en pañales

Spanish

FWOTD – 26 April 2013

Etymology

Literally, “in diapers”.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /em paˈɲales/ [ẽm paˈɲa.les]
• Syllabification: en pa‧ña‧les

Adjective

en pañales (invariable)

1. (idiomatic) in the very early stages of something; still green; wet behind the ears
   • 2003, Etienne G. Krug, Informe mundial sobre la violencia y la salud, Organización Panamericana de la Salud, page 216:

     El estudio de los factores protectores está todavía en pañales.

     The study of the protective factors is still in its early stages.

   • 2001 January 19, Robert J. Michaels, “Una política energética en pañales [An energy policy in its infancy]”, in El Instituto Independiente‎^[1]: