Idioms

The phrases Portuguese speakers actually use

Status
A lógica da batata
B1
ironic dismissalweak reasoning

A lógica da batata

The phrase "é a lógica da batata" is an ironic way to dismiss someone's reasoning as weak or unconvincing. It can also...

Watch nowA lógica da batata
Chega e sobra
B1
quantitysufficiency

Chega e sobra

The expression "chega e sobra" means that something is more than enough for a particular need.

Watch nowChega e sobra
Dar ao litro
B1
work hard

Dar ao litro

The expression "dar ao litro" means to work hard or put in a lot of effort. It's used when someone is giving...

Watch nowDar ao litro
Cortar-se
B1
chicken out

Cortar-se

The expression "cortar-se" means to back down, give up, or hesitate to do something, usually because of fear, shyness, or sudden insecurity....

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É bem feito!
B1
negative consequenceserves right

É bem feito!

The expression "é bem feito!" is used by someone who thinks another person deserves to face a negative consequence or be punished....

Watch nowÉ bem feito!
Esticar a corda
B1
overstepping limitspush luck

Esticar a corda

The expression "esticar a corda" means taking a situation too far. It's used when someone pushes too much, crosses boundaries, or takes...

Watch nowEsticar a corda
Cara de pau
B1
boldnessshameless behavior

Cara de pau

The expression "cara de pau" refers to someone who is bold and shameless, someone who acts without embarrassment or restraint and shows...

Watch nowCara de pau
Nem 8 nem 80
B1
avoid extremesbalanced approach

Nem 8 nem 80

The expression "nem 8 nem 80" encourages avoiding extremes and finding a balanced middle ground.

Watch nowNem 8 nem 80
Com a mão na massa
B1
convenience suggestiontask efficiency

Com a mão na massa

"Já que estás com a mão na massa" is used to suggest that someone take care of an extra task while they're...

Watch nowCom a mão na massa
Igual ao litro
B1
casual dismissalexpressing indifference

Igual ao litro

The expression "é-me igual ao litro" shows complete indifference, often with a bold or dismissive tone.

Watch nowIgual ao litro
Encher chouriços
B1
killing timetime wasting

Encher chouriços

The expression "encher chouriços" refers to keeping busy with pointless tasks just to pass the time.

Watch nowEncher chouriços
Ficar a matar
B1
appearance praisefashion compliment

Ficar a matar

The expression "ficar a matar" means that something really suits someone, especially clothes, accessories, or a new look. It's a fun and...

Watch nowFicar a matar
Espalhar-se ao comprido
B1
embarrassing failurefall flat

Espalhar-se ao comprido

The expression "espalhar-se ao comprido" means to fall in an awkward way, often embarrassingly or dramatically. Figuratively, it can also mean to...

Watch nowEspalhar-se ao comprido
Pregar uma rasteira
B1
betrayalphysical trip

Pregar uma rasteira

The expression "pregar uma rasteira" means to make someone fall by tripping them with your foot. Figuratively, it means to betray or...

Watch nowPregar uma rasteira
Sol de pouca dura
B1
short-livedtemporary moments

Sol de pouca dura

The expression "sol de pouca dura" is used figuratively to describe something fleeting, especially moments of happiness, promises, or trends that quickly...

Watch nowSol de pouca dura