3

y es por eso que si vienen palos,

yo seré el primero en dar

This is from the lyrics of a song. I do understand the meaning of the words but a literal translation doesn't make any sense ("... if sticks come ..."). Is this a metaphor or a figure of speech?

1 Answer 1

9

It is kind of an expression. It could be roughly translated to "if there is going to be fighting, I will be the first to hit".

There is an expresion Te voy a moler a palos that will translate to something like "I will grind you to pieces".

Palo it is literally a stick. In that sense the full sentence would be "If people are coming with sticks to hit me, I would be the first to hit", but it does not have to be literally sticks, just an aggression either figurative or literal.

3
  • Thank you. I suspected that it might have something to do with fighting but I wasn't sure.
    – Michi
    Mar 27, 2014 at 8:59
  • Is this a common phrase?
    – Trip
    Mar 27, 2014 at 20:05
  • 1
    I believe the phrase "Vienen palos" or sometimes "Pintan Bastos" refers to some games played with a Spanish card deck [en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baraja_%28playing_cards%29] in which one of the suits is Palos or Bastos (clubs). And that is indeed used to mean it's time for a fight, either literal of figurative.
    – deStrangis
    Mar 28, 2014 at 11:18

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.