meter en cintura
verbCEFR B2
What does “meter en cintura” mean in English?
to bring into line, to discipline
to bring into line, to discipline (top-down authority imposing control; always personal object)
Example sentences
El nuevo responsable tuvo que meter en cintura a varios empleados que no respetaban los procedimientos.
The new manager had to bring several employees into line who weren't following procedures.
El árbitro metió en cintura a los dos jugadores más conflictivos antes de que la situación se desbordara.
The referee brought the two most troublesome players into line before the situation got out of hand.
Si nadie los mete en cintura, seguirán actuando como si las normas no fueran con ellos.
If nobody brings them into line, they'll keep acting as if the rules don't apply to them.
How to use it
Meter en cintura (literally 'to put in the waist') means 'to bring into line', 'to discipline', 'to make someone toe the line'. It implies that someone with authority imposes discipline on someone who has been behaving outside acceptable limits. Construction: meter en cintura a alguien. It carries a top-down authority dynamic: you meter en cintura someone under you, not an equal. Contrast with hacer cumplir las normas (to enforce rules, more procedural).
Common mistake
Meter en cintura is direct and slightly blunt — use with care in professional contexts, as it implies the recipient needs correcting. It always takes a personal object (meter en cintura a alguien) — it cannot take an abstract noun. Don't confuse with ponerse en cintura (not standard) — the structure is always meter a alguien en cintura.