Al garete is an adverbial phrase that means ‘adrift’.
It can be used as a synonym for being lost, lost, aimlessly, without a definite plan, failed or spoiled. The specific sense will depend on the context of enunciation.
The origin of the expression is uncertain. It is known that its use was frequent in the nautical language to refer to a boat that has been left at the mercy of the currents and winds.
In this sense, staying on the badge refers to staying a boat adrift in the sea for some unexpected damage (having lost the anchors, having a breakdown in the machines, etc.), so that it is at the will of the currents Or the winds. For example: “The captain realized that they had stayed on the badge.”
A synonym for the expression on the badge is “drifting.”
In a figurative sense, “al garete” is used in reference to who walks without direction, without direction or luck, without a specific purpose.
The badge, on the other hand, can also be used colloquially to manifest displeasure, disgust or repulsion. For example: “Marta sent Pedro to the garete.”
Al garete can also be used in verbal phrases. In this sense, going something to the badge means that it has failed or has been damaged. For example: “The country went to hell.”
Walking to the badge, meanwhile, refers to leading a messy life, aimlessly. For example: “Since Luis was abandoned by his wife, he goes to hell.”
Being on the badge is also used to mean being disoriented. For example: “When we arrived in the city, on the first day we felt we were at home.”