dar un mal paso — meaning & examples

Meanings:

• 1.

  All Spanish-speaking regionsneutralfigurative
  • To make a mistaken or imprudent decision that leads to negative consequences, social disapproval, or personal ruin.
  • To commit a moral or social indiscretion that harms one's reputation or prospects.

  Examples

  Beta

  • Tomar esa inversión sin investigar fue dar un mal paso que le costó mucho dinero.

    Making that investment without researching was a mistaken move that cost him a lot of money.

  • Si das un mal paso en este negocio, podrías perder la confianza de tus socios para siempre.

    If you make an imprudent decision in this business, you could lose your partners’ trust forever.

  • No quiero que des un mal paso con tus comentarios; piensa bien antes de hablar en público.

    I don’t want you to make a bad move with your comments; think carefully before speaking in public.

• 2.

  All Spanish-speaking regionsneutralliteral
  • To take a wrong or awkward physical step, causing a stumble, fall, or minor accident.

  Examples

  Beta

  • Pedro dio un mal paso en la escalera y se torció el tobillo, lo que le impidió seguir trabajando.

    Pedro took a wrong step on the stairs and twisted his ankle, which stopped him from continuing to work.

  • Ten cuidado al caminar por el sendero, no des un mal paso o podrías caer al río.

    Be careful walking on the path, don’t take a wrong step or you could fall into the river.

  • El niño dio un mal paso mientras corría y se lastimó la rodilla en el parque.

    The boy took a wrong step while running and hurt his knee in the park.

  • ¿Viste cómo Marta dio un mal paso y casi se cae de la acera resbaladiza?

    Did you see how Marta took a wrong step and almost fell on the slippery sidewalk?