The phrases Portuguese speakers actually use
Fazer uma birra
"Fazer uma birra" is used when someone (kids or adults) gets really upset because they didn't get what they wanted and makes...
Dois pesos e duas medidas
"Dois pesos e duas medidas" means double standards. It's used when similar situations or people are judged by different criteria, in other...
Caldo entornado
The expression "está o caldo entornado" is used when something goes wrong and gets out of control or beyond repair.
É escusado
The expression "escusas de" or "é escusado" means that something is pointless, unnecessary, or won't change the outcome. It's often used to...
Tudo e mais alguma coisa
"Tudo e mais alguma coisa" highlights excess and abundance, often with a humorous or critical tone.
A toda a hora
The expression "a toda a hora" means that something happens very often or without stopping.
Descair-se
"Descair-se" means to accidentally reveal something, often information that was supposed to be kept secret.
Meter os pés pelas mãos
The expression "meter os pés pelas mãos" is used when someone acts clumsily or makes a mistake because they're nervous or not...
Vi-me nelas
The expression "vi-me nelas" is used when someone faces challenges or difficulties, often unexpectedly.
Não é por aí
The expression "não é por aí" is used to correct a mistaken idea or to suggest that the reason or explanation given...
Se não for a bem…
The expression "se não for a bem, vai a mal" means that if something isn't done voluntarily, it will be enforced. It's...
Tapar o sol com a peneira
The expression "tapar o sol com a peneira" refers to hiding or ignoring an obvious problem.
Dar o berro
The expression "dar o berro" means to break down or to reach your limits. It can be used for both objects (usually...
Vai não vai
The expression "vai não vai" conveys hesitation, indecision, or constant back-and-forth. It's often used to express uncertainty during the decision-making process.
Fugir com o rabo à seringa
The expression "fugir com o rabo à seringa" is used when someone tries to avoid a difficult situation, responsibility, or consequence.
Na ponta da língua
The expression "na ponta da língua" has two meanings. It can refer to the frustration someone feels when they're trying to remember...
Partir a loiça
The expression "partir a loiça toda" is used when someone creates tension or chaos by saying or doing something bold, often unexpectedly.
Sou capaz
The expression "sou capaz" is often used to mean "I can" or "it's quite possible that." It's used to indicate that something...