{"id":1299,"date":"2022-02-02T01:25:33","date_gmt":"2022-02-02T01:25:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/english-grammar-lessons.com\/?p=1299"},"modified":"2022-02-02T01:25:33","modified_gmt":"2022-02-02T01:25:33","slug":"ponte-las-pilas-meaning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/english-grammar-lessons.com\/ponte-las-pilas-meaning\/","title":{"rendered":"Ponte Las Pilas - Meaning, Origin and Usage"},"content":{"rendered":"

Are you struggling with a task at work? Maybe you\u2019re feeling flat on the basketball court today? If someone notices your low energy, they might tell you to \u201cPonte las pilas<\/em>.\u201d What are they talking about? Don\u2019t they know you don\u2019t speak Spanish?<\/p>\n

This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this idiomatic phrase. We\u2019ll also look at ways you can use it in conversation.<\/p>\n

Ponte Las Pilas Meaning<\/h2>\n

\u201cPonte las pilas<\/em>\u201d is a Spanish term. The exact translation of the phrase is \u201cput batteries in.\u201d<\/em> However, the term has nothing to do with batteries or electronics. You may also hear the phrase worded as \u201cse pone las pilas<\/em>,\u201d which means \u201che or she puts batteries in<\/em>.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cPonte las pilas<\/em>\u201d is an idiomatic phrase referring to a person\u2019s energy levels<\/em>. You\u2019ll use the term when telling someone to keep going with what they are doing.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a motivating phrase telling the person to overcome their low-energy levels and persist through to their goal. Other English equivalents maybe \u201cdon\u2019t give up<\/em>,\u201d or \u201chang in there<\/em>,\u201d or \u201cyou can do it<\/em>,\u201d etc. Typically, it\u2019s an encouraging phrase.<\/p>\n

It also serves as a motivator when you\u2019re asking someone to work harder or put more effort into the task at hand. It could serve as a motivating statement telling people to \u201cget their act together<\/em>\u201d and place more effort and energy into their work.<\/p>\n

The phrase suits use in several situations, from underperforming on the basketball court to failing to give your best effort at work or with a task.<\/p>\n

Ponte Las Pilas Example Usage<\/h2>\n

Reg: \u201cThe boss is really overworking me at the moment, but I need that 13th check for the holidays.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tom: \u201cPonte las pilas<\/em>, my man, you\u2019ll get there, one day at a time.\u201d<\/p>\n

---<\/p>\n

Richard: \u201cI don\u2019t know if I can finish the run; I\u2019ve got a stitch coming on, I think.\u201d<\/p>\n

Stacy: \u201cPonte las pilas<\/em> Rick, we\u2019re almost home.\u201d<\/p>\n

---<\/p>\n

Noelene: \u201cI don\u2019t think I have what it takes to make it through this thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maggie: \u201cPonte las pilas<\/em>, you can make it happen; just believe in yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\" \"\"<\/p>\n

Ponte Las Pilas Origin<\/h2>\n

No one knows the origin of \u201cPonte las pilas<\/em>\u201d or how it spread through the English-speaking community. The phrase has roots in the Spanish-speaking community, and like other Spanish and Italian words, it took on a new meaning when applied to English.<\/p>\n

The phrase started appearing in memes in the early 2000s, and people continue to use it on forums and in gaming chats to tell other teammates or friends to hold on or hang in there.<\/p>\n