dar calabazas
to reject someone / to turn someone down
Advanced Phrase
🔊
Pronunciation
/daɾ kalaˈβaθas/
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Cultural Note
This charming idiom literally means 'to give someone pumpkins.' Its origin dates back to ancient Greek and Roman traditions where pumpkins symbolized stupidity or rejection. In Spain, it is the most popular colloquial expression for romantic rejection and is understood across all age groups and regions.
📝 Example Sentences
Le pedí el número y me dio calabazas.
I asked for her number and she turned me down.
No le des calabazas así, sé más amable.
Don't reject him like that, be nicer.