Discover Portuguese expressions and (some) meanings

We all know that the Portuguese language spoken in Portugal and Brazil has some differences. And if we consider idiomatic expressions (such as our slang) these differences are even more notable.

Here are some very funny examples of the Portuguese language and 100% tugas (and some meanings):

1 – Big and French – flaunt

2 – Back to Campo de Ourique – when something bad doesn’t happen by a hair’s breadth

3 – Having the ears of a consumptive – hearing very well

4 – Like sardines in a can – very tight

5 – From the time of Maria Cachucha – from the time of epa

6 – Like the works of Santa Engrácia – works that never end

7 – Rebeubéu sparrows to the nest – get the horse out of the rain

8 – Be the figurehead – the leader of the group

9 – Having the beans counted – counting the change

10 – Things from the old lady’s arc (this one is the same)

11 – Give a lamiré – brief explanation about something

12 – Grease – suck up

13 – Staying in cod waters – no response

14 – It won’t be smooth sailing – it won’t be easy

15 – We don’t have glasses of water, only water (that explains itself)

16 – Gold on blue – something perfect, good opportunity

17 – Pull the heat on our sardine – pull on our sardine

18 – It’s clean wheat flour Amparo – sure of something

19 – Tying the knot – getting married

20 – First it feels strange, then it sinks in – over time the person gets used to it

21 – Being angry – being sullen, aggressive

22 – It’s a double-ended dick – difficult decision

23 – Go around the big billiards – don’t bother and leave

24 – Thinking a donkey died – thinking a donkey died

25 – Ask for pain – ask for the bill

26 – Giving tanga – giving migué/telling lies

27 – Being with the bezana – being drunk and confrontational

28 – Not a big shotgun – not a big deal

29 – The shadow of the banana tree – carefree

30 – Calinada – way to correct someone who made a spelling mistake

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