bæk, Brit bak] N

1. back C ANAT:

back (of human): espalda f

back (of animal): lomo m

he was lying on his back: estaba tumbado boca arriba

I fell on my back: me caí de espaldas

he was flat on his back for a month: estuvo un mes en cama sin moverse

he was standing with his back to the door: estaba (de pie) de espaldas a la puerta

you break your back working and …: te deslomas or te partes el lomo trabajando y …

while my back was turned he went and told the boss: fue y se lo contó al jefe a mis espaldas

I was glad to see the back of him: me alegré de que se fuera

behind sb's back they laugh at him behind his back: se ríen de él a sus espaldas

they went behind my back and wrote to him: le escribieron sin consultarme or sin mi autorización

on the back of sb/sth: a costa de alguien/algo

to be on sb's back inf: estarle encima a alguien

I had the boss on my back: tenía al jefe encima

just get off my back!: déjame en paz inf

to break the back of a job: hacer la parte más difícil de un trabajo

to get or put sb's back up inf: irritar a alguien

to put one's back into sth: poner empeño en algo

to turn one's back on sb: volverle la espalda a alguien

she turned her back on her family: le volvió la espalda a su familia

2.1. back C:

back (of chair): respaldo m

back (of dress, jacket): espalda f

back (of electrical appliance, watch): tapa f

2.2. back C (reverse side):

back (of envelope, photo): dorso m

back (of envelope, photo): revés m

back (of head): parte f posterior

back (of head): parte f de atrás

back (of hand): dorso m

the back of the neck: la nuca

read the instructions on the back: lea las instrucciones al dorso

on the back of an envelope: en forma improvisada

2.3. back C:

back to front your sweater is on back to front: te has puesto el suéter al revés

no, you've got it back to front: she asked him out: no, es al revés, fue ella quien lo invitó a él

3. back C or U (rear part):

the back of the hall: el fondo de la sala

the back of the car: la parte trasera or de atrás del coche

the back of the house: la parte de atrás de la casa

a truck ran into the back of me: un camión me chocó por detrás

at the back of the drawer: en el fondo del cajón

we sat at the back: nos sentamos al fondo

I'll sit in the back (of car): yo me siento detrás or (en el asiento de) atrás

there's a yard at the back: hay un patio atrás

we stood at the back of the line: nos pusimos al final de la cola

(in) back of the sofa Am: detrás del sofá

he's out back in the yard Am: está en el patio, al fondo

in the back of beyond: quién sabe dónde, en el quinto pino Spain inf

in the back of beyond: donde el diablo perdió el poncho AmS inf

4. back C SPORTS:

back: defensa mf

back: zaguero m / zaguera f

II. back [Am bæk, Brit bak] ADJ attr, no comp

1. back (at rear):

back seat/wheel: trasero

back seat/wheel: de atrás

back garden/yard/room/door: de atrás

the back row: la última fila

2. back (of an earlier date):

back copy or number or issue: número m atrasado

3. back LING:

back vowel: posterior

III. back [Am bæk, Brit bak] ADV

1. back (indicating return, repetition):

he invited me back for coffee: me invitó a volver a su casa a tomar un café

we can get there and back in an hour: podemos ir y volver en una hora

the journey back: el viaje de vuelta

I'll be back by eight o'clock: estaré de vuelta para las ocho

I'll be back by eight o'clock: volveré antes de las ocho

Edwin is back from Paris: Edwin ha vuelto de París

it's back to work on Monday: el lunes hay que volver al trabajo

John is back in Toronto: John ha vuelto a Toronto

the Democrats are back in power: los demócratas han vuelto al poder

long hair is back (in fashion): vuelve (a estar de moda) el pelo largo

meanwhile, back at the house …: mientras tanto, en la casa …

to run/fly back: volver corriendo/en avión

I'll drive you back: te llevo de vuelta en coche

we arrived back in Cambridge tired but happy: regresamos a Cambridge cansados pero contentos

she came back out: volvió a salir

I'll mail it back: lo devolveré por correo

I'll mail it back: lo mandaré de vuelta por correo

he asked for the ring back: pidió que le devolviera el anillo

he lapsed back into a coma: volvió a caer en coma

2. back (in reply, reprisal):

hang up and I'll call you back: cuelga, que yo te llamo

he slapped her and she slapped him back: él la abofeteó y ella le devolvió la bofetada

3.1. back (backward):

we forced the enemy further back: obligamos al enemigo a retroceder

take two steps back: da dos pasos atrás

shoulders back, chest out: hombros hacia atrás, sacando pecho

to travel back in time: viajar hacia atrás en el tiempo

3.2. back (toward the rear):

back: atrás

we can't hear you back here: aquí atrás no te oímos

the British runner is back in sixth place: el corredor británico está en sexta posición

4. back (in, into the past):

I bought it back in 1972: lo compré (ya) en 1972

it happened a few years back: pasó hace unos años

we didn't have television back in those days: en aquellos tiempos no teníamos televisión

I first mentioned it as far back as last June: lo mencioné por primera vez ya en junio

further back than the 14th century: antes del siglo XIV

that's the furthest back I can remember: no recuerdo nada anterior a eso

back in the day: en su día

back in the day: en el pasado

5. back → backward

back and forth (backward(s) and forward(s))

IV. back [Am bæk, Brit bak] VB trans

1.1. back (support):

back person/decision/claim: respaldar

back person/decision/claim: apoyar

1.2. back FIN:

back loan/bill: avalar

1.3. back (bet money on):

back horse/winner/loser: apostar por

2. back (reverse):

he backed the car out of the garage: sacó el coche del garaje dando marcha atrás

he backed the car out of the garage: sacó el coche del garaje en reversa Col Mex

3. back:

back (stiffen): reforzar

back (line): forrar

4. back (lie behind):

a beach backed by tall pine trees: una playa bordeada de altos pinos

a house backed by open fields: una casa cuyo fondo da a campo abierto

5. back MUS:

back: acompañar

V. back [Am bæk, Brit bak] VB intr

1. back (move backward):

back person:: retroceder

back vehicle/driver:: dar marcha atrás

back vehicle/driver:: echar reversa Col Mex

back vehicle/driver:: meter reversa Col Mex

he backed into a lamppost: se dio contra una farola al dar marcha atrás

he backed into a lamppost: se dio contra una farola al meter reversa Col Mex

2. back wind:

back: cambiar de dirección (en sentido contrario al de las agujas del reloj)

See also

I. take back VB [Am teɪk -, Brit teɪk -] (v + o + adv, v + adv + o)

1. take back (return):

take back: devolver

it was too big, so I had to take it back: era demasiado grande, así que lo tuve que devolver

I took him back the book he'd lent me: le devolví el libro que me había prestado

2. take back (repossess):

take back: llevarse

3. take back (accept back):

they took back the shoes: aceptaron la devolución de los zapatos

she wouldn't take back the money she'd lent me: no quiso que le devolviera el dinero que me había prestado

I can't understand why she ever took him back: no entiendo cómo aceptó que volviera

4. take back (withdraw, retract):

take back statement: retirar

you'll take back what you just said!: ¡retira lo que acabas de decir!

I take it all back: retiro lo dicho

II. take back VB [Am teɪk -, Brit teɪk -] (v + o + adv) (in time)

this song takes me back!: ¡qué recuerdos me trae esta canción!

it takes me back to my childhood: me transporta a mi niñez

let me take you back to the night of the fifth of …: permítame remontarme otra vez a la noche del cinco de …

I. scratch [Am skrætʃ, Brit skratʃ] N

1.1. scratch C (injury):

scratch: rasguño m

scratch: arañazo m

it's just a scratch: no es más que un rasguño

he escaped without a scratch: resultó ileso

he escaped without a scratch: salió sin un rasguño

attr scratch mark: arañazo m

attr scratch mark: rasguño m

1.2. scratch C (on paint, record, furniture):

scratch: rayón m

1.3. scratch C (sound):

scratch: chirrido m

1.4. scratch C (act) no pl:

to have a scratch: rascarse

can you give my back a scratch?: ¿me rascas la espalda?

2. scratch U (money) Am:

scratch sl: guita f sl

scratch sl: lana f LatAm inf

scratch sl: pasta f Spain inf

3. scratch in phrases:

from scratch he learned German from scratch in six months: aprendió alemán en seis meses empezando desde cero

did you make the mayonnaise from scratch?: ¿hiciste la mayonesa tú mismo?

did you make the mayonnaise from scratch?: ¿la mayonesa es casera?

I had to start from scratch: tuve que empezar desde cero

up to scratch inf he's simply not up to scratch: simplemente no da la talla or no es lo suficientemente bueno

if his work comes up to scratch: si su trabajo es del nivel requerido

II. scratch [Am skrætʃ, Brit skratʃ] VB trans

1.1. scratch (damage):

scratch paint/record/furniture: rayar

1.2. scratch (with claws, nails):

scratch: arañar

the cat has scratched all the chairs: el gato ha arañado todas las sillas

she scratched my face: me arañó la cara

1.3. scratch name/initials:

scratch: marcar

scratch: grabar

1.4. scratch (to relieve itch):

scratch bite/rash: rascarse

could you scratch my back for me?: ¿me rascas la espalda?

he scratched his head: se rascó la cabeza

we're all scratching our heads, trying to think of a solution: nos estamos devanando los sesos buscando una solución

you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours: favor con favor se paga

you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours: hoy por ti, mañana por mí

2.1. scratch (strike out, cancel):

scratch word/sentence: tachar

2.2. scratch (withdraw) SPORTS:

scratch horse/athlete: retirar

3. scratch (scribble hurriedly):

scratch: garabatear

III. scratch [Am skrætʃ, Brit skratʃ] VB intr

1.1. scratch (damage, wound):

scratch: arañar

1.2. scratch (rub):

scratch wool/sweater:: raspar

scratch wool/sweater:: picar

1.3. scratch (to relieve itching):

scratch: rascarse

don't scratch!: ¡no te rasques!

1.4. scratch (make scratching sound):

scratch: rascar

it's the cat scratching at the door: es el gato, que está arañando la puerta

2. scratch (withdraw) SPORTS:

scratch: retirarse

IV. scratch [Am skrætʃ, Brit skratʃ] ADJ attr

1. scratch SPORTS:

scratch player/runner: de primera

2. scratch (haphazard, motley):

scratch team/meal: improvisado

I. keep back VB [Am kip -, Brit kiːp -] (v + adv)

keep back!: ¡atrás!

to keep back from sth keep well back from the edge: mantente bien alejado del borde

II. keep back VB [Am kip -, Brit kiːp -] (v + o + adv, v + adv + o)

1. keep back (prevent from advancing):

keep back crowd/enemy/floodwaters: contener

to keep sb/sth back from sth they tried to keep demonstrators back from the gates: quisieron impedir que los manifestantes llegaran a las puertas

2. keep back (suppress):

keep back tears/sobs: contener

3. keep back (not reveal):

keep back information/facts: ocultar

don't keep anything back: no te guardes or calles nada

to keep sth back from sb: ocultarle algo a alguien

the truth has been kept back from the public: le han ocultado or escamoteado la verdad a la opinión pública

4. keep back (withhold):

keep back percentage: retener

keep back profits: guardarse

keep back profits: quedarse con

III. keep back VB [Am kip -, Brit kiːp -] (v + o + adv)

1. keep back (detain):

keep back Brit: retener

he kept the whole class back after school: dejó a toda la clase castigada

2. keep back (slow down):

these methods keep the brighter children back: estos métodos frenan el progreso de los niños más capaces

I. hold back VB [Am hoʊld -, Brit həʊld -] (v + o + adv, v + adv + o)

1. hold back (restrain):

hold back crowds/water/tears: contener

hold back laughter: contener

hold back laughter: aguantar

2. hold back (withhold, delay):

hold back information: no revelar

hold back payment: retrasar

I have a feeling he's holding something back from me: tengo la impresión de que me está ocultando algo

he held back his most controversial statements until the end of his speech: se guardó las declaraciones más polémicas hasta el final del discurso

3. hold back (impede progress of):

hold back: frenar el avance de

II. hold back VB [Am hoʊld -, Brit həʊld -] (v + adv)

1. hold back (restrain oneself):

hold back: contenerse

hold back: frenarse

to hold back from sth/-ing she held back from criticizing them too strongly: se contuvo y no los criticó demasiado

2. hold back (delay, withhold):

to hold back on sth on payment/publication: retrasar algo

to hold back on sth on payment/publication: postergar algo esp LatAm

they may hold back on signing the contract: puede ser que retrasen la firma del contrato

they may hold back on signing the contract: puede ser que posterguen la firma del contrato esp LatAm

I. hand [Am hænd, Brit hand] N

1. hand ANAT:

hand: mano f

I received it from the king's own hand: lo recibí de manos del rey

you couldn't see your hand in front of your face: no se veía nada

to be good or clever with one's hands: ser hábil con las manos

to be good or clever with one's hands: ser mañoso

with one's own hands: con sus (or mis etc.) propias manos

he killed it with his bare hands: lo mató a mano limpia

to give sb one's hand: darle la mano a alguien

they were holding hands when they arrived: llegaron tomados or agarrados de la mano

they were holding hands when they arrived: llegaron cogidos de la mano esp Spain

I need somebody to hold my hand: necesito que alguien me dé ánimos

I took Mary's hand in mine to take her across the road: le di la mano a Mary para cruzar la calle

he took me by the hand: me tomó or agarró de la mano

he took me by the hand: me cogió de la mano esp Spain

we were all on our hands and knees, looking for the ring: estábamos todos a gatas or en cuatro patas, buscando el anillo

he wouldn't give it to me even if I went down on my hands and knees: no me lo daría ni aunque se lo pidiera de rodillas

to have/hold sth in one's hands: tener/llevar algo en la mano

to hold on with both hands: agarrarse or sujetarse con las dos manos

look, no hands!: mira ¡sin manos!

to hold out one's hand to sb: tenderle la mano a alguien

to join hands: darse la(s) mano(s)

we join hands with your people in deploring the events: nos solidarizamos con vuestro pueblo al expresar nuestra repulsa

hands off!: ¡quita las manos de ahí!

hands off!: ¡no toques!

hands off those watercolors!: ¡no me toques las acuarelas!

hands off our schools!: ¡dejen en paz nuestros colegios!

hand on heart, I didn't mean it: de veras, no fue esa mi intención

can you put (your) hand on (your) heart and say it isn't true?: ¿puedes decir que no es verdad con la mano en el corazón?

to put one's hand up or to raise one's hand: levantar la mano

hands up all those in favor: que levanten la mano los que estén a favor

hands up or I'll shoot!: ¡manos arriba or arriba las manos o disparo!

to raise one's hand to or against sb: levantarle la mano a alguien

my father never raised a hand to me: mi padre nunca me levantó la mano or nunca me puso la mano encima

from hand to hand: de mano en mano

she climbed the rope hand over hand: trepó palmo a palmo por la cuerda

they were fighting hand to hand: luchaban cuerpo a cuerpo

a piece for four hands MUS: una pieza para cuatro manos

hand-sewn or -stitched: cosido a mano

hand-painted: pintado a mano

2. hand (in phrases):

at hand, the day of the opening was at hand: se acercaba el día de la inauguración

at hand, the day of the opening was at hand: el día de la inauguración estaba próximo

help was at hand: la ayuda estaba en camino

to learn about sth at first hand: enterarse de algo directamente or personalmente

to learn about sth at first hand: enterarse de algo de primera mano

to learn about sth at second/third hand: enterarse de algo a través de or por terceros

he heard of her marriage only at second hand from her brother: se enteró de que se había casado a través de or por su hermano

by hand, made/written by hand: hecho/escrito a mano

it must be washed by hand: hay que lavarlo a mano

he delivered the letter by hand: entregó la carta en mano or personalmente

“by hand” (on envelope): en su mano

“by hand” (on envelope): en mano Spain

“by hand” (on envelope): presente CSur

hand in hand: de la mano

hand in hand: tomados or agarrados de la mano

hand in hand: cogidos de la mano esp Spain

poverty and disease go hand in hand: la pobreza y la enfermedad van de la mano

in hand glass/hat in hand: con el vaso/sombrero en la mano

in hand glass/hat in hand: vaso/sombrero en mano

sword in hand: espada en mano or en ristre

cash in hand (in accounting): efectivo m en caja

to pay cash in hand: pagar en metálico or en efectivo

please concentrate on the task in hand: concéntrate en lo que tienes entre manos

of the projects we have currently in hand …: de los proyectos que tenemos entre manos …

let's get back to the matter in or Am also at hand: volvamos a lo que nos ocupa

I like to keep a few dollars in hand for unforeseen eventualities: me gusta tener unos dólares disponibles or en reserva para cualquier imprevisto

we've still got a couple of hours in hand before we go to the airport: todavía nos queda un par de horas antes de ir al aeropuerto

to have sth (well) in hand: tener algo controlado or bajo control

that boy needs taking in hand: a ese chico va a haber que apretarle las clavijas

on hand we're always on hand when you need us: si nos necesitas, aquí estamos

the police were on hand: la policía estaba cerca

it's useful to have it on hand: es útil tenerlo a mano

out of hand the boys get out of hand when their father is away: los chicos se descontrolan cuando el padre no está

the situation is getting out of hand: la situación se les (or nos etc.) va de las manos

to reject sth out of hand: rechazar algo de plano

to hand Brit (within reach): al alcance de la mano

to hand Brit (within reach): a (la) mano

to hand (available): disponible

I don't have your file to hand: no tengo su archivo a (la) mano

according to the information to hand: según la información disponible

I can't find it now, but I'm sure it will come to hand: no lo encuentro en este momento, pero ya aparecerá

she grabbed the first thing that came to hand: agarró lo primero que encontró

hand in glove or esp Am hand and glove, they're allegedly hand in glove with their competitors to fix prices: se dice que se han puesto de acuerdo con la competencia para fijar los precios

hand over fist: a manos llenas

hand over fist: a espuertas esp Spain

her/his left hand doesn't know what her/his right hand is doing: su mano izquierda no sabe lo que hace su derecha

not to do a hand's turn inf: no mover un dedo inf

not to do a hand's turn inf: no dar golpe Spain Mex inf

to ask for/win sb's hand (in marriage) form: pedir/obtener la mano de alguien (en matrimonio)

to beat sb/win hands down: ganarle a alguien/ganar sin problemas or sin el menor esfuerzo

to bind sb hand and foot: atar a alguien de pies y manos

to bind sb hand and foot: amarrar a alguien de pies y manos LatAm excl RioPl

we're bound hand and foot: estamos atados de pies y manos

we're bound hand and foot: tenemos las manos atadas

to bite the hand that feeds one: ser un desagradecido

talk about biting the hand that feeds you!: ¡cría cuervos … !

to dirty or sully one's hands she wouldn't dirty her hands with typing: no se rebajaría a hacer de mecanógrafa: se le caerían los anillos

he's already dirtied his hands with arms dealing: ya se ha ensuciado las manos comerciando con armas

to force sb's hand events forced their hand: los acontecimientos los obligaron a actuar

I didn't want to, but you forced my hand: no quería hacerlo, pero no me dejaste otra salida

to gain/have the upper hand , eventually she gained the upper hand over her rival: finalmente se impuso a su rival

she's always had the upper hand in their relationship: siempre ha dominado ella en su relación

to get one's hands on sb/sth, just wait till I get my hands on him!: ¡vas a ver cuando lo agarre!

she can't wait to get her hands on the new computer: se muere por usar la computadora nueva

I've been trying to get my hands on that book for ages: hace años que ando tras ese libro

to give sb/have a free hand: darle a alguien/tener carta blanca

to give sb one's hand on sth he gave me his hand on it and the bargain was sealed: cerramos el trato con un apretón de manos

to give sb the glad hand Am: saludar a alguien efusivamente

to give with one hand and take away with the other: borrar con el codo lo que se escribe con la mano

to go hat or Brit cap in hand (to sb), the next day, hat in hand, I apologized to the boss: al día siguiente me tragué el orgullo y le pedí perdón al jefe

I can't stand the way you have to go hat in hand to her for the smallest request: no soporto que hasta el menor favor se lo tengas que pedir de rodillas

we had to go to them hat in hand asking for more money: tuvimos que ir a mendigarles más dinero

to grab or grasp or seize sth with both hands it was a wonderful opportunity and she grabbed it with both hands: era una oportunidad fantástica y no dejó que se le escapara de las manos

to have one's hands full she certainly has her hands full with seven children: por cierto que tiene en qué entretenerse, con siete niños

at the moment we've got our hands full with this order: en este momento estamos ocupadísimos con este pedido

to have one's hands tied: tener las manos atadas

to have one's hands tied: tener las manos amarradas LatAm excl RioPl

my/his hands are tied: tengo/tiene las manos atadas

my/his hands are tied: tengo/tiene las manos amarradas LatAm excl RioPl

to have sb eating out of one's hand: hacer con alguien lo que se quiere

to have sb eating out of one's hand: manejar a alguien a su (or mi etc.) antojo

she had them eating out of her hand: hacía con ellos lo que quería

she had them eating out of her hand: los manejaba a su antojo

to keep one's hand in: no perder la práctica

to know a place like the back of one's hand: conocer un sitio al dedillo or como la palma de la mano

she knows Paris like the back of her hand: (se) conoce París al dedillo or como la palma de la mano

to live (from) hand to mouth: vivir al día

to put or dip one's hand in one's pocket: contribuir con dinero

to put or lay one's hand(s) on sth: dar con algo

to sit on one's hands: cruzarse de brazos

to sit on one's hands: estar mano sobre mano

to stay one's/sb's hand (from sth) liter, they begged him to stay his hand: le rogaron que se contuviera

she managed to stay his hand from that dreadful act: logró impedir que cometiera semejante barbaridad

to try one's hand (at sth): probar (a hacer algo)

to turn one's hand to sth I'm willing to turn my hand to anything: estoy dispuesto a hacer cualquier tipo de trabajo

he was a success in everything he turned his hand to: todo lo que se proponía (hacer) le salía bien

to wait on sb hand and foot: hacerle de sirviente/sirvienta a alguien

to wash one's hands of sth: desentenderse de algo

to wash one's hands of sth: lavarse las manos de algo

many hands make light work: el trabajo compartido es más llevadero

3.1. hand (agency):

hand: mano f

the hand of God/Fate: la mano de Dios/del destino

to die by one's own hand form: quitarse la vida

to have a hand in sth: tener parte en algo

the town had suffered at the hands of invaders: la ciudad había sufrido a manos de los invasores

that child needs a firm hand: ese niño necesita (una) mano firme

to rule with a heavy/iron hand: mandar/gobernar con mano dura/de hierro

with an open hand: con largueza or generosidad

with an open hand: generosamente

3.2. hand (assistance) inf:

to give or lend sb a hand: echarle or darle una mano a alguien

if we all lend a hand, it won't take long: si todos echamos una mano, lo haremos en un momento

do you need/want a hand with that?: ¿te echo or doy una mano con eso?

if you need a hand: si necesitas ayuda

3.3. hand <hands, pl > (possession, control, care):

to change hands: cambiar de dueño or manos

a few dollars changed hands and it was mine: les di unos dólares y era mío

the contract is now in the hands of the lawyer: ahora el contrato está en manos del abogado

your future lies in your own hands: tú eres dueño de tu futuro

your future lies in your own hands: tu futuro depende de ti

can I leave the matter in your hands?: ¿puedo dejar el asunto en tus manos?

in private hands: en manos (de) particulares

in good/capable hands: en buenas manos

my life is in your hands: mi vida depende de ti

how did that vase come into your hands?: ¿cómo llegó a tus manos ese jarrón?

he/it fell into the hands of the enemy or into enemy hands: cayó en manos del enemigo

to put oneself in sb's hands: ponerse en manos de alguien

to get sth/sb off one's hands inf: quitarse algo/a alguien de encima inf

he offered to take it off my hands for $500 inf: me dijo que me daba 500 dólares por él para quitármelo de encima

on sb's hands, she hates having the children on her hands all day long: detesta tener a los niños a su cuidado todo el día

I've enough on my hands just now without that as well: tengo ya bastante entre manos como para meterme también en eso

to have more time on one's hands: tener más tiempo libre

we've got a problem on our hands: tenemos or se nos presenta un problema

I think we may have a bestseller on our hands: creo que estamos frente a un posible bestseller

out of sb's hands, the matter is out of my hands: el asunto no está en mis manos

the decision has been taken out of his hands: la decisión ya no está en sus manos

to play into sb's hands the strikers are playing into the management's hands: los huelguistas le están haciendo el juego or se lo están poniendo en bandeja a la patronal

4. hand (side):

on sb's right/left hand: a la derecha/izquierda de alguien

on every hand form: por todas partes

on the one hand … on the other (hand) …: por un lado … por otro (lado) …

5.1. hand GAMES (set of cards):

hand: mano f

hand: cartas fpl

a good/poor hand: una buena/mala mano

a good/poor hand: buenas/malas cartas

to overplay one's hand: jugar mal sus (or mis etc.) cartas

to show or reveal one's hand: mostrar or enseñar las cartas

to show or reveal one's hand: mostrar el juego

to strengthen sb's hand: afianzar la posición de alguien

to throw in one's hand (to abandon a course of action, plan): tirar la toalla or esponja

to throw in one's hand (to abandon a course of action, plan): claudicar

to throw in one's hand lit (in poker): abandonar (las apuestas)

to throw in one's hand lit (in poker): irse al plato Chil

to tip one's hand Am inf: dejar ver sus (or mis etc.) intenciones

5.2. hand GAMES (round of card game):

hand: mano f

5.3. hand GAMES (player):

hand: jugador m / jugadora f

6.1. hand (worker):

hand: obrero m / obrera f

farm hand: peón m

they're taking on new hands: están contratando más mano de obra or más trabajadores

6.2. hand NAUT:

hand: marinero m

the hands gathered on the foredeck: la marinería se congregó en la cubierta de proa

all hands on deck: ¡todos a cubierta!

the ship went down with all hands: el barco se hundió con toda la tripulación a bordo

6.3. hand (experienced person):

an old hand: un veterano / una veterana

he's an old hand at negotiating: tiene mucha experiencia en negociaciones

7. hand (applause) inf no pl:

a big hand: un gran aplauso

let's have a really big hand for …: un gran aplauso para …

8. hand (handwriting):

hand liter: letra f

she writes a neat/clear hand: tiene buena letra/una letra muy clara

the letter was in her own hand: la carta era de su puño y letra

9. hand (on a clock):

hand: manecilla f

hand: aguja f

the hour hand: la manecilla or la aguja de las horas

the hour hand: el puntero And

the minute hand: el minutero

the minute hand: la manecilla or la aguja de los minutos

the second hand: el segundero

the second hand: la manecilla or la aguja de los segundos

10. hand (measurement of horse):

hand: palmo m

II. hand [Am hænd, Brit hand] VB trans

to hand sb sth, to hand sth to sb: pasarle algo a alguien

could you hand me that hammer, please?: ¿me pasas ese martillo, por favor?

she handed the book to her father: le pasó el libro a su padre

he was handed a stiff sentence Am: le impusieron una pena severa

Smith handed Jones an easy victory Brit: Smith le regaló la victoria a Jones

to hand it to sb you have to hand it to her; she knows how to deal with them: hay que reconocerlo or hay que sacarle el sombrero, sabe cómo manejarlos

go back VB [Am ɡoʊ -, Brit ɡəʊ -] (v + adv)

1.1. go back (return, go home):

go back: volver

I had to go back for my umbrella: tuve que volver a buscar el paraguas

I had to go back for my umbrella: tuve que regresarme a buscar el paraguas LatAm

I'd like to go back to Germany sometime: me gustaría volver a Alemania alguna vez

to go back to work: volver al trabajo

I shall never go back to that dentist!: ¡no vuelvo nunca más a ese dentista!

she won't go back to him: no quiere volver con él

go back!: ¡vuelve atrás!

go back!: ¡retrocede!

there's no going back now: ya no se puede (or no nos podemos etc.) volver atrás

1.2. go back (in lecture, discussion, text):

go back: volver

to go back to what I was saying earlier …: volviendo a lo que decía antes …

let's go back and examine those ideas more closely: volvamos atrás y examinemos más detenidamente esas ideas

1.3. go back (be returned):

this dress'll have to go back: voy (or vas etc.) a tener que devolver ese vestido

2.1. go back (date, originate):

go back tradition/dynasty:: remontarse

it goes back to the beginning of the century: se remonta a principios de siglo

we go back a long way inf: nos conocemos desde hace mucho

we go back a long way inf: lo nuestro viene de muy atrás

2.2. go back (return in time, revert):

to go back to sth: volver a algo

we decided to go back to the old system: decidimos volver al sistema antiguo

2.3. go back clocks:

go back: atrasarse

3. go back (extend back):

go back: extenderse

the garden goes back 40 feet: el jardín tiene 40 pies de largo

I. backward [Am ˈbækwərd, Brit ˈbakwəd] ADJ

1. backward attr movement/somersault:

backward: hacia atrás

without so much as a backward glance: sin ni siquiera una mirada atrás

that would be a backward step: eso sería un paso atrás

2. backward dated or offens child:

backward: retrasado dated or offens

3. backward nation/community:

backward: atrasado

Phrases:

she's/he's not exactly backward in coming forward: es muy echada/echado p'alante inf

II. esp Brit backwards -z ADV

1. esp Brit backwards -z (toward rear):

esp Brit backwards [-z]: hacia atrás

to bend or lean over backward: hacer lo imposible

I've bent over backward to help you: he hecho lo imposible por ayudarte

2. esp Brit backwards -z (back first):

esp Brit backwards [-z] run/walk: hacia atrás

3. esp Brit backwards -z (back to front, in reverse order):

esp Brit backwards [-z]: al revés

you've done it all backward: lo has hecho todo al revés

you've put your sweater on backward Am: te has puesto el suéter al revés

Phrases:

backward(s) and forward(s) he worked the lever backward(s) and forward(s): le dio a la palanca para atrás y para adelante

the door was swinging backward(s) and forward(s) in the wind: la puerta se mecía con el viento

I've been going backward(s) and forward(s) all day between the house and the hospital: me he pasado el día de acá para allá or para arriba y para abajo entre la casa y el hospital

attr backward-and-forward movement: movimiento m de vaivén

plow back VB [Am plaʊ -, Brit plaʊ -], plough back Brit VB (v + o + adv, v + adv + o)

plow back profits:

plow back: reinvertir

part of the profits was plowed back into the business: parte de los beneficios se reinvirtió en el negocio

back-to-back¹ [Am ˌbæktəˈbæk, Brit ˌbaktəˈbak] N Brit

back-to-back: casa adosada modesta, sin jardín trasero, de las ciudades industriales

back-to-back² <pred back to back> ADJ

1. back-to-back (consecutive):

back-to-back victories/defeats: consecutivo

the films are run back to back as adv: dan las películas en sesión continua

2. back-to-back (house):

back-to-back house: casa adosada modesta, sin jardín trasero, de las ciudades industriales

back catalog, back catalogue Brit N

back catalog: catálogo m de obras completas

center back, centre back Brit N

center back: defensa mf central

center back: zaguero m central / zaguera f central

scale back VB [Am skeɪl -, Brit skeɪl -] (v + adv + o)

scale back expenditure/production: reducir

scale back activities: reducir el número de

send back VB [Am sɛnd -, Brit sɛnd -] (v + o + adv, v + adv + o)

send back purchase: devolver

send back purchase: mandar de vuelta

send back person: hacer volver

Spanish

English

hombres de espaldas combadas liter: men with bent backs

in the PONS Dictionary

back on to VB trans

the building backs on to the garden: la parte trasera del edificio da al jardín

I. back [bæk] N

1. back:

back (opposite of front): parte f trasera

back of a hand: dorso m

back of a chair: respaldo m

back (reverse side): revés m

back of a piece of paper, envelope: dorso m

back to front: al revés

to know sth back to front: saberse algo al derecho y al revés

2. back (end):

back of a book: final m

3. back ANAT:

back: espalda f

back of an animal: lomo m

to be on one's back: estar boca arriba

to break one's back inf: deslomarse

to do sth behind sb's back a. fig: hacer algo a espaldas de alguien

to turn one's back on sb a. fig: dar la espalda a alguien

4. back SPORTS:

back: defensa mf

Phrases:

to know sth like the back of one's hand: conocer algo al dedillo inf

to make a rod for one's own back Brit: cavarse la propia tumba

to have one's back against the wall: estar entre la espada y la pared

to break the back of sth Aus, Brit: hacer la peor parte de algo

you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours: hoy por ti, mañana por mí

to stab sb in the back: dar a alguien una puñalada por la espalda

II. back [bæk] ADJ

1. back (rear):

back: trasero, -a

2. back MED:

back: dorsal

III. back [bæk] ADV

1. back:

to be back: estar de vuelta

to come back: volver

to want sb back: querer que alguien vuelva

I want the money back (from them): quiero que me devuelvan el dinero

to bring back memories: traer viejos recuerdos a la memoria

2. back (to the rear, behind):

back: detrás

back: atrás

back and forth: atrás y adelante

to look back: mirar hacia atrás

to sit back: recostarse

3. back (in return):

back: de vuelta

4. back (into the past):

back: atrás

back then: entonces

back then: en aquel momento

IV. back [bæk] VB trans

back: respaldar

talk back VB intr

talk back: replicar

I. kick back VB trans

kick back football:

kick back: devolver

II. kick back VB intr inf

1. kick back (recoil):

kick back: retroceder

kick back gun: dar culatazo

2. kick back (give a kickback):

kick back: sobornar

I. get back VB trans

get back: recuperar

II. get back VB intr

get back: volver

back-bencher [ˌbækˈbentʃəʳ, Am -tʃɚ] N Brit POL

back-bencher: diputado sin cargo específico ni en el gobierno ni en la oposición

answer back VB intr

answer back: contestar

answer back: replicar

don't answer back!: ¡no repliques!

OpenDict entry

back N

to get one's own back on sb (get one's revenge): vengarse de alguien

OpenDict entry

back-to-back ADV

back-to-back: consecutivamente

back-to-back (sit, stand): espalda con espalda

OpenDict entry

back-to-back ADJ

back-to-back (one after another): consecutivo, -a

on back-to-back days: en días consecutivos

back-to-back games: dos partidos seguidos

back-to-back houses Brit: casas adosadas (por la parte de atrás)

in the PONS Dictionary

I. back [bæk] N

1. back:

back (opposite of front): parte f trasera

back of a hand: dorso m

back of a chair: respaldo m

back (reverse side): revés m

back of a piece of paper, envelope: dorso m

back to front: al revés

to know sth back to front: saberse algo al derecho y al revés

2. back (end):

back of a book: final m

3. back ANAT:

back: espalda f

back of an animal: lomo m

to be on one's back: estar boca arriba

to break one's back inf: deslomarse

to do sth behind sb's back a. fig: hacer algo a espaldas de alguien

to turn one's back on sb a. fig: dar la espalda a alguien

4. back SPORTS:

back: defensa mf

Phrases:

to know sth like the back of one's hand: conocer algo al dedillo inf

to have one's back against the wall: estar entre la espada y la pared

you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours: hoy por ti, mañana por mí

to stab sb in the back: dar a alguien una puñalada por la espalda

II. back [bæk] ADJ

1. back (rear):

back: trasero, -a

2. back MED:

back: dorsal

III. back [bæk] ADV

1. back:

to be back: estar de vuelta

to come back: volver

to want sb back: querer que alguien vuelva

I want the money back: quiero que me devuelvan el dinero

to bring back memories: traer viejos recuerdos a la memoria

2. back (to the rear, behind):

back: detrás

back: atrás

back and forth: atrás y adelante

to look back: mirar (hacia) atrás

to sit back: recostarse

3. back (in return):

back: de vuelta

4. back (into the past):

back: atrás

IV. back [bæk] VB trans

back: respaldar

play back VB trans

play back: poner

push back VB trans (move backwards)

push back: hacer retroceder

push back person: empujar hacia atrás

push back hair: echar hacia atrás

I. report back VB trans

to report sth back to sb: relatar algo a alguien

II. report back VB intr

report back: presentar un informe

running back N SPORTS

running back: running back m

run back VB intr

run back: volver corriendo

stand back VB intr

1. stand back (move backwards):

stand back: retroceder

2. stand back (be objective):

stand back: distanciarse

talk back VB intr

talk back: replicar

throttle back VB intr

throttle back: reducir (la velocidad)

back talk N

back talk: réplicas f pl

Present
I	back
you	back
he/she/it	backs
we	back
you	back
they	back

Past
I	backed
you	backed
he/she/it	backed
we	backed
you	backed
they	backed

Present Perfect
I	have	backed
you	have	backed
he/she/it	has	backed
we	have	backed
you	have	backed
they	have	backed

Past Perfect
I	had	backed
you	had	backed
he/she/it	had	backed
we	had	backed
you	had	backed
they	had	backed

See further verb tables

Examples from the PONS Dictionary (editorially verified)

the building backs on to the garden: la parte trasera del edificio da al jardín

to give sb the shirt off one's back: dar hasta la camiseta a alguien

the traffic light changed back to red: el semáforo se puso en rojo

to pay sb back in the same coin: pagar a alguien con la misma moneda

to rein sth back/to rein back sth (restrain: impatience, spending): refrenar algo

Browse the dictionary