não dar certo

You use it like a regular verb phrase. The verb dar (to give) changes based on the tense. If a date was bad, you say it não deu certo. If a plan is currently failing, it não está dando certo. It is simple and punchy.

Use it for mechanical failures like a car not starting. Use it for social plans that get canceled. It is perfect for describing relationships that ended. You can even use it for a recipe that turned into a disaster. It is the ultimate 'oops' phrase.

Avoid using it for serious moral failures or crimes. It sounds a bit too light for a tragedy. Don't use it if you simply forgot to do something. It implies an attempt was made but failed. It’s about the result, not the lack of effort.

Brazilians and Portuguese people are generally optimistic but realistic. This phrase reflects a pragmatic view of life's little hiccups. There is a sense of 'it wasn't meant to be' when you use it. It takes the pressure off by blaming the situation, not necessarily the person. It's a very 'chill' way to acknowledge a failure.

You might hear dar errado which is a bit more blunt. Dar zebra is a funny slang version for an unexpected bad result. If things go well, you just remove the não and say deu certo. It’s a binary world of things working or not!