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.

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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.