Significado
To be left unresolved or in an uncertain state, often postponed indefinitely.
Contexto cultural
The preparation of cod is a ritual. Every household knows that 'demolhar' takes time. This idiom reflects the frustration of that time being wasted. While understood, Brazilians often use 'dar em pizza' for political scandals that end in nothing, or 'ficar no papel' for unimplemented plans. In these Lusophone African countries, the phrase is used in formal administration, inherited from the Portuguese colonial legal system. The phrase dates back to the era when cod was the primary protein for sailors. A failed meal was a serious matter on a long voyage.
Use it for Bureaucracy
This is the perfect phrase to use when complaining about Portuguese or Brazilian bureaucracy.
Not for Food
Never use this to describe a soup that is too thin; use 'aguado' instead.
Significado
To be left unresolved or in an uncertain state, often postponed indefinitely.
Use it for Bureaucracy
This is the perfect phrase to use when complaining about Portuguese or Brazilian bureaucracy.
Not for Food
Never use this to describe a soup that is too thin; use 'aguado' instead.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
Nós tínhamos grandes planos para o verão, mas infelizmente tudo ________ em águas de bacalhau.
The standard verb for this idiom is 'ficar'.
Which situation best fits the idiom 'ficar em águas de bacalhau'?
A situation where...
The idiom refers to plans or promises that remain unresolved.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Então, o teu aumento sempre foi aprovado?' B: 'Não, o meu chefe saiu da empresa e o assunto ________.'
While 'águas de bacalhau' is the target, 'foi por água abaixo' and 'deu em nada' are also contextually correct synonyms.
🎉 Puntuación: /3
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
3 ejerciciosNós tínhamos grandes planos para o verão, mas infelizmente tudo ________ em águas de bacalhau.
The standard verb for this idiom is 'ficar'.
A situation where...
The idiom refers to plans or promises that remain unresolved.
A: 'Então, o teu aumento sempre foi aprovado?' B: 'Não, o meu chefe saiu da empresa e o assunto ________.'
While 'águas de bacalhau' is the target, 'foi por água abaixo' and 'deu em nada' are also contextually correct synonyms.
🎉 Puntuación: /3
Preguntas frecuentes
3 preguntasNo, it is a neutral idiom used in newspapers and daily life.
Yes, but 'dar em nada' is more common in casual Brazilian speech.
The phrase stays the same; only the verb 'ficar' changes to 'ficaram'.
Frases relacionadas
Dar em nada
synonymTo result in nothing.
Ir por água abaixo
similarTo go down the drain.
Ficar em banho-maria
similarTo be on the back burner.
Dar com os burros n'água
contrastTo fail miserably after effort.
