“Por Una Cabeza” is a famous tango song written by Carlos Gardel and Alfredo Le Pera. The title of the song translates to “By a Head” in English. This phrase is commonly used to refer to a narrow victory or a close call in a competition or race.
Meaning and Context
When someone says “por una cabeza” in Spanish, they are usually referring to winning by a very small margin. This could be in a horse race, a soccer match, or any other type of competition where the difference between winning and losing is very slim.
Usage in Popular Culture
The song “Por Una Cabeza” has been featured in several movies and TV shows, most notably in the film “Scent of a Woman” starring Al Pacino. In the movie, Pacino’s character performs a tango to this song, adding to the dramatic tension of the scene.
Alternative Translations
While the literal translation of “por una cabeza” is “by a head,” there are other ways to convey the same meaning in English. Some alternatives include “by a nose” or “by a hair,” both of which are commonly used in sports and other competitive contexts.
Conclusion
So the next time you hear someone mention “por una cabeza,” you’ll know that they are talking about a narrow victory or a close call. Whether it’s in a song, a movie, or just in everyday conversation, this phrase is a colorful way to describe a tight competition.