Culture

Word Play-Part 2

PORTUGAL

PORTUGAL Dec. 22. 2020

Cultural Broadcasting Team


Every language contains idioms. According to Merriam-Webster, an idiom is “an expression in the usage of a language that is peculiar to itself either in having a meaning that cannot be derived from the conjoined meanings of its elements (such as up in the air for "undecided") or in its grammatically atypical use of words (such as give way)”. In this post we present you some other existing Portuguese idioms.

1.    “Vozes de burro não chegam ao céu”
Literal translation: Donkey voices don’t reach heaven

Meaning:  Gratuitous or groundless words are unworthy of attention

2.    “Ter pano para mangas”
Literal translation: Having cloth for sleeves

Meaning: Having all necessary means for doing something

3.    “Mais que as mães”
Literal translation: More than the mothers

Meaning: A large amount of people

4.    “Dá deus nozes a quem não tem dentes”
Literal translation: God gives nuts to those who have no teeth

Meaning: Some people have assets, privileges or opportunities that they don’t take advantage of (by deficiency or negligence)

5.    “Cabeça de alho chocho”
Literal translation: Head of dry garlic

Meaning: Scatterbrain, forgetful person

6.    “Estar feito ao bife”
Literal translation: To be done to the steak

Meaning: Being in trouble

7.    “Engolir sapos”
Literal translation: Swallowing frogs

Meaning: Enduring unpleasant things without fighting back

8.    “Podes esperar sentado”
Literal translation: You can wait while sitting

Meaning: What you’re waiting for is unlikely to happen

9.    “Ir de cavalo para burro”
Literal translation: Going from horse to donkey

Meaning: Downgrading, getting into a worse situation. It is said when someone experiences a downfall of some sort.


10. “Ter as costas quentes”
Literal translation: Having a warm back

Meaning: Having someone’s protection

PORTUGAL

PORTUGAL Dec. 22. 2020

Cultural Broadcasting Team

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