Blow your Own Horn
Cararea tus huevos
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- Meaning
To brag (to speak arrogantly) about your own achievements so that people know how important your victories have been. To call other people´s attention on your own triumphs and merits in order to get their respect or their praise.
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- Origin
Horns have been used through history not only as musical instruments but also as to alert others of a possible danger or when a dignity was visiting. Horns were blown before the expression, «here comes…» was announced. Nowadays, you blow or toot your own horn in order to let others know what features make you a special person. There is a narrow line that divides being arrogant or vain with blowing your own horn.
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- Example
When I went to an interview to get the researcher´s grant, the examiner told me I was not the right person to get it. But suddenly, her boss entered and he told me, «Are you Dr. John Smith? The guy who just discovered the new cure for cancer?»
My interviewer was disconcerted at that and she asked me, «Why hadn´t you told me about it?» I just replied humbly, «I don´t like blowing my own horn. That´s pathetic. You should be better informed of those you interview.»
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Blood is Thicker than Water
La Sangre Llama
Click on the image to listen to the song by The Black Label Society, «Blood is thicker than water»
- Meaning
You can expect to get more from a family member than from a stranger or even a friend. In case of an emergency, you will help first someone who carries your same blood than someone who doesn´t.
Click on the image to watch the movie, «Thicker than water» Hoo Bangin´ Films, Priority Films
- Origin
This expression comes form the Germany of the 12th Century. It is thought that a family tie is stronger than that of friendship. This is because family members have the same blood. Now, let us suppose that blood and water are spilled on the floor, once they are dried, when they evaporate, blood will leave a stain, a mark on the surface while water will just disappear without any trace of its existence there.
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- Example
After the accident, my brother, John, and my best friend, Mark, were hanging down from a cliff. Both were about to fall, I just had enough time to save one of them. I ran to my friend Mark and with tears in my eyes I told him, «You know I loved you. You were like a brother for me but blood is thicker than water. See you in the afterlife!» And I pulled my brother John up.
Click on the image to listen to Pitbull´s song, «Blood is thicker than water»
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