Idioms

The phrases Portuguese speakers actually use

Status
Deixa lá
B1
time management

Deixa lá

The expression "deixa lá" or "deixa lá isso" is used to suggest shifting your attention away from something that's not worth your...

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Até (actually)
B1
expressing surpriseword usage

Até (actually)

The word "até" can express surprise or emphasize an unexpected result, depending on where it appears in the sentence.

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Que cena!
B1
expressing surpriseyouth slang

Que cena!

"Que cena!" expresses surprise and disbelief. It's a reaction to something unexpected and is commonly used among younger people.

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Guito
B1
slang money

Guito

"Guito" is slang for money. Other informal terms include "cacau", "massa", "pasta", "carcanhol", and "cheta".

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Fazer de conta
B1
dissimulatingpretending

Fazer de conta

The expression "fazer de conta" means to act as if something were true. It involves pretending and distorting reality. It's common both...

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Meter uma cunha
B1
social influenceworkplace favor

Meter uma cunha

The expression "meter uma cunha" means that someone uses another person's social status and influence (usually a friend or family member) to...

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Não ter pedal
B1
lack staminasports context

Não ter pedal

"Não ter pedal" means not having the stamina, pace, or ability to keep up with others. It's especially used in the context...

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De mal a pior
B1
negative situationsprogressive worsening

De mal a pior

The expression "de mal a pior" describes a situation where things keep getting progressively worse, whether it’s in health, finances, relationships, or...

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Ainda por cima
B1
expressing frustration

Ainda por cima

The expression "ainda por cima" is used to introduce something unfavorable to a situation that was already bad. It often carries a...

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Torcer o nariz
B1
expressing reluctancenegative reaction

Torcer o nariz

The expression "torcer o nariz" is used when someone reacts negatively to an idea or suggestion. It conveys skepticism and reluctance.

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Estar-se nas tintas
B1
disinterestindifference

Estar-se nas tintas

The expression "estar-se nas tintas" is used when someone shows complete indifference or lack of interest, even if there are consequences. Depending...

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Ficar nas horas
B1
getting pissed

Ficar nas horas

The expression "ficar nas horas" is used when someone gets really angry or furious. A common variation is "ficar nas horas do...

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Pudera
B1
expressing ironyobviousness

Pudera

The expression "pudera" is used when something isn't surprising given the circumstances. Sometimes, it can be used ironically.

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Por água abaixo
B1
frustrationwaste

Por água abaixo

The expression "por água abaixo" is used when something is wasted or lost. It conveys the disappointment and frustration you feel when...

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Quem me dera
B1
expressing desireunreal wishes

Quem me dera

The expression "quem me dera" conveys a longing for something that's unattainable or unlikely to happen.

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