espetar

to blurt out, to snap at someone

verb ehs-peh-TAHR Rare

Also means

to spit (something) out suddenly

Usage Note

Espetar means to say something abruptly or bluntly, often something unwelcome — le espetó una pregunta incómoda ('she blurted out an uncomfortable question at him'). Its original sense is 'to skewer (meat)', so the figurative idea is of words 'piercing' the listener. It is a vivid literary and journalistic verb; in everyday speech soltar often replaces it.

Examples

"Le espetó la verdad sin rodeos."

Natural Translation

He blurted out the truth without beating around the bush.

Literal Translation

To-him he-blurted the truth without detours.

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