estar a la corda: meaning & examples

Meanings:

• 1.

  SpainCanary Islandssome Latin American regionsfigurativecolloquialMachine
  • To be in a precarious or risky situation; to be 'on a tightrope' figuratively, exposed to danger or imminent failure.

  Examples

  Beta

  • María está a la corda en su trabajo, siempre preocupada por perder el puesto si comete un error.

    María is on a tightrope at her job, always worried about losing her position if she makes a mistake.

  • Con la economía tan inestable, muchas empresas están a la corda y podrían cerrar en cualquier momento.

    With the economy so unstable, many companies are in a precarious situation and could close at any moment.

  • No te arriesgues demasiado, porque estar a la corda puede traer consecuencias graves.

    Don't take too many risks, because being on a tightrope can bring serious consequences.

• 2.

  SpainCanary IslandsPortugal (in related form)literalregionalMachine
  • To be tied, attached, or secured to a rope; to be physically fastened by a cord or rope.

  Examples

  Beta

  • El niño estaba a la corda mientras jugaba en el parque, sujetado firmemente por su madre.

    The child was tied to a rope while playing in the park, firmly held by his mother.

  • Durante la escalada, todos los participantes deben estar a la corda para garantizar su seguridad.

    During the climb, all participants must be secured to a rope to ensure their safety.

  • El perro llevaba un collar y estaba a la corda para que no se escapara durante el paseo.

    The dog wore a collar and was tied to a leash so it wouldn't run away during the walk.

  • Por favor, asegúrate de que la caja esté a la corda para evitar que se caiga en el transporte.

    Please make sure the box is tied down so it doesn't fall during transport.