sacar los pies del plato: meaning & examples

Meanings:

• 1.

  General Spanishliteralneutral
  • To remove one's feet from a plate or dish (literal physical action).

  Examples

  Beta

  • El niño sacó los pies del plato para no mojarse cuando pasó por el charco.

    The child took his feet off the plate to avoid getting wet when he crossed the puddle.

  • Por accidente, saqué los pies del plato y derramé la comida en la mesa.

    By accident, I removed my feet from the plate and spilled food on the table.

  • Antes de levantarse, saqué los pies del plato para no ensuciar el mantel limpio.

    Before standing up, I took my feet off the plate so as not to dirty the clean tablecloth.

  • Durante la cena, el perro sacó los pies del plato buscando algo para comer debajo de la mesa.

    During dinner, the dog took its feet off the plate looking for something to eat under the table.

• 2.

  ArgentinaUruguayRioplatense Spanishfigurativeinformal
  • To step out of line or exceed acceptable limits of behaviour; to deviate from one's duties, obligations, or expected conduct.

  Examples

  Beta

  • Juan sacó los pies del plato y empezó a hacer cosas que no estaban permitidas en el trabajo.

    Juan stepped out of line and started doing things that weren’t allowed at work.

  • No puedes sacar los pies del plato si quieres mantener la confianza de tus compañeros.

    You can’t deviate from expected behavior if you want to maintain your coworkers’ trust.

  • Cuando Ana sacó los pies del plato, la jefe le llamó la atención inmediatamente.

    When Ana stepped out of line, the boss immediately reprimanded her.