Comparison of Popular Expressions: Portugal, Brazil and Other Countries

Popular expressions are a reflection of the culture and way of life of a people. They often reveal popular wisdom, humour and, in many cases, the linguistic creativity of the speakers. Let's explore some expressions of Portugal and compare them with their equivalents in Brazil and other countries, highlighting the nuances and differences that reveal unique aspects of each culture.

“Dar com a língua nos dentes” (Portugal)

Meaning: Reveal a secret or something that shouldn't be said.

Brazil: The equivalent expression would be "open the game". Although the meaning is the same, the metaphor is different, suggesting a broader openness about information or feelings.

English: "Let the cat out of the bag" (Literally, "letting the cat out of the bag"). As in Portuguese, this expression is used to describe the accidental revelation of a secret.

“Stay watching ships” (Portugal)

Meaning: Waiting for something that won't happen, miss an opportunity.

Brazil: The equivalent would be "stay in the will" or "see ships". Both convey the idea of unmet expectation.

Spanish: "Quedarse con los brazos cruzados" (Literally, "to stay with your arms crossed"). Although the metaphor is different, the idea of inactivity or loss is similar.

“Estar nas sete quintas” (Portugal)

Meaning: To be very happy or in a great situation.

Brazil: In Brazilian Portuguese, a similar expression would be "to be in the clouds", which also indicates a state of extreme happiness.

French: "Être sur un petit nuage" (Literally, "to be in a small cloud"). This French expression carries a similar connotation of joy and contentment.

“Pôr a mão no fogo” (Portugal)

Meaning: To be totally sure about something, to trust fully.

Brazil: The expression is the same: "to put your hand in the fire for someone" or "to put your hand in the fire". Both indicate a great confidence or certainty.

German: "Jemanden in die Pflicht nehmen" (Literally, "put someone in the obligation"). This expression suggests responsibility and trust, but with a more formal nuance than the Portuguese expression.

“Andar com a pulga atrás da orelha” (Portugal)

Meaning: To be suspicious, suspicious.

Brazil: The similar expression would be "to have a flea behind the ear", which conveys the same idea of distrust or doubt.

Italian: "Avere un tarlo nella testa" (Literally, "to have a carpenter in the head"). Although the metaphor is different, the idea of persistent concern is similar.

“Não dar ponto sem nó” (Portugal)

Meaning: Do nothing without a reason or a benefit.

Brazil: An equivalent expression would be "not giving a point without a knot", with the same meaning, indicating that each action has a purpose.

Inglês: "Not a stitch without a thread" (Literally, "no wireless seam"). Although less common, the English expression carries a similar idea of intentionality.

“Chorar sobre o leite derramado” (Portugal)

Meaning: Regretting something that has already happened and cannot be changed.

Brazil: Brazil also uses the expression "cry over spilled milk", which has the same meaning of useless lamentation.

French: "Pleurer sur le lait renversé" (Literally, "cry on spilled milk"). The French expression is identical and carries the same sense of lamentation.

“Ter a cabeça no lugar” (Portugal)

Meaning: Have common sense, be rational.

Brazil: The expression is also used in Brazil: "to have the head in place" or "to have the head in place". Both variants indicate sensible behaviour.

Spanish: "Tener los pies en la tierra" (Literally, "to have your feet on the ground"). Although the metaphor is different, the meaning of balance and wisdom is the same.

Popular expressions offer a fascinating vision of the culture and way of thinking of different peoples. As we have seen, each country has its own nuances and metaphors that reflect unique aspects of everyday life. Now, we would like to hear from you! Do you have any popular expression you would like to share? Or maybe you lived an experience that involved these expressions? Leave us a comment below and share your story! And don't forget to share this article with your friends so that more people can know these linguistic curiosities!