A dunce, a dimwit, someone so dense they need things explained three times and still don't get it. In Spain capirote is an old-fashioned insult but it hits just as hard today.

To be caught red-handed in the act of doing something wrong. The Spanish equivalent of being caught with your hand in the cookie jar — no plausible denial possible.

In Spain and Latin America, to throw yourself into something courageous — to face a challenge head on without hesitation. Named after the bullfight ring, where courage is life or death.

Something extremely solid, well-built and reliable that won't crumble under any pressure. In Colombia, saying something is made of 'calicanto' is the highest praise for work, a friendship, or a person.