Portuguese Expressions That Make No Sense (Until You Learn Them!).
Expressions with Double Meanings
Learning a new language is full of challenges, especially when idiomatic expressions defy direct translation. Portuguese, a rich and poetic language, abounds with phrases that, when taken literally, seem nonsensical. These expressions often carry meanings far removed from their surface interpretation, leading to moments of confusion and amusement for language learners.
In this post, we’ll unravel some of the most colorful and commonly used Portuguese idiomatic expressions. By understanding their true meanings and contexts, you’ll not only avoid potential missteps but also sound more like a native speaker in no time.
1. "Meter água" – to mess up
Literal Meaning: to put water.
What It Actually Means: to make a mistake or create a problem.
Example: "Ele meteu água no trabalho e perdeu o cliente."
("He messed up at work and lost the client.")Tip: This phrase is perfect when describing a clear mistake or blunder.
2. "Dar à sola" – to run away
Literal Meaning: to give to the sole (of a shoe).
What It Actually Means: to escape quickly or flee.
Example: "Quando viu a polÃcia, ele deu à sola."
("When he saw the police, he ran away/ took off.")Tip: Use this informally when someone is fleeing or avoiding a situation.
3. "Fazer fita" – to overreact
Literal Meaning: to make a film.
What It Actually Means: to exaggerate or fake a reaction, often for attention.
Example: "Ela fez uma fita enorme quando lhe pediram para limpar o quarto."
("She overreacted when asked to clean her room.")Tip: Commonly used when someone is being dramatic or seeking attention.
4. "Estar com os azeites" – to be angry
Literal Meaning: to be with the oils.
What It Actually Means: to be annoyed, irritated, or in a bad mood.
Example: "Hoje, ele está com os azeites, nem vale a pena falar com ele."
("Today he’s in a bad mood; it’s not even worth talking to him.")Tip: Ideal for describing someone who’s feeling grumpy or irritable.
5. "Estás-te a esticar!" – You’re pushing it!
Literal Meaning: You’re stretching yourself.
What It Actually Means: You’re going too far or overstepping boundaries.
Example: "Estás-te a esticar com essas piadas."
("You’re pushing it with those jokes.")Tip: Often used as a playful or lighthearted warning when someone is being inappropriate or exaggerated.
6. "Ir por água abaixo" – to fail completely
Literal Meaning: to go down the water.
What It Actually Means: to fail or be ruined.
Example: "O plano foi por água abaixo depois da discussão."
("The plan was ruined after the argument.")Tip: Use this to describe projects or situations that have fallen apart.
7. "Ter o rei na barriga" – to be conceited
Literal Meaning: to have the king in the belly.
What It Actually Means: to act self-important or conceited.
Example: "Ela acha-se muito importante, tem o rei na barriga."
("She thinks she’s very important, as if she’s the center of the universe.")Tip: This phrase is often used to describe someone who behaves arrogantly or has an inflated sense of their own importance.
8. "Estar nas nuvens" – to be distracted
Literal Meaning: to be in the clouds.
What It Actually Means: to be daydreaming or distracted.
Example: "Na aula, ele estava nas nuvens e não ouviu nada."
("In class, he was daydreaming and didn’t hear a thing.")Tip: Great for describing someone lost in their thoughts.
9. "Dar com os burros n’água" – to fail miserably
Literal Meaning: to end up with the donkeys in the water.
What It Actually Means: to fail or have an endeavor turn out unsuccessfully.
Example: "Depois de tanto planeamento, deram com os burros n’água."
("After so much planning, they failed miserably.")Tip: Commonly used when efforts don’t yield the desired results.
10. "Trocar as mãos pelos pés" – to get things all mixed up
Literal Meaning: to swap hands for feet.
What It Actually Means: to mess something up or confuse things completely.
Example: "No exame, trocou as mãos pelos pés e errou tudo."
(“In the exam, he got everything mixed up and got it all wrong.")Tip: Use this when describing someone making mistakes due to confusion or nervousness.
Conclusion
Portuguese idiomatic expressions bring vibrancy and humor to the language but can be perplexing for beginners. Mastering these phrases not only helps you avoid misunderstandings but also allows you to communicate with authenticity and cultural nuance.
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