Spanish Expression · Intermediate
estar al pie de la letra
to be to the letter / word for word
Pronunciation: es-TÁR al PIÉ de la LÉ-tra
Meaning
To follow instructions or interpret something exactly as it's written or said.
Example
Debes seguir estas indicaciones al pie de la letra.
You must follow these instructions to the letter.
Common mistakes & tips
- Practice estar al pie de la letra out loud — read the pronunciation guide above and repeat.
- Use it in your own sentence today; reuse beats rereading.
- Pay attention to context: this is a intermediate-level Spanish expression.