Chile
All expressions
Chile
All expressions
To be broke, without resources, in a tight financial situation. In Chile 'andar pato' means being at the economic edge. A duck has nothing — not even bus fare.
To be unique, unconventional, or not fit into any established category. This phrase is often used as a compliment in Argentina, implying someone is so singular that they can't be classified.
An emotionally cold person with no visible feelings who doesn't react to anything. In Chile a cuarzo doesn't move. The crystal cold metaphor is exactly right — clear, hard, and completely chilled.
To connect with someone naturally, generate attraction, or fall in favor with them. In the Cono Sur region, if someone 'pega onda', there's chemistry, marking the beginning of a friendship or romance.
To go all out, give it your all, or push to the limit. In the Southern Cone, 'ir a full' means to accelerate to maximum speed or commit fully to something. It can be a compliment or a warning, depending on the context.