poner a cuatro patas: meaning & examples

Meanings:

• 1.

  SpainLatin AmericaGeneral Spanishneutralcolloquial
  • To place someone physically on hands and knees.

  Examples

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  • La enfermera puso a cuatro patas al paciente para examinarle la espalda correctamente.

    The nurse placed the patient on hands and knees to properly examine his back.

  • Durante la clase de yoga, nos pidieron ponernos a cuatro patas para la postura del gato.

    During the yoga class, we were asked to get on all fours for the cat pose.

  • El veterinario puso a cuatro patas al perro para revisar sus articulaciones tras la caída.

    The vet placed the dog on all fours to check its joints after the fall.

  • Para limpiar bajo la cama, tuve que ponerme a cuatro patas y arrastrarme con cuidado.

    To clean under the bed, I had to get on all fours and crawl carefully.

• 2.

  SpainLatin Americacolloquialvulgarpejorative
  • To forcefully subdue, humiliate, or dominate someone by making them adopt a submissive posture; can carry sexual or violent connotations.

  Examples

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  • En la novela, el villano pone a cuatro patas a sus enemigos para humillarlos públicamente.

    In the novel, the villain subdues his enemies to force them onto all fours and humiliate them publicly.

  • Después de la discusión, Marta puso a cuatro patas a su rival para demostrar quién mandaba.

    After the argument, Marta forced her rival into submission to show who was in charge.

  • El agresor intentó poner a cuatro patas a la víctima, pero la policía llegó a tiempo para evitarlo.

    The attacker tried to force the victim onto all fours, but the police arrived in time to prevent it.