Every language has expressions that sound bizarre when translated literally or interpreted literally. For example, “it’s raining cats and dogs” — it’s funny if a non-English speaker would interpret it literally… but it makes perfect sense to any English speaker!
These expressions are called idiomasidioms , and they offer fascinating insights into a culture’s history, values, and sense of humor. Portuguese is particularly rich in colorful idioms that reflect the country’s maritime history, culinary traditions, and everyday life.
Let’s now take a look at 7 of these Portuguese idioms.
When You’re Wasting Time
Estou a encher chouriçosI'm filling sausagesThe image of tediously stuffing sausage casings perfectly captures that feeling of performing tasks that serve no real purpose. It essentially means you’re doing meaningless activities just to pass the time. So next time you’re stuck in a boring meeting or killing time while waiting for a friend, remember this phrase.
When Disaster Strikes (Or Doesn’t)
Caiu o Carmo e a Trindade!The Carmo and Trindade fell!This dramatic expression comes from Lisbon’s 1755 earthquake, when two convents collapsed. Today, Portuguese people use it ironically when someone overreacts to a minor problem! It’s the Portuguese version of making a mountain out of a molehill, but with a specific historical reference that has lingered in the language for over 250 years.
When You’ve Got Lots of Experience
São muitos anos a virar frangosMany years turning chickensThe image evokes someone who has spent years tending to rotisserie chickens, turning them until they achieve perfect doneness—an apt metaphor for mastery through repetition. Use this phrase when you want to say you’ve been doing something for so long that you’re extremely experienced at it. It’s the Portuguese equivalent of “I know the ropes.”
When Someone’s Overthinking
A pensar morreu um burro. Decide-te!A donkey died thinking. Make a decision!This blunt but humorous expression encourages action over excessive contemplation—suggesting that even a donkey knows better than to waste time overthinking things. When your friend is spending too much time contemplating what to order at a restaurant, you can say this!
When Someone’s Being Selfish
Ele está sempre a puxar a brasa à sua sardinhaHe's always pulling the coal toward his sardineWith Portugal’s love of sardinhassardines , this idiom makes some sort of sense—pulling the hot coals toward your own sardine means looking out for your own interests at the expense of others. This idiom captures Portugal’s tradition while metaphorically describing self-centered behavior.
When Plans Completely Fail
O negócio ficou em águas de bacalhauThe deal ended up in cod watersThis expression references Portugal’s historic cod fishing expeditions to far-away waters where many fishermen lost their lives, boats, and cargo. Use it when something fails completely after much effort. The phrase encapsulates centuries of Portuguese maritime heritage and the dangerous journeys fishermen would undertake to the distant cod fishing grounds near Newfoundland.
When Someone’s Not Very Bright
És uma cabeça de alho chochoYou're a head of spoiled garlicThe image of dried-out, hollow garlic perfectly captures the idea of a head that’s not quite full of functioning brain cells! This idiom started as a way to describe someone forgetful or easily distracted, but has evolved into an endearing way to call someone silly or not too bright.
The Beauty of Portuguese Expressions
These idioms offer more than just linguistic curiosities—they provide windows into Portuguese culture, history, and everyday life. From the importance of bacalhaucodfish in the national cuisine to the lasting impact of historical events like the Lisbon earthquake, these expressions carry cultural DNA that connects language to lived experience. And learning such idioms is not only enjoyable, it also helps you sound more natural and speaking – and that’s why we have two units all about them: Idioms 1 and Idioms 2.
Which of these colorful Portuguese expressions is your favorite? Or have you encountered other Portuguese idioms that left you scratching your head? Let us know!