ProZ.com global directory of translation services
 The translation workplace
Ideas
KudoZ home » Spanish to English » Idioms / Maxims / Sayings

El que llegue último es cola de perro.

English translation: Last one (in/there) is a rotten egg.


Login or register (free and only takes a few minutes) to participate in this question.

You will also have access to many other tools and opportunities designed for those who have language-related jobs
(or are passionate about them). Participation is free and the site has a strict confidentiality policy.
01:54 Nov 10, 2011
Spanish to English translations [PRO]
Idioms / Maxims / Sayings / Children games sayings
Spanish term or phrase: El que llegue último es cola de perro.
The actual phrase to be translated is "el que llegue al ultimo es hijo de la plia yuta" which is an ancient phrase used by children in the North of Argentina, when playing running trace, meaning that the last contestant to get to the stated spot has a "dog tail".
Victoria Traverso
English translation:Last one (in/there) is a rotten egg.
Explanation:
This is a common idiom used by children when racing to a location.
Selected response from:

Teressa
Local time: 21:33
Grading comment
Thank you all for your help PROZ! I think Teressa's is the most suitable answer for my translation, given the context. Excellent, interesting entries you all! Great PROZ experience!
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
5 +9Last one (in/there) is a rotten egg.Teressa
4 +1Last one there is a ninny
Noni Gilbert
3 +1last in/to cross the finish line gets the wooden spoon
David Hollywood
4Last One Home Is a Green Pigbigedsenior
3the last one in gets the booby prize
Wendy Streitparth


  

Answers


15 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 5/5 peer agreement (net): +9
Last one (in/there) is a rotten egg.


Explanation:
This is a common idiom used by children when racing to a location.

Example sentence(s):
  • Growing up I remember people using the phrase, “last one in the pool is a rotten egg.” With this in mind Webtrends is actively taking the steps to ensure that our customers will be fully supported in their marketing campaigns and with their web analyt

    Reference: http://www.webanalyticsworld.net/2009/06/last-one-in-is-rott...
    Reference: http://www.amazon.com/Last-One-Rotten-Read-Book/dp/006444262...
Teressa
Local time: 21:33
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 4
Grading comment
Thank you all for your help PROZ! I think Teressa's is the most suitable answer for my translation, given the context. Excellent, interesting entries you all! Great PROZ experience!

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Amit Evron: You beat me to it!
1 min
  -> Thank you.

agree  David Hollywood: if it's for kids this is very nice :)
3 mins
  -> Thank you.

agree  Lindsay Spratt: I agree! But I guess it would help to know where the translation is for. Definitely works for UK English in my opinion, though.
18 mins
  -> Thank you.

agree  anademahomar
2 hrs
  -> Thank you

agree  Lisa McCarthy: Or 'last to cross the line is a rotten egg'
6 hrs
  -> Thank you.

agree  Jenni Lukac
7 hrs
  -> Thank you.

agree  James A. Walsh
10 hrs
  -> Thank you.

agree  evelyn beltrán: such a common phrase but good
14 hrs
  -> Thank you.

agree  Catherine Gilsenan
1 day8 hrs
  -> Thank you.
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

10 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5 peer agreement (net): +1
last in/to cross the finish line gets the wooden spoon


Explanation:
would be the equivalent in English IMO

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 12 mins (2011-11-10 02:07:07 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

now this is a UK English expression of course ...

the wooden spoon BRITISH the prize for being last or worst in a race or competition
Cardiff took the wooden spoon in this year’s rugby tournament.

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 16 mins (2011-11-10 02:11:14 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

probably ok for a US target audience too

Japan wins environmental wooden spoon ... Answers and CD-ROM: Self-study Reference and Practice for Students of North American English ...


--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 18 mins (2011-11-10 02:12:51 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

will depend on your overall context (if it's for kids I agree with Teresa)

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 20 mins (2011-11-10 02:14:49 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

Teressa

David Hollywood
Local time: 23:33
Works in field
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 40

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Lisa McCarthy: I think this is ok too, but 'get the wooden spoon' reminds me of my mother's threats if one didn´t behave :)
6 hrs
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

6 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5
the last one in gets the booby prize


Explanation:
-

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 6 hrs (2011-11-10 08:49:13 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

A booby prize is a joke prize usually given in recognition of a terrible performance or last-place finish
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Booby_prize

Wendy Streitparth
Local time: 04:33
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 3
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

7 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5 peer agreement (net): +1
Last one there is a ninny


Explanation:
Yet another!

Noni Gilbert
Local time: 04:33
Specializes in field
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 24

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Teressa: Yes, this one is good, too.
6 hrs
  -> Thanks Teressa. How I hated these games!
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

1 day2 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5
Last One Home Is a Green Pig


Explanation:
This was very popular phrase when my kids were growing up in the 70's & 80's. Substitute whatever you want for home.

Amazon.com: Last One Home Is a Green Pig (An I Can Read Book) (
9780060227166): Hurd: Books.

www.amazon.com/Last-Home-Green-Read.../0060227168

bigedsenior
Local time: 19:33
Works in field
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 4
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)




Return to KudoZ list


KudoZ™ translation help
The KudoZ network provides a framework for translators and others to assist each other with translations or explanations of terms and short phrases.



See also: