Here we explain estar en sus trece meaning!
estar en sus trece meaning
Many of us use expressions without wondering where they come from.
One of the most curious ones is estar en sus trece meaning is explained here.
Today we use it for someone who refuses to change their mind,
even when proven wrong.
But this expression has several possible origins, and they’re all fascinating.
1. The thirteen principles of Judaism and the Inquisition
One theory says it comes from converted Jews who refused to abandon the thirteen principles of their faith.
Inquisitors allegedly wrote:
“He remains in his thirteen.”
Meaning: he stood firm in his convictions.
2. The medieval card game theory
Another theory points to a medieval card game similar to blackjack where the goal was to reach fifteen points.
Many cautious players stopped at thirteen to avoid going over.
From there comes the idea of standing firm at a choice, no matter what.
⛪ 3. Pope Benedict XIII (El Papa Luna) and the time when the Church had two popes
During the Western Schism (1378–1417), the Catholic Church faced a huge crisis:
there were two popes at the same time, each claiming to be the legitimate one.
One ruled in Rome and the other in Avignon.
Benedict XIII was the pope in Avignon.
Over time, many kings and cardinals stopped recognizing him.
Even so, he refused to resign.
This absolute firmness may have given rise to the expression:
“To stay in one’s thirteen” → to stand firm no matter what.
4. The Boniface VIII theory and the thirteenth papal bull
Another possible origin of “estar en sus trece” is connected to Pope Boniface VIII.
In 1302 he issued a papal bull called Unam Sanctam.
A papal bull is an official document used by the pope to declare important religious or political decisions.
This bull claimed that the spiritual authority of the pope was above that of kings, which caused strong opposition.
Despite the conflict, Boniface VIII did not change his position.
Unam Sanctam was his thirteenth major document, and that’s why it’s said he “stood his ground on his thirteen.”
From there comes the idea of staying firm, no matter what.
Usage notes
- It’s better to write en sus trece, not en sus 13.
- Se usa en minúscula: trece.
Trece is always lowercase. - Not en sus treces (incorrect).
- Funciona con posesivos: estoy en mis trece, estás en tus trece, se mantuvieron en sus trece.
Works with possessives: I stand my ground, you stand your ground, they stood their ground. - It dates back to the 16th century, and appears in Don Quixote.
- Read more: https://dle.rae.es/trece
Sometimes staying in your thirteen means stubbornness.
But other times, it means standing by your principles.
If you enjoy these kinds of explanations, you can also read my article on why ‘hambre’ takes the article ‘el’ in Spanish.”
is-el-hambre-hunger-feminine-or-masculine-in-spanish/
