Language/Portuguese/Vocabulary/Idiomatic-Expressions

Portuguese Vocabulary - Idiomatic expressions

Hi Portuguese learners! 😊
In this lesson, you will learn some interesting and commonly used idiomatic expressions in Portuguese. Using idioms in a language can help you sound more natural and native-like, and it's a fun way to learn about a culture. We will include cultural information and examples to help you understand and remember these expressions. Don't forget to check out the Find native speakers and ask them any questions you may have!

Meaning of idiomatic expressions

Idiomatic expressions are phrases that have a figurative meaning that differs from the literal meaning of the individual words. They are commonly used by native speakers in informal contexts, but they can also be used in formal situations. Learning expressions like these can help you understand and communicate more naturally in Portuguese.

Here are some examples of idiomatic expressions in Portuguese. We will give you the literal and figurative meanings of each expression and also provide cultural and contextual information:

Mão na roda

Mão na roda literally means "hand on the wheel". Figuratively, it means "a big help", "a time saver". This expression is commonly used when referring to someone or something that is very helpful and comes just in time.

Example: Imagine that you're studying for a test, and a friend sends you a summary of the entire subject. You can say:

• Person 1: Nossa, essa sua síntese foi uma mão na roda! (Wow, your summary was a big help!)
• Person 2: Que bom que te ajudei, amigo! (I'm glad I could help you, my friend!)

Dar a volta por cima

Dar a volta por cima literally means "to go around on top" or "to come back on top". Figuratively, it means "to bounce back", "to recover from a difficult situation". This expression is commonly used when referring to someone who was going through a hard time but managed to overcome it and succeed.

Example: Imagine that you have a friend who lost their job and felt really down. After a couple of months, they got a new, better job. You can say:

• Person 1: Sua vitória foi incrível! Você realmente deu a volta por cima! (Your victory was amazing! You really bounced back!)
• Person 2: Obrigado! Eu nunca perdi a esperança! (Thank you! I never lost hope!)

Cara de pau

Cara de pau literally means "wooden face". Figuratively, it means "shameless", "impudent". This expression is commonly used when referring to someone who did something inappropriate or wrong, but acts like they did nothing wrong.

Example: Imagine that you're at school, and a student copied your assignment without any shame. You can say:

• Person 1: Como você pode ter a cara de pau de copiar o meu trabalho? (How can you be so shameless to copy my work?)
• Person 2: Ah, é que eu não tive tempo para fazer. (Oh, I just didn't have enough time to do it.)

Puxar a brasa para a sua sardinha

Puxar a brasa para a sua sardinha literally means "to pull the coal for your sardine". Figuratively, it means "to promote your own interests", "to take advantage of a situation for your own benefit". This expression is commonly used to refer to people who are always trying to gain some advantage, regardless of the circumstances.

Example: Imagine that you're at work and a colleague takes all the credit for a job you've been working on together. You can say:

• Person 1: Você sempre puxa a brasa para a sua sardinha, não é mesmo? (You always promote your own interests, don't you?)
• Person 2: Ah, mas eu fiz a maior parte do trabalho. (Oh, but I did most of the work.)

Ficar de bico calado

Ficar de bico calado literally means "to stay with a closed beak". Figuratively, it means "to keep quiet", "to shut up". This expression is commonly used to advise someone to keep something to themselves and not to talk about it.

Example: Imagine that you have a secret that you want to tell a friend but don't want anyone else to know. You can say:

• Person 1: Fica de bico calado! Eu tenho um segredo para te contar. (Keep it to yourself! I have a secret to tell you.)
• Person 2: Pode falar, eu não conto para ninguém! (Go ahead, I won't tell anyone!)

Remember, idiomatic expressions are meant to sound natural and informal, so they are usually used in informal settings. Don't be afraid to use them in your conversations with Portuguese native speakers and immerse yourself in the language and culture.

Conclusion

Using idiomatic expressions is a great way to improve your Portuguese skills and sound more like a native speaker. Don't forget to check out the Polyglot Club website to find more resources and connect to native speakers. We hope you enjoyed this lesson on idiomatic expressions in Portuguese. If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎

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➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎

With this lesson finished, you may want to explore these additional pages: At Home & Laundry.

Other Lessons

• Football
• Parts of the Body
• Desserts
• Slang
• Vet
• Beverages
• Laundry
• At a Party
• Christmas
• Halloween

Sources

• Portuguese Idioms for Learners: 50 Common Portuguese Phrases ...
• 25 Hilarious Portuguese Expressions That Make No Sense
• Portuguese Idioms | Practice Portuguese