Community

Your word isn't here yet

Join Hablaaa and add the expression no one else has documented.

/Sounds like "EHL" (as in "egg") + "KEH" (as in "kept") + the English word "no" (same pronunciation) + "TRAHN" (as in "tract") + "sah" (as in "salsa") + the English word "no" (same pronunciation) + "ah" (as in "art") + "BAHN" (as in "bar") + "sah" (as in "salsa")/

Meaning

A Mexican saying suggesting that to get ahead in life you have to cheat or be corrupt. It's a biting social critique disguised as street advice that reflects frustration with the system.

Examples

In politics, they live by the motto that you have to cheat to get ahead.

That mentality of cutting corners to succeed is exactly what got us into this mess.

Regional synonyms

A lot, a ton, with full intensity. It's used in Mexico to exaggerate or emphasize just how much of something there is, basically the superlative of 'mucho.'