Spanish Conversation · Level 87
60 words
Spanish word
arrinconar
Pronunciation
IPA/ariŋkoˈnaɾ/
Meaning
- verbforce someone into a corner
Example
No quiero arrinconar a nadie con esa pregunta.
I don't want to force anyone into a corner with that question.
More examples
El periodista intentó arrinconar al político durante la entrevista.
The journalist tried to drive the politician into a corner during the interview.
Core concept
Person hemmed in by a circle of pointed questions.
Common phrases
arrinconar a alguien
drive someone into a corner
arrinconar contra la pared
corner someone against the wall
arrinconar en un rincón
corner someone in a corner
Similar words
acorralar: Corners people or animals by enclosing them so they cannot get away.
acosar: Pursues or nags someone relentlessly, making them uncomfortable.
presionar: Pressures someone through insistence or threats to change their behavior.
Definition in Spanish
Hacer que alguien se sienta acorralado o sin salida, a menudo mediante preguntas o presiones.
Word origin
The word combines the prefix a- with rincón 'corner' and the ending -ar, conveying the idea of placing into a corner and by extension subjecting someone to inescapable pressure.
Usage tips
- The correct spelling has a double r (arrinconar), and that rr marks a strong rolled r sound that English speakers often fail to pronounce accurately.