في 15 ثانية
- To start a task with intense energy and focus.
- Equivalent to 'rolling up your sleeves' or 'diving in'.
- Used to show determination and a proactive work ethic.
المعنى
This phrase means to dive headfirst into a task or start working on something with great energy and determination. It is about taking action and getting your hands dirty to get the job done.
أمثلة رئيسية
3 من 6Encouraging a teammate
Temos muito trabalho, vamos meter o braço nisto!
We have a lot of work, let's roll up our sleeves on this!
Starting a home renovation
Amanhã vou meter o braço na pintura da sala.
Tomorrow I'm going to dive into painting the living room.
Texting a friend about studying
Tenho exame amanhã, preciso de meter o braço nos livros.
I have an exam tomorrow, I need to hit the books hard.
خلفية ثقافية
This expression originates from the agricultural and maritime roots of Portugal, where manual labor required full physical commitment. It reflects a cultural pride in 'desenrascar' (finding a way to solve things) through sheer effort. While it sounds physical, modern Portuguese use it for everything from coding to studying for exams.
The 'Mãos na Massa' Alternative
If you want to sound even more common, use `meter as mãos na massa`. It is the direct equivalent of 'getting your hands dirty'.
Don't confuse with 'Dar o braço'
Be careful! `Dar o braço a torcer` means to give in or admit you were wrong. It has nothing to do with working hard.
في 15 ثانية
- To start a task with intense energy and focus.
- Equivalent to 'rolling up your sleeves' or 'diving in'.
- Used to show determination and a proactive work ethic.
What It Means
Imagine you see a huge pile of work. You do not just touch it with your fingertips. You meter o braço. This means you are committing fully. You are using your strength and energy. It is about being proactive. It implies hard work and focus. You are not being lazy here. You are the person who makes things happen.
How To Use It
You use it when a project starts. Use it when you need to encourage someone. It works like the English 'roll up your sleeves'. You can say vou meter o braço. This shows you are ready to work. It is a very active expression. It sounds motivated and strong. It makes you sound like a leader.
When To Use It
Use it at the office with colleagues. Use it when cleaning the house. It is great for DIY projects at home. Tell a friend who is procrastinating to meter o braço. It is perfect for team meetings. It shows you have a 'can-do' attitude. Use it when the task is physical or mental.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it in very sad moments. It is too energetic for a funeral. Avoid it in high-level legal documents. It is a bit too colorful for that. Do not use it if you are being lazy. That would be a lie! If the task requires extreme delicacy, maybe wait. This phrase suggests force and momentum.
Cultural Background
Portuguese culture values hard workers. People respect those who do not complain. Meter o braço reflects the history of manual labor. It comes from farming and building. It shows the grit of the Portuguese people. It is a badge of honor to be a worker. It is about the physical connection to the task.
Common Variations
You might hear meter as mãos na massa. This is very similar but more common. You can also say dar o braço a torcer. But be careful! That means something totally different. Stick to meter o braço for hard work. Some regions might say meter o corpo. They all mean you are all in.
ملاحظات الاستخدام
This phrase is perfect for B1 learners because it adds flavor to your speech without being vulgar. It sits comfortably in the 'informal-neutral' zone, making it safe for most daily interactions.
The 'Mãos na Massa' Alternative
If you want to sound even more common, use `meter as mãos na massa`. It is the direct equivalent of 'getting your hands dirty'.
Don't confuse with 'Dar o braço'
Be careful! `Dar o braço a torcer` means to give in or admit you were wrong. It has nothing to do with working hard.
The Power of 'Bora'
In Portugal, people often say `Bora meter o braço nisso!`. `Bora` is short for 'vamos embora' and adds a lot of friendly energy.
أمثلة
6Temos muito trabalho, vamos meter o braço nisto!
We have a lot of work, let's roll up our sleeves on this!
Encouraging collective action in a professional but friendly way.
Amanhã vou meter o braço na pintura da sala.
Tomorrow I'm going to dive into painting the living room.
Shows a commitment to a physical DIY task.
Tenho exame amanhã, preciso de meter o braço nos livros.
I have an exam tomorrow, I need to hit the books hard.
Using the phrase for mental effort rather than physical.
A minha avó meteu o braço na cozinha e fez este banquete.
My grandma really put the work in the kitchen and made this feast.
Praising someone else's hard work and dedication.
Se eu não meter o braço nesta louça, ela não se lava sozinha!
If I don't get to work on these dishes, they won't wash themselves!
A lighthearted way to address a boring chore.
Eu sei que é difícil, mas vou meter o braço e conseguir.
I know it's hard, but I'm going to put the effort in and succeed.
Expressing personal resolve and emotional commitment.
اختبر نفسك
Choose the correct verb to complete the expression.
Para terminar o projeto a tempo, temos de ___ o braço.
The idiom specifically uses the verb `meter` (to put/insert) to convey the action of starting the work.
Complete the sentence with the correct preposition.
Vou meter o braço ___ trabalho agora mesmo.
We use `no` (em + o) because you are putting your effort 'into' the work.
🎉 النتيجة: /2
وسائل تعلم بصرية
Formality Scale of 'Meter o braço'
Slang with close friends.
Mete o braço nisso, pá!
Standard daily use with colleagues or family.
Vou meter o braço no jardim.
Professional setting but still energetic.
A equipa vai meter o braço no projeto.
Academic or legal writing.
N/A (Too idiomatic)
Where to use 'Meter o braço'
At the Gym
Training hard.
Office
Starting a report.
Kitchen
Cooking for ten.
Garden
Planting trees.
بنك التمارين
2 تمارينPara terminar o projeto a tempo, temos de ___ o braço.
The idiom specifically uses the verb `meter` (to put/insert) to convey the action of starting the work.
Vou meter o braço ___ trabalho agora mesmo.
We use `no` (em + o) because you are putting your effort 'into' the work.
🎉 النتيجة: /2
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةIt literally means 'to put the arm'. It implies using your physical strength to push through a task.
No, it is not rude, but it is informal. Use it if you have a friendly relationship with your boss to show you are motivated.
Yes! You can say meter o braço nos estudos. It means you are going to study very intensely.
Yes, but Brazilians might more frequently use meter a mão or pegar firme. The meaning remains the same.
Not at all. You can meter o braço in a computer program, a painting, or even a difficult conversation.
Usually, we keep it singular: meter o braço. Saying meter os braços sounds like you are literally putting both arms inside something.
You would say Estou a meter o braço no trabalho. This shows you are currently in the middle of the effort.
Trabalhar muito is just a fact. Meter o braço is more descriptive and suggests a sudden burst of energy or starting a task.
Definitely. A coach might tell a team to meter o braço in the second half of a game to win.
It is more of an idiom than slang. It is widely understood by all ages and used in most casual settings.
عبارات ذات صلة
Meter as mãos na massa
Dar o litro
Arregaçar as mangas
Trabalhar que nem um mouro
