General
por la izquierda
What does por la izquierda mean?
Getting something done under the table — through bribes, black market, or off-the-books deals. Literally 'by the left'.
"Consiguió las medicinas por la izquierda."
Origin
Cuban Spanish idiom.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'por la izquierda' mean in Cuba?
It means getting something done under the table — through the black market, bribes, or off-the-books deals.
What does 'por la izquierda' mean literally?
Literally it means 'by the left', used figuratively for anything obtained through unofficial channels.
Why is the black market called 'por la izquierda' in Cuba?
'The left' is used metaphorically for the shady, unofficial side, contrasting with legitimate ('right') channels.
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Vocabulary Flow — saved to your collection.
