To have guts, courage, and determination to face difficult situations head-on. Whoever has 'agallas' doesn't back down when the moment of truth arrives — they go all in.

A coward — someone too scared to face difficult situations, who always finds excuses to avoid acting when it counts. 'Gallina' literally means hen, used here as a classic insult for cowardice.

To do nothing useful, waste time, and avoid any real work. In Spain, pasear la burra (walking the donkey around) is a vivid image for the appearance of activity with zero actual productivity.

To turn every situation to your advantage — always channeling things toward your own benefit. In Spain, llevar el agua al molino (bringing water to your mill) is the art of self-interest: every conversation, every deal, somehow benefits you.