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/Sounds like "pah" (as in "park") + "SAHR" (as in "salsa") + "seh" (as in "set") + "DEH" (as in "debt") + "LEES" (as in "lead") + "toh" (as in "toll")/

Meaning

To try to be too clever or sneaky and have it backfire. The person who pasarse de listo overestimates their own cunning, tries to pull a fast one, and ends up worse off than if they had just been straight from the start. Classic case of outsmarting yourself.

Examples

Se pasó de listo queriendo engañar al jefe y lo terminaron despidiendo.

He tried to be too clever by tricking the boss and ended up getting fired.

No te pases de listo, a mí no me vas a engañar.

Don't try to be cute with me, you're not fooling anyone here.

Regional synonyms

The popular feminine demonym for Honduras, meaning a Honduran woman. Alongside "catracho," it is the affectionate and proud way Honduran women identify themselves, especially when living abroad. The term traces back to 19th-century Central American wars, when Honduran troops earned a reputation for bravery. Today it is used with genuine pride in songs, sports, and daily life.