bailar al son que le tocan — meaning & examples

Meanings:

• 1.

  SpainLatin Americacolloquialfigurative
  • To do what others expect or demand; to adapt one's behavior to the wishes, orders, or circumstances imposed by someone else.
  • To conform or comply readily with pressures or directives, often implying a lack of autonomy or initiative.

  Examples

  Beta

  • Para conseguir ese ascenso, Carlos siempre baila al son que le tocan y cumple todas las órdenes sin cuestionar.

    To get that promotion, Carlos always does what he's told and follows all orders without questioning.

  • Aunque no esté de acuerdo, ella baila al son que le tocan para mantener la armonía en el equipo.

    Even if she doesn't agree, she goes along with what's expected to maintain harmony in the team.

  • No esperes que Juan cambie de opinión; siempre baila al son que le tocan sin mostrar iniciativa propia.

    Don't expect Juan to change his mind; he always does what he's told without showing his own initiative.

• 2.

  SpainLatin Americaneutralliteral
  • To dance to the music that is being played; to move in time with the tune one is given.

  Examples

  Beta

  • En la clase de baile, aprendimos a bailar al son que nos tocaban para no perder el ritmo.

    In dance class, we learned to dance to the music played so as not to lose rhythm.

  • Durante la fiesta, todos bailaban al son que le tocaban los músicos en vivo.

    During the party, everyone danced to the tune played by the live musicians.

  • Cuando la orquesta cambió la melodía, tuvimos que bailar al son que le tocaban sin equivocarnos.

    When the orchestra changed the melody, we had to dance to the music played without making mistakes.

  • Aunque no me guste la canción, bailaré al son que me toquen porque es una tradición familiar.

    Even if I don't like the song, I will dance to the tune they play because it's a family tradition.