C1 Expression Neutral

De uma vez por todas.

Once and for all.

Significado

Finally and definitively, so that it will not happen again.

🌍

Contexto cultural

In Brazil, this phrase is often used to signal the end of 'enrolação' (stalling or being vague). It's a way to demand directness. In Portugal, the phrase is used with a sense of 'basta' (enough). It is common in political discourse regarding long-standing EU negotiations. Used frequently in post-conflict contexts to refer to the establishment of lasting peace. Common in educational contexts, encouraging students to master a difficult concept so they don't struggle later.

🎯

Use for emphasis

Save this phrase for when you really mean it. Using it for small things makes you sound overly dramatic.

⚠️

Gender Agreement

Always use 'todas' (feminine plural). 'Todos' is a common mistake for English speakers.

Significado

Finally and definitively, so that it will not happen again.

🎯

Use for emphasis

Save this phrase for when you really mean it. Using it for small things makes you sound overly dramatic.

⚠️

Gender Agreement

Always use 'todas' (feminine plural). 'Todos' is a common mistake for English speakers.

💬

The 'Basta' factor

In Brazil, accompany this phrase with a firm nod to show you are serious.

Ponte a prueba

Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.

Eu decidi que vou sair desta casa de uma vez por ______.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: todas

The phrase is fixed as 'de uma vez por todas'.

Which sentence uses the phrase correctly in a professional context?

Choose the best option:

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Precisamos assinar o contrato e resolver isso de uma vez por todas.

The phrase is used for definitive resolutions, like signing a final contract.

Complete the dialogue.

A: 'Você ainda está pensando em voltar com seu ex?' B: 'Não, eu terminei com ele ______.'

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: de uma vez por todas

This is the standard way to express a final breakup.

Match the situation to the most likely use of the phrase.

Situation: A scientist finally proves a theory after 20 years of doubt.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Ele provou a teoria de uma vez por todas.

The phrase fits the 'final proof' context perfectly.

🎉 Puntuación: /4

Ayudas visuales

Banco de ejercicios

4 ejercicios
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase. Fill Blank A2

Eu decidi que vou sair desta casa de uma vez por ______.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: todas

The phrase is fixed as 'de uma vez por todas'.

Which sentence uses the phrase correctly in a professional context? Choose B1

Choose the best option:

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Precisamos assinar o contrato e resolver isso de uma vez por todas.

The phrase is used for definitive resolutions, like signing a final contract.

Complete the dialogue. dialogue_completion B2

A: 'Você ainda está pensando em voltar com seu ex?' B: 'Não, eu terminei com ele ______.'

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: de uma vez por todas

This is the standard way to express a final breakup.

Match the situation to the most likely use of the phrase. situation_matching C1

Situation: A scientist finally proves a theory after 20 years of doubt.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Ele provou a teoria de uma vez por todas.

The phrase fits the 'final proof' context perfectly.

🎉 Puntuación: /4

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

It is always 'todas' because it refers to 'vezes' (times), which is feminine.

Yes, it is appropriate for professional contexts when you want to signal a final decision or resolution.

Not exactly. 'Finalmente' just means something happened after a long time. This phrase means it happened and won't change back.

Yes, it is used throughout the Lusophone world, including Portugal, Brazil, and Angola.

Yes, 'de uma vez' is a shorter version, but 'por todas' adds much more emphasis.

It can sound firm or exasperated, but not necessarily angry. It depends on your tone of voice.

The closest equivalent is 'once and for all'.

Yes! 'I won the lottery de uma vez por todas' (meaning your money problems are over).

It is neutral. It works in a bar or in a boardroom.

Idiomatically, 'por' is used here to show exchange or substitution (one time in place of all others).

Frases relacionadas

🔗

De vez

similar

Permanently

🔄

Para sempre

synonym

Forever

🔄

Definitivamente

synonym

Definitively

🔗

Dar um basta

builds on

To put a stop to something

🔗

Ponto final

similar

Full stop / Period

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