echar una cuerda: meaning & examples

Meanings:

• 1.

  SpainLatin AmericaGeneral Spanishneutralcolloquial
  • To throw, lower, pass, or secure a rope so that someone else can climb, descend, be hauled up, or be supported.

  Examples

  Beta

  • Cuando el escalador quedó atrapado en la pared, su compañero le echó una cuerda para ayudarlo a subir.

    When the climber got stuck on the wall, his partner threw him a rope to help him climb up.

  • Por favor, échame una cuerda para que pueda bajar del árbol sin peligro.

    Please throw me a rope so I can safely get down from the tree.

  • Durante el rescate, los bomberos echaron una cuerda para asegurar a las personas atrapadas en el edificio.

    During the rescue, the firefighters lowered a rope to secure the people trapped in the building.

  • Cuando el barco comenzó a hundirse, el capitán echó una cuerda para que los pasajeros pudieran agarrarse.

    When the ship started sinking, the captain threw a rope so the passengers could hold on.

• 2.

  SpainLatin AmericaGeneral Spanishneutralcolloquial
  • To provide a rope as part of a rescue, aid, or technical operation; figuratively, to provide a physical lifeline or means of support.

  Examples

  Beta

  • En el debate político, el senador echó una cuerda para intentar rescatar la reputación de su partido.

    In the political debate, the senator offered a lifeline to try to rescue his party’s reputation.

  • Cuando notó que su amigo estaba en problemas, le echó una cuerda y le ayudó a salir adelante.

    When he noticed his friend was in trouble, he lent him a hand and helped him get through.

  • En tiempos difíciles, siempre es bueno que alguien te eche una cuerda para no caer en la desesperación.

    In difficult times, it’s always good for someone to offer you a lifeline so you don’t fall into despair.