azeite, vinho e amigo, o mais antigo

azeite vinho e amigo o mais antigo (canonical)

/aˈzej.t͡ʃi ˈvĩ.ɲu i aˈmi.ɡu u ˈmajz ɐ̃ˈt͡ʃi.ɡu/

[aˈzeɪ̯.t͡ʃi ˈvĩ.j̃u i aˈmi.ɡu u ˈmaɪ̯z ɐ̃ˈt͡ʃi.ɡu]

/aˈzej.te ˈvi.ɲo e aˈmi.ɡo o ˈmajz ɐ̃ˈt͡ʃi.ɡo/

[aˈzeɪ̯.te ˈvi.ɲo e aˈmi.ɡo o ˈmaɪ̯z ɐ̃ˈt͡ʃi.ɡo]

/ɐˈzɐj.tɨ ˈvi.ɲu i ɐˈmi.ɡu u ˈmajz ɐ̃ˈti.ɡu/

[ɐˈzɐj.tɨ ˈvi.ɲu i ɐˈmi.ɣu u ˈmajz ɐ̃ˈti.ɣu]

/ɐˈzej.tɨ ˈbi.ɲu i ɐˈmi.ɡu u ˈmajz ɐ̃ˈti.ɡu/

[ɐˈzej.tɨ ˈβi.ɲu i ɐˈmi.ɣu u ˈmajz ɐ̃ˈti.ɣu]

/ɐˈzej.tɨ ˈvi.ɲu i ɐˈmi.ɡu u ˈmajz ɐ̃ˈti.ɡu/

[ɐˈzej.tɨ ˈvi.ɲu i ɐˈmi.ɣu u ˈmajz ɐ̃ˈti.ɣu]

/ɐˈze.tɨ ˈvi.ɲu i ɐˈmi.ɡu u ˈmajz ɐ̃ˈti.ɡu/

[ɐˈze.tɨ ˈvi.ɲu i ɐˈmi.ɣu u ˈmajz ɐ̃ˈti.ɣu]

Literally, “olive oil, wine and friend, the oldest”.

lit

of oil, wine and a friend the oldest is always the best


pela boca morre o peixe

Literally, “by its mouth the fish dies”.

what you say can do you harm
what you say can do you harm


uma andorinha só não faz verão

/u.m‿ɐ̃.doˈɾĩ.ɲɐ ˈsɔ ˈnɐ̃w̃ ˈfa(j)z veˈɾɐ̃w̃/

[u.m‿ɐ̃.doˈɾĩ.j̃ɐ ˈsɔ ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ ˈfa(ɪ̯)z veˈɾɐ̃ʊ̯̃]

/u.m‿ɐ̃.doˈɾĩ.ɲɐ ˈsɔ ˈnɐ̃w̃ ˈfa(j)ʒ veˈɾɐ̃w̃/

[u.m‿ɐ̃.doˈɾĩ.j̃ɐ ˈsɔ ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ ˈfa(ɪ̯)ʒ veˈɾɐ̃ʊ̯̃]

/u.m‿ɐ̃.doˈɾi.ɲa ˈsɔ ˈnɐ̃w̃ ˈfa(j)z veˈɾɐ̃w̃/

[u.m‿ɐ̃.doˈɾi.ɲa ˈsɔ ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ ˈfa(ɪ̯)z veˈɾɐ̃ʊ̯̃]

Literally, “one swallow alone doesn't make a summer”, a calque of Ancient Greek μία χελιδὼν ἔαρ οὐ ποιεῖ (mía khelidṑn éar ou poieî, “one swallow does not make a spring”); the reference to summer instead of spring is shared with various other European languages (see the descendants at the Greek entry).

cal

μία χελιδὼν ἔαρ οὐ ποιεῖ

A isto respondéo D. Quixote: Senhor, huma andorinha só não faz verão: quanto mais que eu séi que esse Cavalleiro andáva secretamente muito bem enamorádo; e se elle quería bem a todas quantas bem lhe parecíão, era condição natural, a que elle não podía resistir.

1808, chapter III, in A historia de Marcela e de Chrysostomo, quoted in Extractos em Portuguez e em Inglez, London: F. Wingrave, page 206:

Se os complices de Gómez Freire tivessem sido fidalgos, ou gente appostolica, não teriaõ morrido assassinados, nem elle enforcado; mas elles erão todos huns pobres diabos; e Gomez Freire, posto que Fidalgo, achavase sozinho, e huma andorinha só não faz verão.

1827 May 26, “Carta do Juiz da Vintena dos Arcos das Aguas Livres”, in Appendice ao Padre Amaro, page 58:

Igual à andorinha / Eu parti sonhando / Mas foi tudo em vão / Voltei sem felicidade / Porque, na verdade / Uma andorinha / Voando sozinha / Não faz verão

1985, Alcino Alves, Rossi, Rosa Quadros (lyrics and music), “As Andorinhas” (2:20 from the start), in Perdão Senhor, performed by Trio Parada Dura, Rio de Janeiro: Discos Copacabana:

one swallow does not a summer make
one swallow does not a summer make

(Brazil) one swallow does not a summer make


a curiosidade matou o gato

curiosity killed the cat
curiosity killed the cat

curiosity killed the cat (one should not be curious about things that can be dangerous)


head

Casa onde não há pão, todos ralham e ninguém tem razão.

Casa onde não há pão (canonical)
todos ralham e ninguém tem razão. (canonical)

casa onde não há pão, todos ralham e ninguém tem razão

(literally) in a house without bread, everyone argues and no one is right


quem não tem cão, caça com gato

Literally, “one who doesn't own a dog, hunts with a cat”.

lit

O Sr. Urbano: — […]O nobre presidente do conselho já não se importa que o seu ministerio seja havido por máo e imprestavel, contenta-se de fazer crer que se não póde organisar outro melhor. S. Ex. lembrou se do ditado da nossa terra em falta de sella, cangalha serve. (Risadas)
O Sr Godoy: — Quem não tem cachorro caça com gato. (Risadas)

1866 April 27, “Orçamento geral do Imperio”, in Annaes do Parlamento Brazileiro, volume 4, Rio de Janeiro: Typographia Imperial, page 293, column 2:

Quem não tem cachorro caça com gato, quem não tem gato bota o pé no mato.

1937 August 5, Amadeu de Queiroz, “Provérbios e ditos populares”, in Revista do Arquivo Municipal, volume 4, number 38, São Paulo: Departamento de Cultura, page 10:

O que fazer para camuflar a ausência do povo – esse vazio inexplicável e imperdoável? Como quem não tem cão, caça com gato, o regime abriu espaço para o ersatz representado pela participação política terceirizada.

2005, Carlos Estevam Martins, “Vinte anos de democracia?”, in Lua Nova: revista de cultura de politica, number 64, São Paulo: CEDEC, page 22:

half a loaf is better than none
half a loaf is better than none


você é o que você come

you are what you eat
you are what you eat


ninguém é perfeito

nobody's perfect (a person’s imperfections should naturally be accepted or forgiven)


head

quando um burro fala, o outro abaixa a orelha

Literally, “when a donkey speaks, the other one lowers his ear”.

lit

(Brazilian Portuguese spelling) two people should not speak simultaneously, otherwise they would not understand each other


para bom entendedor, meia palavra basta

/pa.ɾɐ ˈbõ ẽ.tẽ.deˈdoʁ | ˈmej.ɐ paˈla.vɾɐ ˈbas.tɐ/

[pa.ɾɐ ˈbõ ẽ.tẽ.deˈdoh | ˈmeɪ̯.ɐ paˈla.vɾɐ ˈbas.tɐ]

/pa.ɾɐ ˈbõ ĩ.tẽ.deˈdoʁ | ˈmej.ɐ paˈla.vɾɐ ˈbas.tɐ/

[pa.ɾɐ ˈbõ ĩ.tẽ.deˈdoh | ˈmeɪ̯.ɐ paˈla.vɾɐ ˈbas.tɐ]

/pa.ɾɐ ˈbõ ẽ.tẽ.deˈdoɾ | ˈmej.ɐ paˈla.vɾɐ ˈbas.tɐ/

[pa.ɾɐ ˈbõ ẽ.tẽ.deˈdoɾ | ˈmeɪ̯.ɐ paˈla.vɾɐ ˈbas.tɐ]

/pa.ɾɐ ˈbõ ĩ.tẽ.deˈdoɾ | ˈmej.ɐ paˈla.vɾɐ ˈbas.tɐ/

[pa.ɾɐ ˈbõ ĩ.tẽ.deˈdoɾ | ˈmeɪ̯.ɐ paˈla.vɾɐ ˈbas.tɐ]

/pa.ɾɐ ˈbõ ẽ.tẽ.deˈdoʁ | ˈmej.ɐ paˈla.vɾɐ ˈbaʃ.tɐ/

[pa.ɾɐ ˈbõ ẽ.tẽ.deˈdoχ | ˈmeɪ̯.ɐ paˈla.vɾɐ ˈbaʃ.tɐ]

/pa.ɾɐ ˈbõ ĩ.tẽ.deˈdoʁ | ˈmej.ɐ paˈla.vɾɐ ˈbaʃ.tɐ/

[pa.ɾɐ ˈbõ ĩ.tẽ.deˈdoχ | ˈmeɪ̯.ɐ paˈla.vɾɐ ˈbaʃ.tɐ]

/pa.ɾa ˈbõ ẽ.tẽ.deˈdoɻ | ˈmej.a paˈla.vɾa ˈbas.ta/

[pa.ɾa ˈbõ ẽ.tẽ.deˈdoɻ | ˈmeɪ̯.a paˈla.vɾa ˈbas.ta]

/pa.ɾa ˈbõ ĩ.tẽ.deˈdoɻ | ˈmej.a paˈla.vɾa ˈbas.ta/

[pa.ɾa ˈbõ ĩ.tẽ.deˈdoɻ | ˈmeɪ̯.a paˈla.vɾa ˈbas.ta]

/pɐ.ɾɐ ˈbõ ẽ.tẽ.dɨˈdoɾ | ˈmɐj.ɐ pɐˈla.vɾɐ ˈbaʃ.tɐ/

[pɐ.ɾɐ ˈβõ ẽ.tẽ.dɨˈðoɾ | ˈmɐj.ɐ pɐˈla.vɾɐ ˈβaʃ.tɐ]

/pɐ.ɾɐ ˈbõ ẽ.tẽ.dɨˈdoɾ | ˈmej.ɐ pɐˈla.bɾɐ ˈbaʃ.tɐ/

[pɐ.ɾɐ ˈβõ ẽ.tẽ.dɨˈðoɾ | ˈmej.ɐ pɐˈla.βɾɐ ˈβaʃ.tɐ]

/pɐ.ɾɐ ˈbõ ẽ.tẽ.dɨˈdoɾ | ˈmej.ɐ pɐˈla.vɾɐ ˈbaʃ.tɐ/

[pɐ.ɾɐ ˈβõ ẽ.tẽ.dɨˈðoɾ | ˈmej.ɐ pɐˈla.vɾɐ ˈβaʃ.tɐ]

/pɐ.ɾɐ ˈbõ ẽ.tẽ.dɨˈdo.ɾi | ˈme.ɐ pɐˈla.vɾɐ ˈbaʃ.tɐ/

[pɐ.ɾɐ ˈβõ ẽ.tẽ.dɨˈðo.ɾi | ˈme.ɐ pɐˈla.vɾɐ ˈβaʃ.tɐ]

Literally, “for a good understander, half a word is enough”.

lit

people are often able to understand something not fully explained


o que não mata, engorda

Literally, “what does not kill people, makes them fatter”.

lit

every substance is certainly either edible or lethal

what doesn't kill you makes you stronger (hardships build moral character)


gato escaldado de água fria tem medo

Literally, “a scalded cat is afraid of cold water”.

once bitten, twice shy
once bitten, twice shy


head

nem Jesus Cristo conseguiu agradar a todos

Literally, “not even Jesus Christ managed to please everybody”.

lit

there is no pleasing some
there is no pleasing some

there is no pleasing some (one should not try to please everybody, since it would be impossible)


head

pt-br-água mole em pedra dura tanto bate até que fura.ogg

Literally, “soft water on hard rock hits so much that it bores (i.e. makes a hole)”. Compare Polish kropla drąży skałę; compare also French tant va la cruche à l’eau qu’à la fin elle se casse.

cog

tant va la cruche à l'eau qu'à la fin elle se casse

Minha mãe sempre disse: “água mole em pedra dura, tanto bate até que fura”. Sábio conselho esse, pois funciona mesmo. Insista no diálogo, sempre.

2012, Vânia Barcellos e Leite, Viver com Humor, Biblioteca 24horas, →ISBN, page 53:

My mother always said: “soft water on hard rock hits it until it is bored through”. Wise advice, as it really works. Insist on dialogue, always.

if one perseveres in doing something long enough, the desired effect, even if unlikely, will eventually be achieved


promessa é dívida

a promise is a debt; used to demand or encourage someone to live up to his promises


a necessidade aguça o engenho

necessity is the mother of invention
necessity is the mother of invention

necessity is the mother of invention (a person in need will find a way)


Deus ajuda quem se ajuda

heaven helps those who help themselves
heaven helps those who help themselves

heaven helps those who help themselves (a maxim encouraging people to get involved in their own problems)


Roma e Pavia não se fizeram num dia

Rome wasn't built in a day
Rome wasn't built in a day

Rome wasn't built in a day (it takes a long time to create something complicated or impressive)


a cada um o que é seu

to each his own (every person is entitled to his or her personal preferences)


a prática faz a perfeição

practice makes perfect
practice makes perfect

practice makes perfect (if one practices an activity enough, one will eventually master it)


a sorte favorece os audazes

fortune favors the bold
fortune favors the bold

fortune favors the bold (luck favors the adventurous)


a grama do vizinho é sempre mais verde

Literally, “The neighbour's grass is always greener”.

lit

the grass is always greener on the other side


a beleza está nos olhos de quem vê

/a beˈle.zɐ isˈta nuz ˈɔ.ʎuz d͡ʒi ˈkẽj̃ ˈve/

[a beˈle.zɐ isˈta nuz ˈɔ.ʎuz d͡ʒi ˈkẽɪ̯̃ ˈve]

/a beˈle.zɐ esˈta nuz ˈɔ.ʎuz d͡ʒi ˈkẽj̃ ˈve/

[a beˈle.zɐ esˈta nuz ˈɔ.ʎuz d͡ʒi ˈkẽɪ̯̃ ˈve]

/a beˈle.zɐ iʃˈta nuz ˈɔ.ʎuʒ d͡ʒi ˈkẽj̃ ˈve/

[a beˈle.zɐ iʃˈta nuz ˈɔ.ʎuʒ d͡ʒi ˈkẽɪ̯̃ ˈve]

/a beˈle.zɐ eʃˈta nuz ˈɔ.ʎuʒ d͡ʒi ˈkẽj̃ ˈve/

[a beˈle.zɐ eʃˈta nuz ˈɔ.ʎuʒ d͡ʒi ˈkẽɪ̯̃ ˈve]

/a beˈle.za esˈta noz ˈɔ.ʎoz de ˈkẽj̃ ˈve/

[a beˈle.za esˈta noz ˈɔ.ʎoz de ˈkẽɪ̯̃ ˈve]

beauty is in the eye of the beholder
beauty is in the eye of the beholder

(Brazil) beauty is in the eye of the beholder (individuals have different inclinations on what is beautiful)


a ignorância é uma bênção

[a iɡ.noˈɾɐ̃.sɪ.ɐ ˈɛ ˈũ.mɐ ˈbẽ.sɐ̃ʊ̯̃]

/a iɡ.noˈɾɐ̃.sjɐ ˈɛ ˈũ.mɐ ˈbẽ.sɐ̃w̃/

[a iɡ.noˈɾɐ̃.sjɐ ˈɛ ˈũ.mɐ ˈbẽ.sɐ̃ʊ̯̃]

[a iɡ.noˈɾɐ̃.sɪ.ɐ ˈɛ ˈũ.mɐ ˈbẽ.sɐ̃ʊ̯̃]

/a iɡ.noˈɾɐ̃.sjɐ ˈɛ ˈũ.mɐ ˈbẽ.sɐ̃w̃/

[a iɡ.noˈɾɐ̃.sjɐ ˈɛ ˈũ.mɐ ˈbẽ.sɐ̃ʊ̯̃]

/ɐ i.ɡnuˈɾɐ̃.sjɐ ˈɛ ˈu.mɐ ˈbẽ.sɐ̃w̃/

[ɐ i.ɣnuˈɾɐ̃.sjɐ ˈɛ ˈu.mɐ ˈβẽ.sɐ̃w̃]

o que os olhos não veem, o coração não sente

ignorance is bliss (it is more comfortable not to know certain things)


a cavalo dado não se olha os dentes

/a kaˈva.lu ˈda.du ˈnɐ̃w̃ si ˈɔ.ʎɐ uz ˈdẽ.t͡ʃis/

[a kaˈva.lu ˈda.du ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ si ˈɔ.ʎɐ uz ˈdẽ.t͡ʃis]

/a kaˈva.lu ˈda.du ˈnɐ̃w̃ si ˈɔ.ʎɐ uʒ ˈdẽ.t͡ʃiʃ/

[a kaˈva.lu ˈda.du ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ si ˈɔ.ʎɐ uʒ ˈdẽ.t͡ʃiʃ]

/a kaˈva.lo ˈda.do ˈnɐ̃w̃ se ˈɔ.ʎa oz ˈdẽ.tes/

[a kaˈva.lo ˈda.do ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ se ˈɔ.ʎa oz ˈdẽ.tes]

/ɐ kɐˈva.lu ˈda.du ˈnɐ̃w̃ ˈs‿ɔ.ʎɐ uʒ ˈdẽ.tɨʃ/

[ɐ kɐˈva.lu ˈða.ðu ˈnɐ̃w̃ ˈs‿ɔ.ʎɐ uʒ ˈðẽ.tɨʃ]

/ɐ kɐˈba.lu ˈda.du ˈnɐ̃w̃ ˈs‿ɔ.ʎɐ uʒ ˈdẽ.tɨʃ/

[ɐ kɐˈβa.lu ˈða.ðu ˈnɐ̃w̃ ˈs‿ɔ.ʎɐ uʒ ˈðẽ.tɨʃ]

don't look a gift horse in the mouth
don't look a gift horse in the mouth

don't look a gift horse in the mouth (do not unappreciatively question a gift)


achado não é roubado

finders keepers (whoever finds something is allowed to keep it)


amanhã é outro dia

tomorrow is another day
tomorrow is another day

tomorrow is another day (a phrase indicating that tomorrow will bring new opportunities)


amigo na necessidade é amigo de verdade

a friend in need is a friend indeed
a friend in need is a friend indeed

a friend in need is a friend indeed (someone who helps is a real friend)


um dia não são dias

/ũ ˈd͡ʒi.ɐ ˈnɐ̃w̃ ˈsɐ̃w̃ ˈd͡ʒi.ɐs/

[ũ ˈd͡ʒi.ɐ ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ ˈsɐ̃ʊ̯̃ ˈd͡ʒi.ɐs]

/ũ ˈd͡ʒi.ɐ ˈnɐ̃w̃ ˈsɐ̃w̃ ˈd͡ʒi.ɐs/

[ũ ˈd͡ʒi.ɐ ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ ˈsɐ̃ʊ̯̃ ˈd͡ʒi.ɐs]

/ũ ˈd͡ʒi.ɐ ˈnɐ̃w̃ ˈsɐ̃w̃ ˈd͡ʒi.ɐʃ/

[ũ ˈd͡ʒi.ɐ ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ ˈsɐ̃ʊ̯̃ ˈd͡ʒi.ɐʃ]

/ũ ˈd͡ʒi.a ˈnɐ̃w̃ ˈsɐ̃w̃ ˈd͡ʒi.as/

[ũ ˈd͡ʒi.a ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ ˈsɐ̃ʊ̯̃ ˈd͡ʒi.as]

/ũ ˈdi.ɐ ˈnɐ̃w̃ ˈsɐ̃w̃ ˈdi.ɐʃ/

you only live once (said when making an exception to indulge in something)


basta a cada dia o seu mal

sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof (today has provided enough to worry about)


de boas intenções o inferno está cheio

the road to hell is paved with good intentions


head

deitar cedo e cedo erguer dá saúde e faz crescer

early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise


diga-me com quem andas e eu te direi quem és

Literally, “tell me who you walk with, and I will tell you who you are”.

lit

birds of a feather flock together
birds of a feather flock together

birds of a feather flock together (people of similar character tend to associate)


dinheiro não cresce em árvores

money doesn't grow on trees
money doesn't grow on trees

money doesn't grow on trees (you must work in order to have money)


diz-me com quem andas

a man is known by the company he keeps
a man is known by the company he keeps


diversidade é o tempero da vida

variety is the spice of life
variety is the spice of life


Deus ajuda quem cedo madruga

Literally, “God helps those who pull an all-nighter early” or "God helps those who wake up early [to work]".

lit

the early bird gets the worm
the early bird gets the worm

the early bird gets the worm (whoever arrives first has the best chance of success)


é melhor prevenir do que remediar

Literally, “It's better to prevent than to remedy [afterwards]”.

m-g

It's better to prevent than to remedy 􂀿afterwards􂁀

lit

a stitch in time saves nine
a stitch in time saves nine

a stitch in time saves nine (a timely effort can prevent larger problems)

better safe than sorry
better safe than sorry

better safe than sorry (it is preferable to be cautious in one's choices than suffer from recklessness)


a pressa é a inimiga da perfeição

haste makes waste (one makes mistakes when being too hasty)


a pena é mais forte do que a espada

the pen is mightier than the sword
the pen is mightier than the sword

the pen is mightier than the sword (more power can achieved writing than fighting)


a pena é mais forte que a espada

a pena é mais forte do que a espada#Portuguese

Alternative form of a pena é mais forte do que a espada


cão que ladra não morde

/ˈkɐ̃w̃ ki ˈla.dɾɐ ˈnɐ̃w̃ ˈmɔʁ.d͡ʒi/

[ˈkɐ̃ʊ̯̃ ki ˈla.dɾɐ ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ ˈmɔɦ.d͡ʒi]

/ˈkɐ̃w̃ ki ˈla.dɾɐ ˈnɐ̃w̃ ˈmɔʁ.d͡ʒi/

[ˈkɐ̃ʊ̯̃ ki ˈla.dɾɐ ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ ˈmɔɦ.d͡ʒi]

/ˈkɐ̃w̃ ki ˈla.dɾɐ ˈnɐ̃w̃ ˈmɔɾ.d͡ʒi/

[ˈkɐ̃ʊ̯̃ ki ˈla.dɾɐ ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ ˈmɔɾ.d͡ʒi]

/ˈkɐ̃w̃ ki ˈla.dɾɐ ˈnɐ̃w̃ ˈmɔʁ.d͡ʒi/

[ˈkɐ̃ʊ̯̃ ki ˈla.dɾɐ ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ ˈmɔʁ.d͡ʒi]

[ˈkɐ̃ʊ̯̃ ke ˈla.dɾa ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ ˈmɔɻ.de]

/ˈkɐ̃w̃ kɨ ˈla.dɾɐ ˈnɐ̃w̃ ˈmɔɾ.dɨ/

[ˈkɐ̃w̃ kɨ ˈla.ðɾɐ ˈnɐ̃w̃ ˈmɔɾ.ðɨ]

barking dogs seldom bite
barking dogs seldom bite

barking dogs seldom bite (people who make big threats usually never carry them out)


errar é humano

to err is human (everybody makes mistakes)


de graça até injeção na testa

/d͡ʒi ˈɡɾa.sɐ aˈtɛ ĩ.ʒeˈsɐ̃w̃ na ˈtɛs.tɐ/

[d͡ʒi ˈɡɾa.sɐ aˈtɛ ĩ.ʒeˈsɐ̃ʊ̯̃ na ˈtɛs.tɐ]

/d͡ʒi ˈɡɾa.sɐ aˈtɛ ĩ.ʒeˈsɐ̃w̃ na ˈtɛʃ.tɐ/

[d͡ʒi ˈɡɾa.sɐ aˈtɛ ĩ.ʒeˈsɐ̃ʊ̯̃ na ˈtɛʃ.tɐ]

[de ˈɡɾa.sa aˈtɛ ĩ.ʒeˈsɐ̃ʊ̯̃ na ˈtɛs.ta]

Literally, “for free, even a forehead injection [is acceptable]”.

m-g

for free, even a forehead injection 􂀿is acceptable􂁀

lit

(Brazil) anything that is available for free is worth its while


grão a grão enche a galinha o papo

many a mickle makes a muckle
many a mickle makes a muckle

many a mickle makes a muckle (lot of small amounts together, become a large amount)


gosto não se discute

there's no accounting for taste
there's no accounting for taste

(Brazil) there's no accounting for taste (people’s tastes differ)


de grão em grão a galinha enche o papo

grão a grão enche a galinha o papo#Portuguese

Alternative form of grão a grão enche a galinha o papo


head

mais vale um pássaro na mão do que dois voando

Literally, “one bird in the hand is worth more than two flying”.

lit

a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush (a small but certain advantage is preferable)

mais vale um pássaro na mão do que dois a voar


de longas vias, longas mentiras

long ways, long lies
long ways, long lies

long ways, long lies (people from far away can tell lies without fear of being contradicted)


mortos não falam

Literally, “the dead don't speak”, or more loosely translated as “the dead don't talk”.

dead men tell no tales
dead men tell no tales

dead men tell no tales (killing someone is the best way to keep them quiet)


head

mudam-se os tempos, mudam-se os costumes

other days, other ways
other days, other ways

other days, other ways (people of the past thought and acted differently)


na terra dos cegos quem tem um olho é rei

/na ˈtɛ.ʁɐ du ˈsɛ.ɡus ˈkẽj̃ ˈtẽj̃ ũ ˈo.ʎu ˈɛ ˈʁej/

[na ˈtɛ.hɐ du ˈsɛ.ɡus ˈkẽɪ̯̃ ˈtẽɪ̯̃ ũ ˈo.ʎu ˈɛ ˈheɪ̯]

/na ˈtɛ.ʁɐ du ˈsɛ.ɡuʃ ˈkẽj̃ ˈtẽj̃ ũ ˈo.ʎu ˈɛ ˈʁej/

[na ˈtɛ.χɐ du ˈsɛ.ɡuʃ ˈkẽɪ̯̃ ˈtẽɪ̯̃ ũ ˈo.ʎu ˈɛ ˈχeɪ̯]

/na ˈtɛ.ʁa do ˈsɛ.ɡos ˈkẽj̃ ˈtẽj̃ ũ ˈo.ʎo ˈɛ ˈʁej/

[na ˈtɛ.ha do ˈsɛ.ɡos ˈkẽɪ̯̃ ˈtẽɪ̯̃ ũ ˈo.ʎo ˈɛ ˈheɪ̯]

/nɐ ˈtɛ.ʁɐ duʃ ˈsɛ.ɡuʃ ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈtɐ̃j̃ ũ ˈo.ʎu ˈɛ ˈʁɐj/

[nɐ ˈtɛ.ʁɐ ðuʃ ˈsɛ.ɣuʃ ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈtɐ̃j̃ ũ ˈo.ʎu ˈɛ ˈʁɐj]

/nɐ ˈtɛ.ʁɐ du ˈʃɛ.ɡuʃ ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈtɐ̃j̃ ũ ˈo.ʎu ˈɛ ˈʁɐj/

[nɐ ˈtɛ.ʁɐ ðu ˈʃɛ.ɣuʃ ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈtɐ̃j̃ ũ ˈo.ʎu ˈɛ ˈʁɐj]

/nɐ ˈtɛ.ʁɐ duʃ ˈsɛ.ɡuʃ ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈtɐ̃j̃ ũ ˈo.ʎu ˈɛ ˈʁej/

[nɐ ˈtɛ.ʁɐ ðuʃ ˈsɛ.ɣuʃ ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈtɐ̃j̃ ũ ˈo.ʎu ˈɛ ˈʁej]

/nɐ ˈtɛ.ʁɐ du ˈʃɛ.ɡuʃ ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈtɐ̃j̃ ũ ˈo.ʎu ˈɛ ˈʁej/

[nɐ ˈtɛ.ʁɐ ðu ˈʃɛ.ɣuʃ ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈtɐ̃j̃ ũ ˈo.ʎu ˈɛ ˈʁej]

/nɐ ˈtɛ.ʁɐ duʃ ˈsɛ.ɡuʃ ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈtɐ̃j̃ ũ ˈo.ʎu ˈɛ ˈʁe/

[nɐ ˈtɛ.ʁɐ ðuʃ ˈsɛ.ɣuʃ ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈtɐ̃j̃ ũ ˈo.ʎu ˈɛ ˈʁe]

/nɐ ˈtɛ.ʁɐ du ˈʃɛ.ɡuʃ ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈtɐ̃j̃ ũ ˈo.ʎu ˈɛ ˈʁe/

[nɐ ˈtɛ.ʁɐ ðu ˈʃɛ.ɣuʃ ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈtɐ̃j̃ ũ ˈo.ʎu ˈɛ ˈʁe]

(Brazil) in the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king

em terra de cegos quem tem um olho é rei


nem tudo que reluz é ouro

all that glitters is not gold
all that glitters is not gold

all that glitters is not gold (things that appear valuable or worthwhile might not actually be so)


nunca é tarde para aprender

you're never too old to learn
you're never too old to learn

you're never too old to learn (it is possible to learn new things at any age)


o que os olhos não veem o coração não sente

Literally, “what the eyes don't see the heart doesn't feel”.

lit

out of sight, out of mind
out of sight, out of mind

out of sight, out of mind (something not nearby is forgotten)


vivendo e aprendendo

live and learn (one gains knowledge from living experiences)


o hábito não faz o monge

Literally, “the habit does not make the monk”.

clothes don't make the man
clothes don't make the man


nunca é tarde para se aprender

nunca é tarde para aprender
nunca é tarde para aprender#Portuguese

Alternative form of nunca é tarde para aprender


filho de peixe, peixinho é

apple does not fall far from the tree
apple does not fall far from the tree

apple does not fall far from the tree (a child is similar to its parents)


o amor é cego

love is blind (a person can see no faults in the person he loves)


olho por olho, dente por dente

eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth
eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth

eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth (people who injure another have to be penalised in the same way)


head

o espírito está pronto, mas a carne é fraca

the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak (achieving something is made impossible by frailty)


onde há fumo, há fogo

where there's smoke, there's fire
where there's smoke, there's fire

where there's smoke, there's fire (if there is telltale evidence of some event, the event is probably occurring)


os fins justificam os meios

the end justifies the means
the end justifies the means

the end justifies the means (morally wrong actions are sometimes necessary)


os cães ladram, mas a caravana passa

the dogs bark, but the caravan goes on
the dogs bark, but the caravan goes on

the dogs bark, but the caravan goes on (life goes on even if people try to stop progress)


perdido por cem, perdido por mil

in for a penny, in for a pound
in for a penny, in for a pound

in for a penny, in for a pound (expressing recognition that one must conclude something after having started it)


em Roma sê romano

when in Rome, do as the Romans do
when in Rome, do as the Romans do

when in Rome, do as the Romans do (behave as those around you do)


em casa de ferreiro, o espeto é de pau

Literally, “in (the) blacksmith's house, the skewer is (made) of wood”. Compare Spanish en casa de herrero, cuchillo de palo (“in the blacksmith's house, wooden knife”).

cog

the shoemaker's children go barefoot
the shoemaker's children go barefoot


onde há fumaça, há fogo

onde há fumo, há fogo
onde há fumo, há fogo#Portuguese

Brazilian Portuguese form of onde há fumo, há fogo


perdido por um, perdido por mil

perdido por cem, perdido por mil#Portuguese

Alternative form of perdido por cem, perdido por mil


no vinho a verdade

in vino veritas (one tells the truth under the influence of alcohol)


casa de ferreiro, espeto de pau

/ˈka.zɐ d͡ʒi feˈʁe(j).ɾu | isˈpe.tu d͡ʒi ˈpaw/

[ˈka.zɐ d͡ʒi feˈhe(ɪ̯).ɾu | isˈpe.tu d͡ʒi ˈpaʊ̯]

/ˈka.zɐ d͡ʒi feˈʁe(j).ɾu | esˈpe.tu d͡ʒi ˈpaw/

[ˈka.zɐ d͡ʒi feˈhe(ɪ̯).ɾu | esˈpe.tu d͡ʒi ˈpaʊ̯]

/ˈka.zɐ d͡ʒi feˈʁe(j).ɾu | iʃˈpe.tu d͡ʒi ˈpaw/

[ˈka.zɐ d͡ʒi feˈχe(ɪ̯).ɾu | iʃˈpe.tu d͡ʒi ˈpaʊ̯]

/ˈka.zɐ d͡ʒi feˈʁe(j).ɾu | eʃˈpe.tu d͡ʒi ˈpaw/

[ˈka.zɐ d͡ʒi feˈχe(ɪ̯).ɾu | eʃˈpe.tu d͡ʒi ˈpaʊ̯]

/ˈka.za de feˈʁe(j).ɾo | esˈpe.to de ˈpaw/

[ˈka.za de feˈhe(ɪ̯).ɾo | esˈpe.to de ˈpaʊ̯]

/ˈka.zɐ dɨ fɨˈʁɐj.ɾu | (i)ʃˈpe.tu dɨ ˈpaw/

[ˈka.zɐ ðɨ fɨˈʁɐj.ɾu | (i)ʃˈpe.tu ðɨ ˈpaw]

/ˈka.zɐ dɨ fɨˈʁej.ɾu | (i)ʃˈpe.tu dɨ ˈpaw/

[ˈka.zɐ ðɨ fɨˈʁej.ɾu | (i)ʃˈpe.tu ðɨ ˈpaw]

/ˈka.zɐ dɨ fɨˈʁe.ɾu | (i)ʃˈpe.tu dɨ ˈpaw/

[ˈka.zɐ ðɨ fɨˈʁe.ɾu | (i)ʃˈpe.tu ðɨ ˈpaw]

em casa de ferreiro, o espeto é de pau#Portuguese

Alternative form of em casa de ferreiro, o espeto é de pau


prevenir é melhor do que remediar

prevention is better than cure
prevention is better than cure


não existe almoço grátis

there's no such thing as a free lunch
there's no such thing as a free lunch

there's no such thing as a free lunch (everything has a cost)


quando em Roma, faça como os romanos

when in Rome, do as the Romans do (behave as those around do)


head

quando o gato sai, os ratos fazem a festa

when the cat's away the mice will play
when the cat's away the mice will play

when the cat's away the mice will play (in the absence of a controlling entity, subordinates will take advantage of circumstances)


quem ama, castiga

spare the rod and spoil the child
spare the rod and spoil the child

spare the rod and spoil the child (if one does not discipline a child he or she will never learn obedience)


quem ri por último ri melhor

he who laughs last laughs best
he who laughs last laughs best


quem semeia ventos colhe tempestades

sow the wind, reap the whirlwind
sow the wind, reap the whirlwind

sow the wind, reap the whirlwind (actions have consequences)


quem vê cara não vê coração

Literally, “those who see face don't see heart”.
Alternative translation: "those who look at one's face don't look into their heart".

lit

beauty is only skin deep
beauty is only skin deep

beauty is only skin deep (a person’s character is more important than their outward appearance)


quem não arrisca não petisca

Literally, “Those who do not take risks do not snack.”

lit

Letra "F", quem não arrisca não petisca. "Alô, é da casa da Francisca?"

1997, Gabriel O Pensador (lyrics and music), “2345meia78” (1:43 from the start), in Quebra-Cabeça, Rio de Janeiro: Chaos Recordings:

nothing ventured, nothing gained
nothing ventured, nothing gained

nothing ventured, nothing gained; no pain, no gain (if one takes no risks, one will not gain any benefits)


no vinho, a verdade

no vinho a verdade
no vinho a verdade#Portuguese

Alternative spelling of no vinho a verdade


não existe almoço de graça

não existe almoço grátis
não existe almoço grátis#Portuguese

Alternative form of não existe almoço grátis


o mundo dá voltas

what goes around comes around
what goes around comes around

what goes around comes around (actions have consequences)


head

diz-me com quem andas, dir-te-ei quem és

/ˈdiʒ.mɨ kõ ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈɐ̃.dɐʒ diɾˈtjɐj ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈɛʃ/

[ˈdiʒ.mɨ kõ ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈɐ̃.dɐʒ ðiɾˈtjɐj ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈɛʃ]

/ˈdiʒ.mɨ kõ ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈɐ̃.dɐʒ diɾˈtjej ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈɛʃ/

[ˈdiʒ.mɨ kõ ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈɐ̃.dɐʒ ðiɾˈtjej ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈɛʃ]

/ˈdiʒ.mɨ kõ ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈɐ̃.dɐʒ diɾˈtje ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈɛʃ/

[ˈdiʒ.mɨ kõ ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈɐ̃.dɐʒ ðiɾˈtje ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈɛʃ]

a man is known by the company he keeps
a man is known by the company he keeps


não há lugar como nosso lar

there's no place like home
there's no place like home

there's no place like home (one’s home is the best place)


o silêncio é ouro

silence is golden (often the best choice is to say nothing)


o sangue é mais grosso que a água

blood is thicker than water
blood is thicker than water

blood is thicker than water (family relations are more important)


não se pode julgar um livro pela capa

/ˈnɐ̃w̃ si ˈpɔ.d͡ʒi ʒuwˈɡa(ɾ) ũ ˈli.vɾu ˈpe.lɐ ˈka.pɐ/

[ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ si ˈpɔ.d͡ʒi ʒuʊ̯ˈɡa(ɾ) ũ ˈli.vɾu ˈpe.lɐ ˈka.pɐ]

/ˈnɐ̃w̃ se ˈpɔ.de ʒuwˈɡa(ɾ) ũ ˈli.vɾo ˈpe.la ˈka.pa/

[ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ se ˈpɔ.de ʒuʊ̯ˈɡa(ɾ) ũ ˈli.vɾo ˈpe.la ˈka.pa]

/ˈnɐ̃w̃ sɨ ˈpɔ.dɨ ʒulˈɡaɾ ũ ˈli.vɾu ˈpe.lɐ ˈka.pɐ/

[ˈnɐ̃w̃ sɨ ˈpɔ.ðɨ ʒuɫˈɣaɾ ũ ˈli.vɾu ˈpe.lɐ ˈka.pɐ]

/ˈnɐ̃w̃ sɨ ˈpɔ.dɨ ʒulˈɡaɾ ũ ˈli.bɾu ˈpe.lɐ ˈka.pɐ/

[ˈnɐ̃w̃ sɨ ˈpɔ.ðɨ ʒuɫˈɣaɾ ũ ˈli.βɾu ˈpe.lɐ ˈka.pɐ]

/ˈnɐ̃w̃ sɨ ˈpɔ.dɨ ʒulˈɡa.ɾi ũ ˈli.vɾu ˈpe.lɐ ˈka.pɐ/

[ˈnɐ̃w̃ sɨ ˈpɔ.ðɨ ʒuɫˈɣa.ɾi ũ ˈli.vɾu ˈpe.lɐ ˈka.pɐ]

you can't judge a book by its cover
you can't judge a book by its cover

you can't judge a book by its cover (it is not possible to judge things by external appearances alone)


uma imagem vale mais que mil palavras

a picture is worth a thousand words
a picture is worth a thousand words

a picture is worth a thousand words (visualisation is better than verbal description)

uma imagem vale mais do que mil palavras


sem dor, sem ganho

no pain, no gain (discomfort is necessary to achieve goals)


você colhe o que planta

you reap what you sow
you reap what you sow

you reap what you sow (actions have consequences)


uma imagem vale mais do que mil palavras

uma imagem vale mais que mil palavras#Portuguese

Alternative form of uma imagem vale mais que mil palavras


todos os caminhos levam a Roma

/ˈto.duz us kaˈmĩ.ɲuz ˈlɛ.vɐ̃w̃ a ˈʁõ.mɐ/

[ˈto.duz us kaˈmĩ.j̃uz ˈlɛ.vɐ̃ʊ̯̃ a ˈhõ.mɐ]

/ˈto.duz uʃ kaˈmĩ.ɲuʒ ˈlɛ.vɐ̃w̃ a ˈʁõ.mɐ/

[ˈto.duz uʃ kaˈmĩ.j̃uʒ ˈlɛ.vɐ̃ʊ̯̃ a ˈχõ.mɐ]

/ˈto.doz os kaˈmi.ɲoz ˈlɛ.vɐ̃w̃ a ˈʁo.ma/

[ˈto.doz os kaˈmi.ɲoz ˈlɛ.vɐ̃ʊ̯̃ a ˈho.ma]

/ˈto.duz uʃ kɐˈmi.ɲuʒ ˈlɛ.vɐ̃w̃ ɐ ˈʁo.mɐ/

[ˈto.ðuz uʃ kɐˈmi.ɲuʒ ˈlɛ.vɐ̃w̃ ɐ ˈʁo.mɐ]

/ˈto.duz uʃ kɐˈmi.ɲuʒ ˈlɛ.bɐ̃w̃ ɐ ˈʁo.mɐ/

[ˈto.ðuz uʃ kɐˈmi.ɲuʒ ˈlɛ.βɐ̃w̃ ɐ ˈʁo.mɐ]

Compound of todos + os + caminhos + levam + a + Roma.

com+

all roads lead to Rome
all roads lead to Rome

all roads lead to Rome (different paths to the same goal)


tudo fica bem quando acaba bem

all's well that ends well
all's well that ends well


head

uma viagem de mil milhas começa com um único passo

/ˈũ.mɐ viˈa.ʒẽj̃ d͡ʒi ˈmiw ˈmi.ʎɐs koˈmɛ.sɐ kõ ũ ˈũ.ni.ku ˈpa.su/

[ˈũ.mɐ vɪˈa.ʒẽɪ̯̃ d͡ʒi ˈmiʊ̯ ˈmi.ʎɐs koˈmɛ.sɐ kõ ũ ˈũ.ni.ku ˈpa.su]

/ˈũ.mɐ ˈvja.ʒẽj̃ d͡ʒi ˈmiw ˈmi.ʎɐs koˈmɛ.sɐ kõ ũ ˈũ.ni.ku ˈpa.su/

[ˈũ.mɐ ˈvja.ʒẽɪ̯̃ d͡ʒi ˈmiʊ̯ ˈmi.ʎɐs koˈmɛ.sɐ kõ ũ ˈũ.ni.ku ˈpa.su]

/ˈũ.mɐ viˈa.ʒẽj̃ d͡ʒi ˈmiw ˈmi.ʎɐʃ koˈmɛ.sɐ kõ ũ ˈũ.ni.ku ˈpa.su/

[ˈũ.mɐ vɪˈa.ʒẽɪ̯̃ d͡ʒi ˈmiʊ̯ ˈmi.ʎɐʃ koˈmɛ.sɐ kõ ũ ˈũ.ni.ku ˈpa.su]

/ˈũ.mɐ ˈvja.ʒẽj̃ d͡ʒi ˈmiw ˈmi.ʎɐʃ koˈmɛ.sɐ kõ ũ ˈũ.ni.ku ˈpa.su/

[ˈũ.mɐ ˈvja.ʒẽɪ̯̃ d͡ʒi ˈmiʊ̯ ˈmi.ʎɐʃ koˈmɛ.sɐ kõ ũ ˈũ.ni.ku ˈpa.su]

/ˈu.ma viˈa.ʒẽj̃ de ˈmiw ˈmi.ʎas koˈmɛ.sa kõ ũ ˈu.ni.ko ˈpa.so/

[ˈu.ma vɪˈa.ʒẽɪ̯̃ de ˈmiʊ̯ ˈmi.ʎas koˈmɛ.sa kõ ũ ˈu.ni.ko ˈpa.so]

/ˈu.ma ˈvja.ʒẽj̃ de ˈmiw ˈmi.ʎas koˈmɛ.sa kõ ũ ˈu.ni.ko ˈpa.so/

[ˈu.ma ˈvja.ʒẽɪ̯̃ de ˈmiʊ̯ ˈmi.ʎas koˈmɛ.sa kõ ũ ˈu.ni.ko ˈpa.so]

/ˈu.mɐ ˈvja.ʒɐ̃j̃ dɨ ˈmil ˈmi.ʎɐʃ kuˈmɛ.sɐ kõ ũ ˈu.ni.ku ˈpa.su/

[ˈu.mɐ ˈvja.ʒɐ̃j̃ dɨ ˈmiɫ ˈmi.ʎɐʃ kuˈmɛ.sɐ kõ ũ ˈu.ni.ku ˈpa.su]

/ˈu.mɐ ˈbja.ʒɐ̃j̃ dɨ ˈmil ˈmi.ʎɐʃ kuˈmɛ.sɐ kõ ũ ˈu.ni.ku ˈpa.su/

[ˈu.mɐ ˈβja.ʒɐ̃j̃ dɨ ˈmiɫ ˈmi.ʎɐʃ kuˈmɛ.sɐ kõ ũ ˈu.ni.ku ˈpa.su]

/ˈu.mɐ ˈvja.ʒɐ̃j̃ dɨ ˈmi.li ˈmi.ʎɐʃ kuˈmɛ.sɐ kõ ũ ˈu.ni.ku ˈpa.su/

a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step


quem tudo quer tudo perde

grasp all, lose all (one who wants everything, may lose it all)


tal pai, tal filho

like father, like son
like father, like son

like father, like son (a son will have traits similar to his father)


um mal nunca vem só

misfortunes never come singly
misfortunes never come singly

misfortunes never come singly (unfortunate events occur in quantity)


se não pode vencê-los, junte-se a eles

if you can't beat them, join them
if you can't beat them, join them

if you can't beat them, join them (if your adversaries are stronger than yourself, it is better to join them)

se você não pode vencê-los, junte-se a eles


não há mal que não venha por bem

every cloud has a silver lining
every cloud has a silver lining

every cloud has a silver lining (in every bad situation there is an element of good)


se você não pode vencê-los, junte-se a eles

se não pode vencê-los, junte-se a eles#Portuguese

Alternative form of se não pode vencê-los, junte-se a eles


a história se repete

history repeats itself
history repeats itself


ver é crer

seeing is believing (if you see something, you will believe it)


às três é de vez

third time's a charm
third time's a charm

third time's a charm (one is sure to succeed on the third try)


em Roma, como os romanos

quando em Roma, faça como os romanos#Portuguese

Alternative form of quando em Roma, faça como os romanos


quem não tem cão, caça como gato

Literally, “the one who does not own a dog, hunts like a cat”.

lit

quem não tem cão, caça com gato#Portuguese

Eggcorn of quem não tem cão, caça com gato.


oito ou oitenta

ou oito, ou oitenta
ou oito, ou oitenta#Portuguese


quem semeia ventos colhe tempestade

quem semeia ventos colhe tempestades#Portuguese

Alternative form of quem semeia ventos colhe tempestades


rir é o melhor remédio

laughter is the best medicine
laughter is the best medicine


o que conta é a intenção

it's the thought that counts
it's the thought that counts


head

há um chinelo velho para todo pé cansado

Literally, “There is an old slipper for every tired foot”.

lit

every Jack has his Jill
every Jack has his Jill


quem procura acha

seek and ye shall find
seek and ye shall find


notícia ruim chega rápido

no news is good news
no news is good news


toda boa ação tem sempre uma punição

no good deed goes unpunished
no good deed goes unpunished


head

o que os olhos não veem, o coração não sente

o que os olhos não veem o coração não sente#Portuguese

Alternative form of o que os olhos não veem o coração não sente


a paciência é uma virtude

patience is a virtue
patience is a virtue


quanto maior a altura, maior a queda

Literally, “the greatest the height, the greatest the fall”.

lit

the bigger they are, the harder they fall


head

quanto mais as coisas mudam, mais elas ficam iguais

the more things change, the more they stay the same


uma mão lava a outra

you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours


o pior cego é aquele que não quer ver

Literally, “the worst blind people are those who do not want to see”.

lit

there are none so blind as those who will not see


head

o tempo e a maré não esperam por ninguém

Literally, “time and tide wait for no one”.

lit

time and tide wait for no man
time and tide wait for no man


a cera sobeja queima a igreja

Literally, “the left-over wax burns the church”.

too many cooks spoil the broth
too many cooks spoil the broth


uma desgraça nunca vem sozinha

/ˈũ.mɐ dezˈɡɾa.sɐ ˈnũ.kɐ ˈvẽj̃ ˌsɔˈzĩ.ɲɐ/

[ˈũ.mɐ dezˈɡɾa.sɐ ˈnũ.kɐ ˈvẽɪ̯̃ ˌsɔˈzĩ.j̃ɐ]

/ˈũ.mɐ d͡ʒizˈɡɾa.sɐ ˈnũ.kɐ ˈvẽj̃ ˌsɔˈzĩ.ɲɐ/

[ˈũ.mɐ d͡ʒizˈɡɾa.sɐ ˈnũ.kɐ ˈvẽɪ̯̃ ˌsɔˈzĩ.j̃ɐ]

/ˈũ.mɐ deʒˈɡɾa.sɐ ˈnũ.kɐ ˈvẽj̃ ˌsɔˈzĩ.ɲɐ/

[ˈũ.mɐ deʒˈɡɾa.sɐ ˈnũ.kɐ ˈvẽɪ̯̃ ˌsɔˈzĩ.j̃ɐ]

/ˈũ.mɐ d͡ʒiʒˈɡɾa.sɐ ˈnũ.kɐ ˈvẽj̃ ˌsɔˈzĩ.ɲɐ/

[ˈũ.mɐ d͡ʒiʒˈɡɾa.sɐ ˈnũ.kɐ ˈvẽɪ̯̃ ˌsɔˈzĩ.j̃ɐ]

/ˈu.ma dezˈɡɾa.sa ˈnũ.ka ˈvẽj̃ ˌsɔˈzi.ɲa/

[ˈu.ma dezˈɡɾa.sa ˈnũ.ka ˈvẽɪ̯̃ ˌsɔˈzi.ɲa]

/ˈu.mɐ dɨʒˈɡɾa.sɐ ˈnũ.kɐ ˈvɐ̃j̃ ˌsɔˈzi.ɲɐ/

[ˈu.mɐ ðɨʒˈɣɾa.sɐ ˈnũ.kɐ ˈvɐ̃j̃ ˌsɔˈzi.ɲɐ]

/ˈu.mɐ dɨʒˈɡɾa.sɐ ˈnũ.kɐ ˈbɐ̃j̃ ˌsɔˈzi.ɲɐ/

[ˈu.mɐ ðɨʒˈɣɾa.sɐ ˈnũ.kɐ ˈβɐ̃j̃ ˌsɔˈzi.ɲɐ]

misfortunes never come singly
misfortunes never come singly


o céu é o limite

the sky is the limit
the sky is the limit


o homem é o lobo do homem

[u ˈõ.mẽɪ̯̃ ˈɛ u ˈlo.bu du ˈõ.mẽɪ̯̃]

[u ˈõ.mẽɪ̯̃ ˈɛ u ˈlo.bu du ˈõ.mẽɪ̯̃]

man is a wolf to man
man is a wolf to man


a fome é o melhor tempero

/ɐ ˌfɔˈm‿ɛ u mɨˈʎɔɾ tẽˈpe.ɾu/

/ɐ ˌfɔˈm‿ɛ u mɨˈʎɔɾ tẽˈpe.ɾu/

/ɐ ˌfɔˈm‿ɛ u mɨˈʎɔ.ɾi tẽˈpe.ɾu/

Literally, “(the) hunger is the best seasoning”.

hunger is a good sauce
hunger is a good sauce


filho de peixe sabe nadar

[ˈfi.ʎu d͡ʒi ˈpe(ɪ̯).ʃi ˈsa.bi naˈda(h)]

[ˈfi.ʎu d͡ʒi ˈpe(ɪ̯).ʃi ˈsa.bi naˈda(ɾ)]

[ˈfi.ʎu d͡ʒi ˈpe(ɪ̯).ʃi ˈsa.bi naˈda(χ)]

[ˈfi.ʎu ðɨ ˈpɐj.ʃɨ ˈsa.βɨ nɐˈðaɾ]

[ˈfi.ʎu ðɨ ˈpɐj.ʃɨ ˈsa.βɨ nɐˈðaɾ]

Literally, “a fish's son knows how to swim”.

like father, like son
like father, like son

like father, like son (a child will have traits similar to its parents)


assim como vem, vai

easy come, easy go (something that is easily won can be easily lost)


ações falam mais alto que palavras

actions speak louder than words
actions speak louder than words

actions speak louder than words (it’s more effective to act than to speak)


vassoura nova varre bem

a new broom sweeps clean
a new broom sweeps clean

a new broom sweeps clean (new management will often make radical changes)


águas passadas não movem moinhos

Literally, “bygone waters move no mills”

let bygones be bygones
let bygones be bygones

let bygones be bygones (past offences should be disregarded)


head

uma corrente é tão forte quanto seu elo mais fraco

(Brazil) a chain is only as strong as its weakest link

uma corrente é tão forte quanto o seu elo mais fraco


você pode levar um cavalo até a água, mas não pode fazê-lo beber

you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink (you can show someone how to do something, but you can't make them do it)


toda regra tem exceção

there is an exception to every rule
there is an exception to every rule

(Brazil) there is an exception to every rule (every rule has an exception)


muita cera queima a igreja

Literally, “too much wax burns the church”.


quem não ajuda, não atrapalha

Literally, “those who don’t help, don’t disturb”.

people should only try to help if they can really help, rather than risk being a disturbance


head

quem nunca pecou que atire a primeira pedra

let him who is without sin cast the first stone (only those who are faultless have the right to pass judgement on others)


quem vive pela espada, morre pela espada

live by the sword, die by the sword
live by the sword, die by the sword

live by the sword, die by the sword (one who uses violence can expect a violent response)


não há fumaça sem fogo

no smoke without fire
no smoke without fire

no smoke without fire (gossip or accusations are often substantiated by fact)


papagaio velho não aprende a falar

you can't teach an old dog new tricks
you can't teach an old dog new tricks


a esperança é a última que morre

Literally, “hope is the last one to die”.

lit

hope springs eternal
hope springs eternal

hope springs eternal (one should never lose hope)


não há regra sem exceção

toda regra tem exceção
toda regra tem exceção#Portuguese


head

uma corrente é tão forte quanto o seu elo mais fraco

uma corrente é tão forte quanto seu elo mais fraco#Portuguese

Alternative form of uma corrente é tão forte quanto seu elo mais fraco


toda regra tem uma exceção

(Brazil) Alternative form of toda regra tem exceção


ao vencedor, os despojos

to the victor go the spoils
to the victor go the spoils

to the victor go the spoils (the winner of a conflict wins additional benefits)


cada qual com seu cada qual

to each his own (everyone is entitled to their personal preferences)


dinheiro não compra felicidade

money can't buy happiness
money can't buy happiness

money can't buy happiness (wealth does not equal happiness)


a fé move montanhas

/a ˈfɛ ˈmɔ.vi mõˈtɐ̃.ɲɐʃ/

/ɐ ˈfɛ ˈmɔ.vɨ mõˈtɐ.ɲɐʃ/

/ɐ ˈfɛ ˈmɔ.vɨ mõˈtɐ.ɲɐʃ/

/ɐ ˈfɛ ˈmɔ.bɨ mõˈta.ɲɐʃ/

[ɐ ˈfɛ ˈmɔ.βɨ mõˈta.ɲɐʃ]

faith will move mountains
faith will move mountains


a união faz a força

many hands make light work
many hands make light work

many hands make light work (a large number of people cooperating can perform tasks easily)


quem espera sempre alcança

good things come to those who wait
good things come to those who wait


o tempo cura tudo

time heals all wounds
time heals all wounds

time heals all wounds (negative feelings eventually fade away)


pedra que rola não cria limo

a rolling stone gathers no moss
a rolling stone gathers no moss


tudo que vai volta

what goes around comes around
what goes around comes around

what goes around comes around (actions have consequences)


vingança é um prato que se come frio

/vĩˈɡɐ̃.sɐ ˈɛ ũ ˈpɾa.tu ki si ˈkõ.mi ˈfɾi.u/

/vĩˈɡɐ̃.sɐ ˈɛ ũ ˈpɾa.tu ki si ˈkõ.mi ˈfɾiw/

[vĩˈɡɐ̃.sɐ ˈɛ ũ ˈpɾa.tu ki si ˈkõ.mi ˈfɾiʊ̯]

/vĩˈɡɐ̃.sa ˈɛ ũ ˈpɾa.to ke se ˈko.me ˈfɾi.u/

/vĩˈɡɐ̃.sa ˈɛ ũ ˈpɾa.to ke se ˈko.me ˈfɾiw/

[vĩˈɡɐ̃.sa ˈɛ ũ ˈpɾa.to ke se ˈko.me ˈfɾiʊ̯]

/vĩˈɡɐ̃.sɐ ˈɛ ũ ˈpɾa.tu kɨ sɨ ˈkɔ.mɨ ˈfɾi.u/

/bĩˈɡɐ̃.sɐ ˈɛ ũ ˈpɾa.tu kɨ sɨ ˈkɔ.mɨ ˈfɾi.u/

Literally, “revenge is a dish that is eaten cold”.
See also French la vengeance est un plat qui se mange froid.

cog

revenge is a dish best served cold
revenge is a dish best served cold

(Brazil) revenge is a dish best served cold (emotional detachment is preferable when taking revenge)


cada qual com o seu cada qual

cada qual com seu cada qual
cada qual com seu cada qual#Portuguese

Alternative form of cada qual com seu cada qual


o homem põe e Deus dispõe

man proposes, God disposes
man proposes, God disposes

man proposes, God disposes (things don’t always work out as planned)


head

em terra de cego, quem tem um olho é rei

Literally, “in the land of the blind, he who has one eye is king”.

lit

in the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king (when most people have no talent or ability at all, the one person with mild skills stands out)


quem ama o feio, bonito lhe parece

Literally, “who loves the ugly, beautiful to him/her he/she seems”, or more loosely translated as “whoever loves the ugly one, he/she appears pretty to him/her”.

lit

the judgement of someone's loved ones is biased, they are going to find qualities in him/her where there are none


a casa de um homem é o seu castelo

a man's home is his castle
a man's home is his castle


tudo que é bom acaba

all good things come to an end
all good things come to an end


na guerra e no amor vale tudo

all's fair in love and war
all's fair in love and war

all's fair in love and war (unpleasant conduct is acceptable during love and conflict)


mulher no volante, perigo constante

/muˈʎɛ(ʁ) nu voˈlɐ̃.t͡ʃi peˈɾi.ɡu kõsˈtɐ̃.t͡ʃi/

[muˈʎɛ(h) nu voˈlɐ̃.t͡ʃi peˈɾi.ɡu kõsˈtɐ̃.t͡ʃi]

/muˈʎɛ(ɾ) nu voˈlɐ̃.t͡ʃi peˈɾi.ɡu kõsˈtɐ̃.t͡ʃi/

/muˈʎɛ(ʁ) nu voˈlɐ̃.t͡ʃi peˈɾi.ɡu kõʃˈtɐ̃.t͡ʃi/

[muˈʎɛ(χ) nu voˈlɐ̃.t͡ʃi peˈɾi.ɡu kõʃˈtɐ̃.t͡ʃi]

/muˈʎɛ(ɻ) no voˈlɐ̃.te peˈɾi.ɡo kõsˈtɐ̃.te/

/muˈʎɛɾ nu vuˈlɐ̃.tɨ pɨˈɾi.ɡu kõʃˈtɐ̃.tɨ/

[muˈʎɛɾ nu vuˈlɐ̃.tɨ pɨˈɾi.ɣu kõʃˈtɐ̃.tɨ]

/muˈʎɛɾ nu buˈlɐ̃.tɨ pɨˈɾi.ɡu kõʃˈtɐ̃.tɨ/

[muˈʎɛɾ nu βuˈlɐ̃.tɨ pɨˈɾi.ɣu kõʃˈtɐ̃.tɨ]

/muˈʎɛ.ɾi nu vuˈlɐ̃.tɨ pɨˈɾi.ɡu kõʃˈtɐ̃.tɨ/

[muˈʎɛ.ɾi nu vuˈlɐ̃.tɨ pɨˈɾi.ɣu kõʃˈtɐ̃.tɨ]

Literally, “woman behind the wheel, constant danger”.

lit

(Brazil, offensive, sexist) women are bad drivers


aproveitar a maré

pt-verb

aproveitar a maré (first-person singular present aproveito a maré, first-person singular preterite aproveitei a maré, past participle aproveitado a maré)

aproveito a maré (first-person present singular)
aproveitei a maré (first-person preterite singular)
aproveitado a maré (participle past)

Literally, “take advantage of the tide”.

make hay while the sun shines
make hay while the sun shines

(idiomatic) to make hay while the sun shines (to act while an opportunity exists)


é mais fácil dizer do que fazer

easier said than done
easier said than done

things are easier said than done (it is easy to propose something, but difficult to accomplish it)


grandes mentes pensam igual

great minds think alike
great minds think alike

great minds think alike (smart people reach the same conclusion)


head

se a montanha não vem a Maomé, Maomé vai à montanha

if the mountain won't come to Muhammad, Muhammad must go to the mountain


o barato sai caro

Literally, “cheap [things] turn out expensive”.

lit

Quem nunca passou a experiência do “o barato sai caro”?

2010, Walberto Fernandes, Quebrando barreiras em vendas, Schoba, page 90:

Who never went through the experience of “cheap turning out to be expensive”?

cheap objects or solutions can end up being expensive, because they don’t last as long, require high maintenance or are inefficient


quem conta um conto acrescenta um ponto

every storyteller adds a little detail to the story


é mais fácil falar do que fazer

é mais fácil dizer do que fazer#Portuguese

Alternative form of é mais fácil dizer do que fazer


de graça, até injeção na testa

de graça até injeção na testa#Portuguese

Alternative spelling of de graça até injeção na testa


a porta da rua é serventia da casa

Literally, “the door to the street is a service of the house”.


head

quando a esmola é demais, o santo desconfia

Literally, “when the alms are too much, the saint mistrusts”.

lit

when a person acts excessively kind, he or she wants something in return

quando a esmola é grande, o santo desconfia


rei morto, rei posto

Compare Spanish a rey muerto, rey puesto.

the king is dead, long live the king
the king is dead, long live the king


voz do povo, voz de Deus

[ˈvɔ(ɪ̯)z du ˈpo.vu ˈvɔ(ɪ̯)z d͡ʒi ˈdeʊ̯s]

[ˈvɔ(ɪ̯)ʒ du ˈpo.vu ˈvɔ(ɪ̯)ʒ d͡ʒi ˈdeʊ̯ʃ]

[ˈvɔʒ ðu ˈpo.vu ˈvɔʒ ðɨ ˈðewʃ]

[ˈvɔʒ ðu ˈpo.vu ˈvɔʒ ðɨ ˈðewʃ]

[ˈbɔʒ ðu ˈpo.βu ˈβɔʒ ðɨ ˈðewʃ]

the voice of the people, the voice of God


cada macaco no seu galho

Literally, “every monkey on its branch”.

mind their own business
mind one's own business

everyone should mind their own business, to each his own


de boas intenções está cheio o inferno

de boas intenções o inferno está cheio#Portuguese

Alternative form of de boas intenções o inferno está cheio


o bom filho a casa torna

Vejo então que o bom filho a casa torna – disse Débora, tão surpresa quanto ele – Resolveu visitar a velha terrinha? Nem me lembro de quanto tempo faz que não nos vemos. Eles se abraçaram calorosamente, a saudade era sincera.

2006, Stanley Alexander Brandino, Pandora, Clube de Autores, page 20:

to do something one has already done previously; to visit a place one has already been to


head

a mão esquerda não sabe o que faz a direita

the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing (two parts of an organisation are unaware of each other’s activities)


um homem prevenido vale por dois

forewarned is forearmed
forewarned is forearmed

forewarned is forearmed (advance awareness of a situation prepares one to deal with it)


o bom é inimigo do ótimo

Literally, “the good is the enemy of the great”.

lit

with limited resources, one should work with what they have rather than doing nothing and waiting for an improvement


uma mulher prevenida vale por duas

um homem prevenido vale por dois#Portuguese

female equivalent of um homem prevenido vale por dois


à noite todo gato é pardo

all cats are grey in the dark
all cats are grey in the dark


head

dinheiro, carinho e reza, nunca se despreza

Literally, “money, care and prayer, never disdain”. The word reza (“prayer”) rhymes with despreza (“disdain”).

lit

(rare, religion) never show disdain for money, care, or prayer


a cavalo dado não se olham os dentes

a cavalo dado não se olha os dentes#Portuguese

Alternative form of a cavalo dado não se olha os dentes


pimenta nos olhos dos outros é refresco

Literally, “[chili] pepper on others' eyes is a refreshment”.

m-g

􂀿chili􂁀 pepper on others' eyes is a refreshment

lit

(Brazil) misfortunes seem more bearable when happening to others

(Brazil) when something bad happens to others, it seems amusing to us; schadenfreude


pimenta no cu dos outros é refresco

Literally, “chili pepper on the others' asshole is a refreshment”.

lit

pimenta nos olhos dos outros é refresco#Portuguese

(vulgar) Alternative form of pimenta nos olhos dos outros é refresco


devagar e sempre

slow and steady wins the race
slow and steady wins the race

slow and steady wins the race (slowness and patience are helpful for achieving a goal)


esperança é a última que morre

a esperança é a última que morre#Portuguese

Alternative form of a esperança é a última que morre


a carne é fraca

From a passage in Matthew 26:41: “na verdade, o espírito está pronto, mas a carne é fraca” (“the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak”).

the flesh is weak (people are unable to completely refrain from sinning)


mente vazia, oficina do diabo

Literally, “an empty mind is the devil's workshop”.

if one does not engage in any mind-exercising activity, they will start to have bad thoughts


o que vem de baixo não me atinge

Literally, “What comes from below doesn't reach me”.


head

quando a esmola é grande, o santo desconfia

Literally, “when the alms are big, the saint mistrusts”.

lit

quando a esmola é demais, o santo desconfia#Portuguese

Alternative form of quando a esmola é demais, o santo desconfia


quando o sol nasce, nasce para todos

when the sun rises, it rises for everyone (the essential things are to be enjoyed by everyone and are immune to any attempts to restrict access)


head

candeia que vai à frente alumia duas vezes

the first bearer's lamp shines twice as bright

expresses gratitude or subservience towards anyone brave enough to venture before others, in order to solve a challenge


seria cômico se não fosse trágico

Literally, “it would be comic if it wasn't tragic”.

lit

a common saying to describe something tragicomic, i.e. having both comic and tragic aspects


nada se cria; tudo se copia

nada se cria (canonical)
tudo se copia (canonical)

Literally, “nothing is created; everything is copied”, referring originally to television. Attributed to Chacrinha.

lit

there is nothing new under the sun
there is nothing new under the sun

it is impossible for artists and authors to be genuinely original; there is nothing new under the sun


head

por fora, bela viola; por dentro, pão bolorento

Rhythmic proverb. Literal meaning: "Outside, a nice viola. Inside, mouldy bread."

beauty is only skin deep
beauty is only skin deep

beauty is only skin deep (a person’s character is more important than their outward appearance)

a person appears to have good intentions, but in fact has not


quem tem boca vai a Roma

[ˈkẽɪ̯̃ ˈtẽɪ̯̃ ˈbo.kɐ ˈvaɪ̯ a ˈhõ.mɐ]

[ˈkẽɪ̯̃ ˈtẽɪ̯̃ ˈbo.kɐ ˈvaɪ̯ a ˈhõ.mɐ]

[ˈkẽɪ̯̃ ˈtẽɪ̯̃ ˈbo.kɐ ˈvaɪ̯ a ˈχõ.mɐ]

[ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈtɐ̃j̃ ˈbo.kɐ ˈβaj ɐ ˈʁo.mɐ]

Literally, “those who have a mouth go to Rome”. Akin to Spanish preguntando se va a Roma and French qui langue a, à Rome va.

lit

if one keeps asking, they will eventually find the way


fazer o bem sem ver a quem

A rhythmic saying meaning: "to do good things without seeing whom to".

when being altruist, one should not consider who is the person benefited, but the action itself (or the quality thereof) instead


fazer o bem sem olhar a quem

fazer o bem sem ver a quem
fazer o bem sem ver a quem#Portuguese

Alternative form of fazer o bem sem ver a quem


não fede, nem cheira

something is neutral (i.e. neither good nor bad)


quanto mais, melhor

the more the merrier
the more the merrier


tem louco pra tudo

Literally, “There are mad people for everything”.

even if some activity seems unusual or weird, there is probably someone involved in it


dinheiro não cresce em árvore

dinheiro não cresce em árvores#Portuguese

Alternative form of dinheiro não cresce em árvores


quando um não quer, dois não brigam

Literally, “when one does not want, two do not fight”.

lit

two people are less likely to fight or have an argument if only one of them does not wish to


a voz do povo é a voz de Deus

voz do povo, voz de Deus
voz do povo, voz de Deus#Portuguese

Alternative form of voz do povo, voz de Deus


antes só do que mal acompanhado

Literally, “rather alone than badly accompanied”.

it is better to be alone than in bad company


quem lacra não lucra

[ˈkẽɪ̯̃ ˈla.kɾɐ ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ ˈlu.kɾɐ]

[ˈkẽɪ̯̃ ˈla.kɾɐ ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ ˈlu.kɾɐ]

[ˈkẽɪ̯̃ ˈla.kɾa ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ ˈlu.kɾa]

/ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈla.kɾɐ ˈnɐ̃w̃ ˈlu.kɾɐ/

Literally, “those who seal don't profit”, referring to the word lacrar (literally “to seal”) in the derogatory sense of acting in a politically correct manner. See also the noun lacração.

2021 July 12, Renato Pezzotti, “Quem lacra não lucra? Empresas que apoiam causas perdem dinheiro por isso?”, in UOL (Usenet):


pau que nasce torto nunca se endireita

Literally, “a twig that is born twisted will never be straight”.

lit

a leopard cannot change its spots
a leopard cannot change its spots

the traits which one has been born with cannot be really changed; cf. a leopard cannot change its spots

you can't teach an old dog new tricks
you can't teach an old dog new tricks

the best is to emphasize a proper education from the youngest age; cf. you can't teach an old dog new tricks


cão que late não morde

barking dogs seldom bite
barking dogs seldom bite

barking dogs seldom bite (people who make big threats usually never carry them out)


quem corre cansa, quem anda alcança

Literally, “the one who runs, gets tired; the one who walks, reaches (his goal)”.

lit

slow and steady wins the race (slowness and patience are helpful for achieving a goal)


roupa suja se lava em casa

Literally, “dirty clothes should be washed at home”.

lit

don't wash your dirty linen in public
don't wash your dirty linen in public

don't wash your dirty linen in public; domestic or familiar affairs should be resolved internally, without bringing one's private problems to the attention of general society

em briga de marido e mulher ninguém mete a colher


quem tem boca vaia Roma

Literally, “those who have a mouth, blame Rome”. Meta-analysis from Portuguese quem tem boca vai a Roma.

everybody is entitled to criticize those in power


head

não se faz omelete sem se quebrar alguns ovos

Literally, “you can't make an omelete without crushing some eggs”.

lit

the end justifies the means
the end justifies the means


o hábito faz o monge

clothes maketh the man
clothes maketh the man


head

quando minguar a lua, não comeces coisa alguma

Literally, “when the moon wanes don't start anything”. From a previous rhyming phonetic, quando minguar a lua, não comeces cousa algua.

lit

Quando minguar a Lua:naõ comeces cousa alguã.

1651, Antonio Delicado, Officina de Domingos Lopes Rosa, Adagios portuguezes reduzidos a lugares communs, page 13

When the Moon wanes:don't start anything.

Quando mingoar a Lua, naõ comeces couſa alguma.

1780, Francisco Rolland, Typografia Rollandiana, Adagios, proverbios, rifãos, e anexins da lingua portugueza, page 144:

When the Moon wanes, don't start anything.

1867, Teophilo de Braga, Impressa da Universidade de Coimbra, Cancioneiro Popular, page 189

When the Moon wanes / Don't start anything.

Quando minguar a lua / Não comeces cousa alguma.

(agriculture) the waning moon is not the best period for the seeding of most crops or for cutting wood

quando a lua minguar, nada deves começar

Quando a lua minguar, nada hás de semear


head

quando minguar a lua, não comeces cousa algua

quando minguar a lua, não comeces coisa alguma#Portuguese

Obsolete form of quando minguar a lua, não comeces coisa alguma.


à terceira é de vez

às três é de vez
às três é de vez#Portuguese


quem avisa, amigo é

[ˈkɐ̃j̃ ɐˈβi.zɐ | ɐˈmi.ɣu ˈɛ]

warnings come from well-intended people and should not be ignored


nem oito, nem oitenta

[ˈnẽɪ̯̃ ˈoɪ̯.tu | ˈnẽɪ̯̃ oɪ̯ˈtẽ.tɐ]

[ˈnẽɪ̯̃ ˈoɪ̯.tu | ˈnẽɪ̯̃ oɪ̯ˈtẽ.tɐ]

[ˈnẽɪ̯̃ ˈoɪ̯.to | ˈnẽɪ̯̃ oɪ̯ˈtẽ.ta]

one frequently takes things to the extreme, instead of searching for an equilibrium or a moderate way


o bicho vai pegar

(Brazil) things will go wrong if nothing is done


a vingança é um prato que se serve frio

/a vĩˈɡɐ̃.sɐ ˈɛ ũ ˈpɾa.tu ki si ˈsɛʁ.vi ˈfɾi.u/

[a vĩˈɡɐ̃.sɐ ˈɛ ũ ˈpɾa.tu ki si ˈsɛɦ.vi ˈfɾi.u]

/a vĩˈɡɐ̃.sɐ ˈɛ ũ ˈpɾa.tu ki si ˈsɛʁ.vi ˈfɾiw/

[a vĩˈɡɐ̃.sɐ ˈɛ ũ ˈpɾa.tu ki si ˈsɛɦ.vi ˈfɾiʊ̯]

/a vĩˈɡɐ̃.sɐ ˈɛ ũ ˈpɾa.tu ki si ˈsɛɾ.vi ˈfɾi.u/

/a vĩˈɡɐ̃.sɐ ˈɛ ũ ˈpɾa.tu ki si ˈsɛɾ.vi ˈfɾiw/

[a vĩˈɡɐ̃.sɐ ˈɛ ũ ˈpɾa.tu ki si ˈsɛɾ.vi ˈfɾiʊ̯]

[a vĩˈɡɐ̃.sɐ ˈɛ ũ ˈpɾa.tu ki si ˈsɛʁ.vi ˈfɾiʊ̯]

/a vĩˈɡɐ̃.sa ˈɛ ũ ˈpɾa.to ke se ˈsɛɻ.ve ˈfɾi.u/

/a vĩˈɡɐ̃.sa ˈɛ ũ ˈpɾa.to ke se ˈsɛɻ.ve ˈfɾiw/

[a vĩˈɡɐ̃.sa ˈɛ ũ ˈpɾa.to ke se ˈsɛɻ.ve ˈfɾiʊ̯]

/ɐ vĩˈɡɐ̃.sɐ ˈɛ ũ ˈpɾa.tu kɨ sɨ ˈsɛɾ.vɨ ˈfɾi.u/

/ɐ bĩˈɡɐ̃.sɐ ˈɛ ũ ˈpɾa.tu kɨ sɨ ˈsɛɾ.bɨ ˈfɾi.u/

[ɐ βĩˈɡɐ̃.sɐ ˈɛ ũ ˈpɾa.tu kɨ sɨ ˈsɛɾ.βɨ ˈfɾi.u]

Literally, “revenge is a dish that is served cold”.
Cognate with Spanish la venganza es un plato que se sirve frío, Catalan la venjança és un plat que se serveix fred, Italian la vendetta è un piatto che va servito freddo. See also French la vengeance est un plat qui se mange froid.

cog

revenge is a dish best served cold
revenge is a dish best served cold

(Portugal) revenge is a dish best served cold


dinheiro atrai dinheiro

[d͡ʒĩˈj̃e(ɪ̯).ɾu aˈtɾaɪ̯ d͡ʒĩˈj̃e(ɪ̯).ɾu]

(idiomatic) a person who already have a sizable wealth is more likely to be able to earn more profit than someone who possesses little to no wealth


a beleza está nos olhos de quem a vê

/ɐ bɨˈle.zɐ (i)ʃˈta nuz ˈɔ.ʎuʒ dɨ ˈkɐ̃j̃ ɐ ˈve/

[ɐ βɨˈle.zɐ (i)ʃˈta nuz ˈɔ.ʎuʒ ðɨ ˈkɐ̃j̃ ɐ ˈve]

beauty is in the eye of the beholder
beauty is in the eye of the beholder

(Portugal) beauty is in the eye of the beholder (individuals have different inclinations on what is beautiful)


o jogo só acaba quando termina

/u ˈʒo.ɡu ˈsɔ aˈka.bɐ ˈkwɐ̃.du teʁˈmĩ.nɐ/

[u ˈʒo.ɡu ˈsɔ aˈka.bɐ ˈkwɐ̃.du teɦˈmĩ.nɐ]

/u ˈʒo.ɡu ˈsɔ aˈka.bɐ ˈkwɐ̃.du teɾˈmĩ.nɐ/

/o ˈʒo.ɡo ˈsɔ aˈka.ba ˈkwɐ̃.do teɻˈmi.na/

/u ˈʒo.ɡu ˈsɔ ɐˈka.bɐ ˈkwɐ̃.du tɨɾˈmi.nɐ/

[u ˈʒo.ɣu ˈsɔ ɐˈka.βɐ ˈkwɐ̃.du tɨɾˈmi.nɐ]

Literally, “the game only ends when it ends”.

lit

it ain't over till it's over
it ain't over till it's over

(Brazil) it ain't over till it's over (one should not presume to know the outcome of an event which is still in progress)


o buraco é mais embaixo

Literally "the hole is lower", or "the hole is deeper".

more than meets the eye
more than meets the eye


quem não chora, não mama

/ˈkẽj̃ nũˈʃɔ.ɾɐ nũˈmɐ̃.mɐ/

[ˈkẽɪ̯̃ nũˈʃɔ.ɾɐ nũˈmɐ̃.mɐ]

/ˈkẽj̃ ˈnɐ̃w̃ ˈʃɔ.ɾɐ ˈnɐ̃w̃ ˈmɐ̃.mɐ/

[ˈkẽɪ̯̃ ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ ˈʃɔ.ɾɐ ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ ˈmɐ̃.mɐ]

/ˈkẽj̃ nũˈʃɔ.ɾɐ nũˈmɐ̃.mɐ/

[ˈkẽɪ̯̃ nũˈʃɔ.ɾɐ nũˈmɐ̃.mɐ]

/ˈkẽj̃ ˈnɐ̃w̃ ˈʃɔ.ɾɐ ˈnɐ̃w̃ ˈmɐ̃.mɐ/

[ˈkẽɪ̯̃ ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ ˈʃɔ.ɾɐ ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ ˈmɐ̃.mɐ]

[ˈkẽɪ̯̃ nũˈʃɔ.ɾa nũˈmɐ.ma]

/ˈkẽj̃ ˈnɐ̃w̃ ˈʃɔ.ɾa ˈnɐ̃w̃ ˈmɐ.ma/

[ˈkẽɪ̯̃ ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ ˈʃɔ.ɾa ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ ˈmɐ.ma]

/ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈnɐ̃w̃ ˈʃɔ.ɾɐ ˈnɐ̃w̃ ˈmɐ.mɐ/

/ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈnɐ̃w̃ ˈʃɔ.ɾɐ ˈnɐ̃w̃ ˈmɐ.mɐ/

/ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈnɐ̃w̃ ˈt͡ʃɔ.ɾɐ ˈnɐ̃w̃ ˈma.mɐ/

Roughly, "those who don't cry, don't get breastfed".

O cachorro pede para arrumar água e ração, porque quem não chora, não mama.

The dog asks to get water and food, because the squeaky wheel gets the grease.

the squeaky wheel gets the grease
the squeaky wheel gets the grease


em time que está ganhando, não se mexe

/ẽj̃ ˈt͡ʃĩ.mi ki isˈta ɡɐ̃ˈɲɐ̃.du ˈnɐ̃w̃ si ˈmɛ.ʃi/

[ẽj̃ ˈt͡ʃĩ.mi ki isˈta ɡɐ̃ˈj̃ɐ̃.du ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ si ˈmɛ.ʃi]

/ẽj̃ ˈt͡ʃĩ.mi ki esˈta ɡɐ̃ˈɲɐ̃.du ˈnɐ̃w̃ si ˈmɛ.ʃi/

[ẽj̃ ˈt͡ʃĩ.mi ki esˈta ɡɐ̃ˈj̃ɐ̃.du ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ si ˈmɛ.ʃi]

/ĩ ˈt͡ʃĩ.mi ki isˈta ɡɐ̃ˈɲɐ̃.du ˈnɐ̃w̃ si ˈmɛ.ʃi/

[ĩ ˈt͡ʃĩ.mi ki isˈta ɡɐ̃ˈj̃ɐ̃.du ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ si ˈmɛ.ʃi]

/ĩ ˈt͡ʃĩ.mi ki esˈta ɡɐ̃ˈɲɐ̃.du ˈnɐ̃w̃ si ˈmɛ.ʃi/

[ĩ ˈt͡ʃĩ.mi ki esˈta ɡɐ̃ˈj̃ɐ̃.du ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ si ˈmɛ.ʃi]

/ẽj̃ ˈt͡ʃĩ.mi ki iʃˈta ɡɐ̃ˈɲɐ̃.du ˈnɐ̃w̃ si ˈmɛ.ʃi/

[ẽj̃ ˈt͡ʃĩ.mi ki iʃˈta ɡɐ̃ˈj̃ɐ̃.du ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ si ˈmɛ.ʃi]

/ẽj̃ ˈt͡ʃĩ.mi ki eʃˈta ɡɐ̃ˈɲɐ̃.du ˈnɐ̃w̃ si ˈmɛ.ʃi/

[ẽj̃ ˈt͡ʃĩ.mi ki eʃˈta ɡɐ̃ˈj̃ɐ̃.du ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ si ˈmɛ.ʃi]

/ĩ ˈt͡ʃĩ.mi ki iʃˈta ɡɐ̃ˈɲɐ̃.du ˈnɐ̃w̃ si ˈmɛ.ʃi/

[ĩ ˈt͡ʃĩ.mi ki iʃˈta ɡɐ̃ˈj̃ɐ̃.du ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ si ˈmɛ.ʃi]

/ĩ ˈt͡ʃĩ.mi ki eʃˈta ɡɐ̃ˈɲɐ̃.du ˈnɐ̃w̃ si ˈmɛ.ʃi/

[ĩ ˈt͡ʃĩ.mi ki eʃˈta ɡɐ̃ˈj̃ɐ̃.du ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ si ˈmɛ.ʃi]

/ẽj̃ ˈt͡ʃi.me ke esˈta ɡɐˈɲɐ̃.do ˈnɐ̃w̃ se ˈmɛ.ʃe/

[ẽj̃ ˈt͡ʃi.me ke esˈta ɡɐˈɲɐ̃.do ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ se ˈmɛ.ʃe]

/ĩ ˈt͡ʃi.me ke esˈta ɡɐˈɲɐ̃.do ˈnɐ̃w̃ se ˈmɛ.ʃe/

[ĩ ˈt͡ʃi.me ke esˈta ɡɐˈɲɐ̃.do ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ se ˈmɛ.ʃe]

“Em time que está ganhando, não se mexe”. Nessa frase significa que se tudo está dando certo, nada deve mudar. Parece certo, não é? Por que mudar se tudo está bem? Temo te dizer, mas enquanto você não muda, os demais mudam — avançam, felizmente para eles e infelizmente para você.

2017, Carol Correia, ““Em time que está vencendo não se mexe” e em time que está perdendo?”, in Medium:

if it ain't broke, don't fix it
if it ain't broke, don't fix it

(Brazil) if it ain't broke, don't fix it


um dia da caça, outro do caçador

/ũ ˈd͡ʒi.ɐ da ˈka.sɐ | ˈo(w).tɾu du ka.saˈdoʁ/

[ũ ˈd͡ʒi.ɐ da ˈka.sɐ | ˈo(ʊ̯).tɾu du ka.saˈdoh]

/ũ ˈd͡ʒi.ɐ da ˈka.sɐ | ˈo(w).tɾu du ka.saˈdoɾ/

[ũ ˈd͡ʒi.ɐ da ˈka.sɐ | ˈo(ʊ̯).tɾu du ka.saˈdoɾ]

[ũ ˈd͡ʒi.ɐ da ˈka.sɐ | ˈo(ʊ̯).tɾu du ka.saˈdoχ]

/ũ ˈd͡ʒi.a da ˈka.sa | ˈo(w).tɾo do ka.saˈdoɻ/

[ũ ˈd͡ʒi.a da ˈka.sa | ˈo(ʊ̯).tɾo do ka.saˈdoɻ]

/ũ ˈdi.ɐ dɐ ˈka.sɐ | ˈo(w).tɾu du kɐ.sɐˈdoɾ/

[ũ ˈdi.ɐ ðɐ ˈka.sɐ | ˈo(w).tɾu ðu kɐ.sɐˈðoɾ]

/ũ ˈdi.ɐ dɐ ˈka.sɐ | ˈow.tɾu du kɐ.sɐˈdoɾ/

[ũ ˈdi.ɐ ðɐ ˈka.sɐ | ˈow.tɾu ðu kɐ.sɐˈðoɾ]

/ũ ˈdi.ɐ dɐ ˈka.sɐ | ˈo.tɾu du kɐ.sɐˈdo.ɾi/

[ũ ˈdi.ɐ ðɐ ˈka.sɐ | ˈo.tɾu ðu kɐ.sɐˈðo.ɾi]

every dog has its day
every dog has its day


saco vazio não pára em pé

saco vazio não para em pé
saco vazio não para em pé#Portuguese

Pre-reform spelling (until 1990) of saco vazio não para em pé. Still used in countries where the agreement hasn't come into effect; may occur as a sporadic misspelling.


saco vazio não para em pé

Literally, “empty sack does not stay standing”, or more loosely translated as “empty sacks do not stand upright”. The "sack" in the phrase is an allusion to the human stomach.

Deixa o trabalho aí e vai comer; saco vazio não para em pé, cê sabe, né?

Leave your work right there and go eat; empty sacks don't stand upright, you know that, don'tcha?

(Brazil) one needs food in order to function well.


há males que vêm para o bem

/ˈa ˈma.lɨʃ kɨ ˈvɐ̃j̃.ɐ̃j̃ pɐ.ɾɐ u ˈbɐ̃j̃/

[ˈa ˈma.lɨʃ kɨ ˈvɐ̃j̃.ɐ̃j̃ pɐ.ɾɐ u ˈβɐ̃j̃]

/ˈa ˈma.lɨʃ kɨ ˈbɐ̃j̃.ɐ̃j̃ pɐ.ɾɐ u ˈbɐ̃j̃/

[ˈa ˈma.lɨʃ kɨ ˈβɐ̃j̃.ɐ̃j̃ pɐ.ɾɐ u ˈβɐ̃j̃]

Literally, “there are evils that come for the good”.

lit

A negative event may have a later positive effect.

An overall negative event may have a positive side effect.

Enduring negative experiences will eventually pay off.


os cães ladram, a caravana passa

os cães ladram, mas a caravana passa#Portuguese

Alternative form of os cães ladram, mas a caravana passa


por São Clemente alça a mão da semente

Literally, “around S. Clement raise with the hand the seed”.

lit

1651, Antonio Delicado, Officina de Domingos Lopes Rosa, Adagios portuguezes reduzidos a lugares communs, page 13

(please add an English translation of this quotation)

Por S. Clemente alça a maõ da semente.

1780, Francisco Rolland, Typografia Rollandiana, Adagios, proverbios, rifãos, e anexins da lingua portugueza, page 260:

1867, Teophilo de Braga, Impressa da Universidade de Coimbra, Cancioneiro Popular, page 182

Por Sam Clemente / Alça a mão da semente.

(agriculture) around S. Clement's day, it's time to seed in some regions of Portugal


muito cacique para pouco índio

too many chiefs and not enough Indians
too many chiefs and not enough Indians

(Brazil) too many chiefs and not enough Indians


é de menino que se torce o pepino

Literally, “the cucumber must be twisted when still a boy”. Cucumber vines must twine arround a support to grow properly.

lit

as the twig is bent, so is the tree inclined


os incomodados que se mudem

Literally, “the annoyed ones should move themselves”.

lit

used to suggest that those who are uncomfortable in a situation should be the ones to change their position or leave

similar to "if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen"


choro de puta Deus não escuta

/ˈʃo.ɾu d͡ʒi ˈpu.tɐ ˈdewz ˈnɐ̃w̃ isˈku.tɐ/

[ˈʃo.ɾu d͡ʒi ˈpu.tɐ ˈdeʊ̯z ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ isˈku.tɐ]

/ˈʃo.ɾu d͡ʒi ˈpu.tɐ ˈdewz ˈnɐ̃w̃ esˈku.tɐ/

[ˈʃo.ɾu d͡ʒi ˈpu.tɐ ˈdeʊ̯z ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ esˈku.tɐ]

/ˈʃo.ɾu d͡ʒi ˈpu.tɐ ˈdewʒ ˈnɐ̃w̃ iʃˈku.tɐ/

[ˈʃo.ɾu d͡ʒi ˈpu.tɐ ˈdeʊ̯ʒ ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ iʃˈku.tɐ]

/ˈʃo.ɾu d͡ʒi ˈpu.tɐ ˈdewʒ ˈnɐ̃w̃ eʃˈku.tɐ/

[ˈʃo.ɾu d͡ʒi ˈpu.tɐ ˈdeʊ̯ʒ ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ eʃˈku.tɐ]

/ˈʃo.ɾo de ˈpu.ta ˈdewz ˈnɐ̃w̃ esˈku.ta/

[ˈʃo.ɾo de ˈpu.ta ˈdeʊ̯z ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ esˈku.ta]

Literally, “a whore's cry is not heard by God”.

a mina trai horrores o namorado e dps grava story chorando p ver se tem otario q sente empatia
choro de puta deus nao escuta fofa

she cheats on her boyfriend like crazy and then records a story crying 2 see if any sucker feels sry for her
a whore's cry is not heard by god girl

Chora mais que tá pouco,choro de puta Deus não escuta

2024 August 14, @Ptpeoplepleaser, Twitter:

Cry more it's not enough,a whore's cry is not heard by God

Choro de puta deus nao escuta... tem q se fuder mesmo!

A whore's cry is not heard by god... you rly do have 2 suffer!

(Brazil, derogatory, slang) the idea that the laments of people considered bad or morally reprehensible are not heard or attended to, not even by God


dar sopa ao azar

Literally, “to give soup to bad luck”. From "sopa" (soup) and "azar" (bad luck).

O Vasco precisa vencer. Ponto. Precisa ser mais corajoso para não dar sopa para o azar.

Vasco needs to win. Period. They need to be braver to not tempt fate. [lit: give soup to bad luck]

A estratégia está em dar uma lida completa na prova, olhar as questões, classificar como médias, fáceis e difíceis e fazer primeiro as fáceis para não dar sopa ao azar. ― The strategy is to thoroughly read through the exam, look at the questions, classify them as medium, easy, and difficult, and do the easy ones first to avoid tempting fate. [lit: giving soup to bad luck] — Marden Júnior, in Imirante

to expose oneself to unnecessary risks or tempt fate


a cavalo dado não se olha o dente

a cavalo dado não se olha os dentes#Portuguese

Alternative form of a cavalo dado não se olha os dentes