In 15 Sekunden
- Means to meddle or interfere.
- Literal: to put the spoon in.
- Used for unsolicited advice/opinions.
- Common in informal Portuguese conversations.
Bedeutung
Es bedeutet, sich in die Angelegenheiten anderer einzumischen oder unerwünschte Ratschläge zu geben. Stellen Sie sich jemanden vor, der versucht, Ihren Suppentopf umzurühren, ohne darum gebeten worden zu sein.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 12Texting a friend about family drama
Minha tia adora `meter a colher` nas discussões dos outros.
My aunt loves to meddle in other people's arguments.
Giving advice to a friend
Eu sei que você quer ajudar, mas não `meta a colher` nesse assunto.
I know you want to help, but don't meddle in this matter.
Discussing a coworker's behavior
Ele vive `metendo a colher` onde não é chamado.
He's always sticking his nose in where he's not wanted.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The phrase is central to the 'Metendo a Colher' app and movement, which helps women report domestic violence, turning a proverb of silence into a tool for safety. In Portugal, the phrase remains very common in rural areas where communal living and 'knowing everyone's business' is a part of daily life. Used similarly to Brazil, often in the context of large extended families where elders feel they have the right to 'meter a colher' in the lives of the youth. Often heard in 'machimbombos' (buses) when strangers start commenting on each other's conversations.
The 'Softener' Technique
Use 'Não quero meter a colher, mas...' to sound less aggressive when giving advice. It shows you know you're overstepping.
Don't use with 'Garfo'
Even though a fork is also cutlery, 'meter o garfo' is not an idiom. Stick to the spoon!
In 15 Sekunden
- Means to meddle or interfere.
- Literal: to put the spoon in.
- Used for unsolicited advice/opinions.
- Common in informal Portuguese conversations.
What It Means
Meter a colher is a colorful Portuguese idiom. It means to interfere where you're not wanted. You're sticking your nose into someone else's business. It implies meddling or offering advice that wasn't asked for. It's like jumping into a private chat uninvited. Or giving opinions on a decision that's not yours to make. It carries a slightly negative vibe. The person doing it is often seen as nosy or intrusive. It’s not a compliment, that’s for sure! You wouldn't want someone meter a colher in your life. Unless they're bringing cake, maybe?
Origin Story
The origin of meter a colher is quite visual. Imagine a busy kitchen centuries ago. Pots of stew or soup simmered on the stove. Cooks were often very protective of their recipes. They might have specific ways of stirring. Someone else coming along and meter a colher into their pot. This action could disrupt the cooking process. It might even ruin the flavor. So, it was seen as an unwelcome intrusion. This kitchen scene became a metaphor for life. Meddling in others' affairs was like messing with their food. It’s a culinary critique turned social commentary. It’s a tale as old as time, or at least as old as cooking.
How To Use It
You use meter a colher when someone interferes. They butt into a private matter. They offer opinions unasked. They try to influence a decision. It's for those who can't resist. They have to get involved. Even when it's none of their business. You can use it to describe someone's actions. Or you can warn someone not to do it. "Don't meter a colher!" you might say. It's versatile, but always has that nosy connotation. Think of it as a social warning sign. Like a 'Beware of Dog' sign, but for busybodies.
Real-Life Examples
- Your friend is arguing with their partner. Your aunt chimes in with her opinion. She's definitely
meter a colher. - A colleague tries to tell you how to do your job. Even though it's not their department. They are
meter a colher. - Your neighbor comments on your garden. They think you should plant different flowers. They are
meter a colher. - Someone reads your private messages without permission. That's a big
meter a colhermoment. - Watching a reality TV show. A contestant interferes in another's drama. They are
meter a colher.
When To Use It
Use meter a colher when someone is being intrusive. They are overstepping boundaries. They offer unsolicited advice. They insert themselves into a situation. It's for when someone is nosy. Or tries to control things. It applies to conversations. It applies to decisions. It applies to personal matters. Basically, any time someone meddles. It’s perfect for gossip sessions. Or for complaining about annoying people. Just try not to meter a colher yourself!
When NOT To Use It
Don't use meter a colher for genuine help. If someone offers sincere advice. And you actually asked for it. Then it's not meddling. It's support. Don't use it if you're part of the situation. For example, if it's your family. And the issue involves you. You're not meter a colher. You're participating. Also, avoid it in formal settings. Unless you're complaining about a specific person. It's generally too informal. Think of it as kitchen etiquette. Don't meter a colher in a Michelin-star kitchen unless invited.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using it for helpful advice. If a friend asks for your opinion. And you give it honestly. You are NOT meter a colher. You are being a good friend. Another error is using it in formal contexts. It sounds too casual. Or even rude. It's best reserved for informal chats. Or describing someone else's nosiness. Remember, it's about unwanted interference. Not about being a helpful pal.
meter a colher na minha apresentação."
✓"O chefe deu sugestões sobre minha apresentação."
Similar Expressions
Dar palpite: To give an opinion, often unsolicited. Very close in meaning.Se meter: To get involved, to interfere. Broader thanmeter a colher.Intrometer-se: To meddle, to interfere. A more formal synonym.Pôr o dedo: To put your finger in. Similar idea of interfering.
Memory Trick
Picture a chef stirring a big pot of soup. Suddenly, someone else shoves their spoon in! The chef glares. That's meter a colher – unwanted stirring. The spoon (colher) goes into the wrong pot. It’s a spoon in a stranger's stew. Don't let your spoon wander where it shouldn't. It's a recipe for awkwardness.
Quick FAQ
Q. Is meter a colher always negative?
A. Almost always. It implies unwanted interference. It suggests someone is being nosy. It's rarely a compliment.
Q. Can I use it for myself?
A. You can, but it's rare. Saying "Eu meti a colher" admits fault. You're saying you were nosy. Usually, you use it to describe others.
Q. What if someone is trying to help?
A. If the help is wanted, it's not meter a colher. The key is "unsolicited" or "unwanted." Genuine help is different.
Q. Is it common in Brazil and Portugal?
A. Yes, it's widely understood in both. It's a popular idiom. You'll hear it often. It's part of everyday conversation.
Q. What's the vibe? Is it angry?
A. Not necessarily angry. It's more about annoyance. Or mild disapproval. It points out someone's intrusive behavior. It's a gentle (or not so gentle) call-out.
Q. Can it be used online?
A. Absolutely! Think of comment sections. Or group chats. Someone giving unsolicited advice online. That's definitely meter a colher. It's perfect for TikTok drama!
Nutzungshinweise
This is a distinctly informal idiom, best used in casual conversation among friends or family. Avoid it in formal writing or professional settings, as it can sound rude. The core idea is unsolicited interference, so ensure the context fits that meaning; don't use it for genuine, helpful advice.
The 'Softener' Technique
Use 'Não quero meter a colher, mas...' to sound less aggressive when giving advice. It shows you know you're overstepping.
Don't use with 'Garfo'
Even though a fork is also cutlery, 'meter o garfo' is not an idiom. Stick to the spoon!
The Social Shift
In Brazil, saying 'tem que meter a colher' regarding domestic violence is a sign of being socially conscious.
Beispiele
12Minha tia adora `meter a colher` nas discussões dos outros.
My aunt loves to meddle in other people's arguments.
Describes someone habitually interfering in private matters.
Eu sei que você quer ajudar, mas não `meta a colher` nesse assunto.
I know you want to help, but don't meddle in this matter.
A direct warning not to interfere.
Ele vive `metendo a colher` onde não é chamado.
He's always sticking his nose in where he's not wanted.
Highlights someone's tendency to be nosy.
Respeite meu espaço, não `meta a colher` na minha vida! 🙅♀️
Respect my space, don't meddle in my life! 🙅♀️
A strong, public statement against interference.
Vi muita gente `metendo a colher` nos comentários, sem saber a história toda.
I saw many people meddling in the comments, without knowing the whole story.
Refers to online interference in discussions.
Ele tinha o hábito de `meter a colher` em projetos alheios, o que gerava conflitos.
He had a habit of interfering in others' projects, which caused conflicts.
Used professionally to describe a negative work habit.
Eu não quis `meter a colher`, só estava tentando entender.
I didn't mean to meddle, I was just trying to understand.
An attempt to downplay interference, suggesting good intentions.
✗ Ajudar a vizinha com as compras foi `meter a colher` dela. → ✓ Ajudar a vizinha com as compras foi um gesto de gentileza dela.
✗ Helping the neighbor with groceries was her meddling. → ✓ Helping the neighbor with groceries was a kind gesture from her.
Incorrectly labels helpfulness as meddling.
Na ceia de Natal, todo mundo `mete a colher` na vida dos outros!
At the Christmas dinner, everyone meddles in everyone else's life!
A lighthearted, common observation about family gatherings.
Por favor, não `meta a colher` entre nós dois, isso só vai piorar as coisas.
Please, don't interfere between us, it will only make things worse.
Expresses the negative impact of interference on a relationship.
✗ O gerente `meter a colher` na nossa reunião de equipe. → ✓ O gerente participou/interferiu na nossa reunião de equipe.
✗ The manager meddled in our team meeting. → ✓ The manager participated/interfered in our team meeting.
The phrase is too informal for describing a manager's actions in a formal setting.
Cuidado para não `meter a colher` demais e acabar espalhando fofoca.
Be careful not to meddle too much and end up spreading gossip.
Connects meddling with the negative consequence of spreading gossip.
Teste dich selbst
Complete the sentence with the correct preposition and article.
Não é educado meter a colher ___ vida dos outros.
We use 'em' + 'a' = 'na' because you are putting the spoon *into* the life of others.
Which situation best fits the idiom 'meter a colher'?
Qual situação é um exemplo de 'meter a colher'?
Meddling involves giving unsolicited advice or interference.
Complete the dialogue.
Ana: 'Meu irmão e a namorada dele estão brigando de novo.' Beto: 'Eu se fosse você, não ________.'
The standard idiom is 'meter a colher'.
Match the phrase to the intent.
Match: 'Não quero meter a colher, mas...'
This is a common 'softener' used before meddling.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenNão é educado meter a colher ___ vida dos outros.
We use 'em' + 'a' = 'na' because you are putting the spoon *into* the life of others.
Qual situação é um exemplo de 'meter a colher'?
Meddling involves giving unsolicited advice or interference.
Ana: 'Meu irmão e a namorada dele estão brigando de novo.' Beto: 'Eu se fosse você, não ________.'
The standard idiom is 'meter a colher'.
Match: 'Não quero meter a colher, mas...'
This is a common 'softener' used before meddling.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Video-Tutorials
Finde Video-Tutorials zu dieser Redewendung auf YouTube.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
4 FragenIt can be. If you tell someone 'Não meta a colher!', it is quite blunt. However, describing a situation as 'metendo a colher' is standard informal Portuguese.
Yes, it is perfectly understood and used in Portugal, though they might also use 'meter o bedelho' frequently.
'Interferir' is neutral and formal. 'Meter a colher' is colorful, idiomatic, and usually implies the interference is unwanted.
No, 'colher' is always feminine, so the phrase never changes regardless of who is doing the meddling.
Verwandte Redewendungen
meter o bedelho
synonymTo meddle or interfere.
dar um pitaco
similarTo give a small piece of advice.
meter o nariz
synonymTo stick one's nose in.
não é da sua conta
contrastIt's none of your business.
