10 Expressions with the Verb "Haber" in Spanish

10 Expressions with the Verb "Haber" in Spanish

The Spanish verb "haber" is used as an auxiliary verb and to express existence. It's also used in several idiomatic expressions. Here are ten common expressions with "haber".

1. Haber gato encerrado

This phrase translates to "there is a cat locked up", and it's used when something suspicious is happening.

Example: No creo que Juan haya renunciado por ninguna razón, aquí hay gato encerrado.

2. No haber color

This phrase means "there is no color", and it's used to express there is no comparison between two things.

Example: Comparada con esta tarta, las demás no tienen color.

3. Haber visto días mejores

This phrase means "to have seen better days", used to express that something is in bad condition or looks old or worn out.

Example: Mi coche ha visto días mejores, es hora de comprar uno nuevo.

4. No haber tu tía

This phrase is used when there's no solution to a problem.

Example: He intentado arreglar la lavadora, pero no hay tu tía.

5. Haber de todo como en botica

This phrase means "there is everything like in a pharmacy", used to express the variety or diversity of something.

Example: En esa tienda hay de todo como en botica.

6. No haber más remedio

This phrase means "there is no other remedy", it's used when there's no other option or solution.

Example: No me gusta el médico, pero no hay más remedio que ir.

7. Haberla liado parda

This colloquial phrase is used when someone has caused a big problem or mess.

Example: ¡La has liado parda con tu comentario!

8. Haberse quedado en las ramas

This phrase is used to describe someone who has not delved deep into a subject, but only addressed it superficially.

Example: En su exposición sobre el cambio climático, se ha quedado en las ramas.

9. No haber por donde cogerlo

This phrase is used when something is so bad or wrong that you don't know where to start to fix it.

Example: Este ensayo está tan mal escrito que no hay por donde cogerlo.

10. Haber nacido de pie

This phrase means "to have been born standing up", and it's used to describe someone who is very lucky.

Example: ¡Ganó la lotería dos veces! Definitivamente, ha nacido de pie.

Mastering these expressions with "haber" will make your Spanish sound more natural and fluent.

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Discover 10 common Spanish expressions with the verb "Haber". Boost your Spanish language skills and sound more like a native speaker with these idiomatic phrases.