Common Basque idioms and fixed expressions with their figurative meanings explained, for an upper-level learner. Front: the Basque idiom or expression. Back: English meaning and usage note.
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- Ondo pasa!
- Have a good time!, enjoy yourself! (a common set phrase said when parting or during celebrations)
- Urte askotarako!
- Many happy returns!, literally "for many years," a traditional Basque birthday well-wish
- Egia esan
- To tell the truth, to be honest (a common discourse marker introducing a frank statement)
- Hitzetik hortzera
- From word to tooth, a Basque idiom meaning to speak or act impulsively, on the spur of the moment
- Bihotz-bihotzez
- Wholeheartedly, with all one's heart (a reduplicated intensifier, a common feature of expressive Basque phrases)
- Poliki-poliki
- Slowly, slowly, meaning little by little or gradually
- Handik eta hemendik
- From there and from here, meaning from various places or sources
- Ez dago kerik sua gabe
- There is no smoke without fire, meaning rumors usually have some basis in truth
- Gora eta behera ibili
- To go up and down, meaning to be busy running around doing errands
- Bat-batean
- All of a sudden, suddenly
- Noizean behin
- Once in a while, from time to time
- Buru-belarri
- Literally "head and ear," a Basque idiom meaning fully absorbed or immersed in something
- Alde batetik bestera
- From one side to the other, back and forth
- Ahoz aho
- Mouth to mouth, meaning by word of mouth
- Begi bistan dago
- It is in plain sight, meaning it's obvious
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