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MindsetClear conscienceHonestyproverbs
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Manuel's grandfather often repeated a saying: "Quem não deve, não teme."
MindsetBeing presentMorning ritualSmall moments
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Every morning, Joana thinks that the day ahead could change her life.
Portuguese Expressions with Matar
The Portuguese verb matar literally means “to kill,” but like many common verbs, it appears in a wide range of idiomatic expressions that have nothing to do with violence. In everyday European Portuguese, matar is often used figuratively to convey ideas like satisfying a need, resolving a problem, or expressing intensity.
Here are 10 of the most common expressions with matar.
1. Matar a sede – To quench thirst
Depois da caminhada matei a sede com água.
After the walk, I quenched my thirst with water.
2. Matar a fome – To satisfy hunger
Comi uma sopa rápida para matar a fome.
I had a quick soup to satisfy my hunger.
3. Matar a curiosidade – To satisfy curiosity
Tive de fazer uma pergunta indelicada para matar a curiosidade.
I had to ask an indelicate question to satisfy my curiosity.
4. Matar o tempo – To kill time
Li uma revista para matar o tempo enquanto estava à tua espera.
I read a magazine to kill time while I was waiting for you.
5. Matar saudades – To ease the feeling of missing someone or something
Liguei à minha mãe para matar saudades.
I called my mother because I missed her.
6. Matar dois coelhos de uma cajadada só – To kill two birds with one stone
Fui ao Porto fazer compras e aproveitei para visitar o meu tio — matei dois coelhos de uma cajadada só.
I went to Porto to shop and took the chance to visit my uncle — killed two birds with one stone.
7. Matar-se a trabalhar – To work excessively hard
Ele mata-se a trabalhar para conseguir a promoção.
He kills himself working to get the promotion.
8. Matar-se a rir – To laugh uncontrollably
Vimos aquele vídeo e matámo-nos a rir.
We saw that video and laughed our heads off.
9. Matar-se de ciúmes – To be extremely jealous
O Carlos mata-se de ciúmes.
Carlos is insanely jealous.
10. Ficar mesmo a matar – Said when something looks especially good on someone
Esse casaco fica-te mesmo a matar.
That jacket really suits you.
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