NEW LISTEN • a2+ Banho de sol, banho de mar NEW COMPLETION • a2 O museu abre às dez da manhã NEW FILL-IN • a2 Oito braços e outras maravilhas NEW FILL-IN • a2 Dois acordes NEW LISTEN • a2 Oito braços e outras maravilhas NEW MATCH • a2 Parece um porco mas é selvagem NEW CHOICE • b1 Que galo! NEW LISTEN • a2 Dois acordes NEW FILL-IN • b1 A vida é demasiado curta para passar a ferro NEW ORDERING • a2 A cantora tinha uma voz muito bonita NEW FILL-IN • a2+ O último comboio NEW IDIOM • b1 Às três pancadas NEW MATCH • a2 O telemóvel começa a carregar NEW LISTEN • b1 A vida é demasiado curta para passar a ferro NEW FILL-IN • a2+ Uma noite para esquecer NEW LISTEN • a2+ O último comboio
The phrases Portuguese speakers actually use
Status
b1
carelessnesscriticismlow quality
Às três pancadas
"Às três pancadas" describes something done carelessly or without quality. Used to criticize poor work or improvised solutions. Depreciative tone.
b1
criticismidlenesslaziness
À sombra da bananeira
"À sombra da bananeira" describes someone coasting through life without working or contributing, while others put in the effort. Informal, usually critical.
b1
Distant placeRemoteness
No cu de judas
"No cu de Judas" describes a place that is very far away and hard to reach. Vulgar, common in informal spoken Portuguese.
b1
empty-handedeverydaysocial etiquette
De mãos a abanar
"De mãos a abanar" means arriving or leaving with nothing — no result, no purchases, or showing up to a visit without...
b1
disappointmentexpectationsrefusal
Tirar o cavalinho da chuva
This expression is used to dash expectations in a clear and informal way.
b1
connectionscushy jobfavoritism
Tacho
“Tacho” means a comfortable, advantageous job or post, usually suggesting favoritism, connections, or weak merit.
b1
inconsistencymismatchsuspicion
Não bate certo
“Não bate certo” means something doesn’t make sense, doesn’t fit, or seems inconsistent.
b1
double-edgedmixed outcomespros and cons
Um pau de dois bicos
The expression is used to talk about a situation with one positive side and one negative side, or one that can bring...
b1
annoyancecomplainingrepetition
Vira o disco e toca o mesmo
“Vira o disco e toca o mesmo” can be used when someone keeps bringing up the same topic over and over again,...
b1
negative reactionoffense taken
Levar a mal
"Levar a mal" means to take something as an insult and feel hurt by it. It's used to describe a negative reaction...
b1
anger reactionlose temper
Perder as estribeiras
"Perder as estribeiras" means losing control and reacting with anger or irritation, often suddenly, in stressful or frustrating situations.
b1
luxury privilegetreat oneself
Dar-se ao luxo
"Dar-se ao luxo" means allowing yourself an extra (whether it's time, money, or options) that most other people don't have access to....
b1
caught red-handedembarrassing situations
Apanhado com as calças na mão
Being "apanhado com as calças na mão" means getting caught off guard or in the act. It's mostly used in awkward situations.
b1
big spendermoney management
Mãos largas
"Mãos largas" is usually used in a critical way: it describes someone who spends money too easily and without much self-control.
b1
effort justificationworth it
Vale a pena
"Vale a pena" is used when the effort or cost of doing something is justified by the benefit it brings.
b1
negative traitsneaky behavior
Chico-esperto
"Chico-esperto" refers to someone who tries to deceive others in a dishonest or opportunistic way. It definitely has a negative tone and...
b1
defensive attitudetake personally
Enfiar o barrete
The expression "enfiar o barrete" means taking a general criticism or comment personally. It implies a defensive attitude.
b1
sabotageset up
Fazer a folha a alguém
The expression "fazer a folha a alguém" means to deliberately harm or sabotage someone, usually behind their back, with the intention of...
