Idioms

The phrases Portuguese speakers actually use

Status
À mão
B1
convenienceeasy access

À mão

The expression "à mão" means that something is easily accessible and within reach. It implies convenience.

Watch nowÀ mão
Na hora
B1
immediate actionpromptness

Na hora

The expression "na hora" is used when something is done right away, without any delay or hesitation. It emphasizes being ready to...

Watch nowNa hora
Em águas de bacalhau
B1
stalled planswork delay

Em águas de bacalhau

The expression "em águas de bacalhau" refers to something that remains stuck or unresolved. For example, a plan that, for some reason,...

Watch nowEm águas de bacalhau
Às moscas
B1
empty placelack activity

Às moscas

The expression "às moscas" describes a place that is empty or has no activity, like a store with no customers.

Watch nowÀs moscas
O mau da fita
B1
bad guyvillain

O mau da fita

The term "o mau da fita" comes from movie slang and refers to the villain or antagonist in a story. In everyday...

Watch nowO mau da fita
Já era sem tempo
B1
delayed action

Já era sem tempo

The expression "já era sem tempo" is used when something you've been waiting for finally happens. It conveys a mix of relief...

Watch nowJá era sem tempo
Fazer-se de
B1
pretendingrole-playing

Fazer-se de

The term "fazer-se de" implies hiding your true self. For example, it refers to someone who takes on a certain persona or...

Watch nowFazer-se de
Dar em maluco
B1
emotional agitationlosing control

Dar em maluco

The expression "dar em maluco" is used to describe someone who is emotionally upset or under pressure and about to lose control...

Watch nowDar em maluco
Podre de rico
B1
extreme wealth

Podre de rico

The phrase "podre de rico" is an emphatic way of saying that someone is extremely wealthy. It often carries a tone of...

Watch nowPodre de rico
Que seca!
B1
expressing boredomexpressing frustration

Que seca!

The expression "que seca!" conveys boredom and frustration.

Watch nowQue seca!
Nem sequer
B1
emotional nuanceemphasis usage

Nem sequer

The expression "nem sequer" emphasizes that not even the bare minimum happened. It adds an emotional weight, often expressing neglect, surprise, or...

Watch nowNem sequer
Boa onda
B1
good vibespositive energy

Boa onda

The expression "boa onda" is used to say that someone or something has a positive and pleasant energy.

Watch nowBoa onda
Cuidado!
B1
health cautionsafety warning

Cuidado!

"Cuidado!" is an urgent warning used to alert someone to immediate danger. The phrase "ter cuidado" calls for paying attention and being...

Watch nowCuidado!
Isso é que era
B1
enthusiastic reactionexpressing desire

Isso é que era

The phrase "isso é que era" expresses a wish or excitement about an imagined scenario. It has a dreamy tone and is...

Watch nowIsso é que era
Dar à graxa
B1
excessive praisesucking up

Dar à graxa

The expression "dar à graxa" means to flatter someone excessively, usually to get something in return. It has a critical tone and...

Watch nowDar à graxa
Tudo menos
B1
expressing contrastironic tone

Tudo menos

The expression "tudo menos" means that something turned out very different from what was expected or wanted. It suggests contrast and surprise,...

Watch nowTudo menos