"El que la sigue la consigue"

Chile has been shaken by a big movement that has put to the test not only the current education system but also the so called “Chilean way” (this expression is used to refer to the particular way in which many things get to be done in our country) After all, the strikes in different schools all over the country as well as university campuses has gone over two months. Students say that will not stop their demonstrations and strikes until they get what they’ve been waiting for. They won’t hold back from showing the world that this system needs a reform now!

There is a Chilean expression that refers to someone (in this case a group) who is able to go on despite the difficulties that events may bring. They are the type of individuals who truly believe that there is an important part in life that has to do with the personal struggle we all face from time to time. No matter what comes, they go on and on and on. Their perseverance could be pointed out as their main characteristic. How do we express all of these ideas in a simple but nice idiom?

“El que la sigue la consigue” (If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again) #

*The English verb used to refer to this idea is TO CHASE DOWN (at least in American English)

#Note: I did not use a literal translation of the expression so as not to confuse my readers.

2nd. Expression

"Soy terrible pollo"

This expression is used to emphasise somebody's weakness. It is a bit derogatory slang, and it can be used in many contexts.

For instance, check the following dialogue:

Carlitos: Pancho, te gusta la Chabelita?

(Pancho, do you fancy Chabelita?)

Pancho: Sí, me gusta mucho...me hace sentir en las nubes.

(Yes, I do...She makes me feel in heaven.)

Carlitos: Ya po', cuéntale!

(Come on, tell her the truth!)

Pancho: No, me puede rechazar

(No, I'm afraid she might reject me)

Carlitos: Uy, la mujercita...Soy terrible pollo!

(Uhh...the little girl!...You are terribly chicken!)

*You can also use it with other collocations. They can be either:

-Eri terrible pollo! (Eri entero 'e pollo!)

or...

-Soy entero 'e pollo!

Got it? We are sure you did. Now, you can use it in your daily chilean speech :)

1st. expression.

"Me fue como la mona"

This expression is used in several contexts. For example, when you feel frustrated, irritated, angry or disappointed because something did not work right.

Let's see how it works:

Pepito: ¿Cómo te fue en la prueba de Fonética con Ortiz?
(How did you do in your phonetics test for Ortiz?)
Juanito: Uhhhh...Súper mal, me fue como la mona.
(Uhhhh...horrible, It was a completely mess)
Pepito: Chuta, lo siento. Ojalá que te vaya mejor para la otra.
(Oops! I am sorry, I hope you make it better for the next time)

Did you get it? We hope so.