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