cuando el río suena, agua lleva

/ˈkwando el ˈri.o ˈswe.na ˈa.ɣwa ˈʝe.bɾa/proverb
rumors often have truth behind them

La gente dice que el jefe va a renunciar; cuando el río suena, agua lleva.

People say the boss is going to resign; there's probably some truth to it.


What It Really Means
Rumors or signs often have a basis in reality.
Literal Meaning
When the river makes noise, it carries water.
Literal Breakdown
cuandowhen+el ríothe river+suenasounds+aguawater+llevacarries
Mental Image
The image of a river making noise (like rushing water) indicates the presence of water, which is used metaphorically to suggest that visible or audible signs often indicate a deeper truth.
When to Use
A colleague mentions that there might be layoffs at work. You respond with 'cuando el río suena, agua lleva,' implying that the rumor is likely true.
Cultural Note
This proverb is widely used in Spanish-speaking cultures to validate concerns or rumors, reflecting a cultural tendency to trust observable signs as indicators of underlying truths.
informal

This proverb suggests that if there is talk or rumors about something, there is likely some truth or substance behind it.

Escuché que van a cerrar la tienda; cuando el río suena, agua lleva.

I heard they're going to close the store; there's probably some truth to it.

Todos dicen que el proyecto está en problemas. Cuando el río suena, agua lleva.

Everyone says the project is in trouble. There's probably some truth to it.

This proverb is often used to validate rumors or gossip, implying that persistent talk usually has a basis in reality.

Related Phrases

donde hay humo, hay fuegoproverb
where there's smoke, there's fire
no hay humo sin fuegoproverb
no smoke without fire

Pro Tip

Usage Context

This proverb is typically used when discussing rumors or signs of trouble, implying that there is likely some truth behind them.

Gold Rule

Literal vs. Figurative Meaning

The literal meaning refers to the sound of a river indicating the presence of water, but the figurative meaning is about the validity of rumors or signs.

Word Origin

The proverb originates from the observation that the sound of a river (suena) indicates the presence of water (agua), suggesting that visible or audible signs often indicate a deeper truth.

Usage Notes

This proverb is commonly used in informal contexts to suggest that rumors or signs of trouble are likely to be true. It is often used to encourage caution or to validate concerns.

Word Breakdown

cuando
when
root
+
el río
the river
root
+
suena
sounds
root
+
agua
water
root
+
lleva
carries
root
Diccionario Español-Inglés