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/Sounds like "keh" (as in "kept") + "DAHR" (as in "dart") + "seh" (as in "set") + "AH" (as in "art") + "KWAH" (as in "quack") + "drohs" (as in "drone")/

Meaning

In Spain, to be left completely frozen with shock or disbelief at something totally unexpected. Your brain just stops for a second and you cannot even form a reaction.

Examples

Me quedé a cuadros cuando me dijo que se iba.

I was absolutely stunned when he told me he was leaving.

Se quedó a cuadros con la noticia del ascenso.

She was completely frozen when she heard the promotion news.

Regional synonyms

In soccer, the move of passing the ball between an opponent's legs and collecting it on the other side. It is a highly effective skill and a deeply humiliating moment for the defender on the receiving end. Also called a "nutmeg" in English.