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Bandera de Colombia
Bandera de Perú

/Sounds like 'es-TAR en YAH-mahs'/

To be in serious trouble, in a tough spot, or under heavy pressure — when everything is going wrong at once. In Colombia and Peru, saying you're en llamas (on fire) is not the good kind: it means the situation is burning out of control and you're in the middle of it.

Example

"Estamos en llamas, el proyecto se entrega mañana y no está listo. → "We're totally screwed — the project is due tomorrow and it's not ready."

"Está en llamas con las deudas, no sabe cómo salir. → "He's in deep trouble with his debts and has no idea how to get out."

Regional synonyms:

Guiso de carne condimentado con chiles y especias, originario de Jalisco. Se come en tacos, consomé o como plato principal y es uno de los platillos más adictivos de México.