En 15 segundos
- Means to meddle or interfere.
- Like putting a spoon where it doesn't belong.
- Used for nosy people or unwanted advice.
- Informal, common in casual chats.
Significado
Significa entrometerse o interferir en los asuntos de otras personas sin que se lo pidan. Piénselo como si alguien estuviera revolviendo sus asuntos privados con una cuchara cuando usted no quería que lo hiciera.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 12Texting a friend about a family argument
Eu não queria `meter a colher`, mas a situação ficou feia.
I didn't want to interfere, but the situation got ugly.
Chatting with a colleague about office drama
O João sempre `mete a colher` nas conversas alheias.
João always puts the spoon in other people's conversations.
Warning a friend not to get involved
Não `meta a colher` nesse assunto, é complicado.
Don't put the spoon in this matter, it's complicated.
Contexto cultural
In Brazil, the proverb 'Em briga de marido e mulher não se mete a colher' was historically used to justify ignoring domestic violence. Today, there is a massive cultural movement with the slogan 'Em briga de marido e mulher, se mete a colher SIM' to encourage people to intervene and call the police. In Portugal, the phrase is equally common but often used with a slightly more reserved social distance. While Brazilians might use it playfully, in Portugal, it can be a very firm boundary marker. In Angolan Portuguese, the concept of communal living is strong, and 'meter a colher' is often used in the context of 'mais-velhos' (elders) who have a cultural right to 'meter a colher' in the lives of the younger generation to provide guidance. Similar to other Lusophone African countries, the phrase is understood but often competes with local Crioulo expressions that use different metaphors for meddling, often involving 'nose' or 'talk'.
Use with 'vida'
The most common way to use this is 'meter a colher na vida de [alguém]'.
The Proverb Trap
Be careful using the full proverb 'Em briga de marido e mulher...'. It can sound like you are okay with domestic violence to some modern listeners.
En 15 segundos
- Means to meddle or interfere.
- Like putting a spoon where it doesn't belong.
- Used for nosy people or unwanted advice.
- Informal, common in casual chats.
What It Means
Ever feel like someone's sticking their nose where it doesn't belong? That's exactly what meter a colher means. It’s when someone interferes in a situation or conversation that doesn't concern them. Think of it as unwanted meddling. It carries a slightly negative vibe, implying curiosity or a desire to control. You're basically inviting yourself to someone else's private party. It’s not usually malicious, but it’s definitely annoying.
Origin Story
The image of putting a spoon into something is quite literal. Think about cooking or eating. You wouldn't just randomly stick your spoon into someone else's pot or plate, right? It’s a very personal space. This idiom likely comes from that basic social rule. It conjures up a visual of someone literally inserting their utensil into a private matter. It's like they're trying to taste or stir up trouble. The phrase taps into a universal understanding of personal boundaries. It's folk wisdom at its finest, really. Who knew cooking utensils could be so dramatic?
How To Use It
Use meter a colher when you see someone being nosy. You can say it about a person or describe their action. For example, "He always mete a colher in our arguments." Or you could warn someone, "Don't meter a colher in this, it's between me and him." It’s best used in informal chats. Think texting friends or gossiping (nicely!) with colleagues. It’s a colorful way to describe busybodies. You’re painting a picture with your words. It’s more engaging than just saying someone is nosy.
Real-Life Examples
- Your friend is arguing with their partner. Your other friend jumps in with unsolicited advice. You might think, "Why did she have to
meter a colher?" - A colleague is complaining about a project. Someone who isn't involved starts suggesting solutions. That's them
metendo a colher. - You're discussing family matters. An acquaintance overhears and starts giving opinions. They are definitely
metendo a colher. - On social media, someone comments on a private dispute between two users. They're
metendo a colherinto the comments section. - Your sibling is planning a surprise party. Your aunt starts asking too many questions. She's trying to
meter a colher.
When To Use It
This phrase is perfect for casual conversations. Use it when talking about friends, family, or even coworkers in a relaxed setting. It fits when you want to express mild annoyance or amusement at someone's nosiness. It's great for describing gossip or unwanted interference. Think of situations where someone is being a bit of a busybody. It adds a bit of flavor to your Portuguese. It's like adding a pinch of salt to a dish – makes it more interesting! Plus, it sounds way more natural than a direct translation.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid meter a colher in formal situations. Don't use it in a job interview or a serious business meeting. It's too informal and potentially rude. You also wouldn't use it if you want to be genuinely helpful. If someone is actually asking for advice, you’re not metendo a colher. You're being supportive! Using it incorrectly could make you sound dismissive. Remember, it implies unwanted interference. So, no meter a colher when someone is genuinely trying to help. That would be a bit rude, wouldn't it?
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using it when someone is actually welcome. If your friend is helping you move, they aren't metendo a colher. They are helping! Another error is using it in formal settings. It sounds unprofessional. Also, learners sometimes forget the verb conjugation. It's meter, but it changes based on who's doing the 'spooning'.
- ✗ "My friend
meteu a colherin my job search." → ✓ "My frienddeu um palpitein my job search." - ✗ "Please don't
meter a colherin this meeting." → ✓ "Please don'tinterferirin this meeting."
Similar Expressions
Dar palpite: To give an opinion, often unsolicited. Very close in meaning, slightly less intrusive.Se meter: To get involved, to meddle. More general thanmeter a colher.Ser curioso: To be curious. Describes the personality trait behind the action.Fofocar: To gossip. Related, but focuses on talking about others rather than interfering.
Memory Trick
Picture someone literally trying to stir your coffee with a spoon when you haven't asked. They're putting their spoon (colher) into your cup (meter). It’s a weird, intrusive image, right? That's the feeling of meter a colher – unwanted intrusion. The spoon is the tool of interference. Keep that funny mental image handy!
Quick FAQ
- Is it always negative? Mostly, yes. It implies unwanted involvement.
- Can I use it for myself? Yes, to admit you were nosy. "Desculpa, eu
meti a colher." - What's the opposite? Maybe
dar apoio(to support) orficar quieto(to stay quiet).
Notas de uso
This is a distinctly informal idiom, best used in casual conversation among friends or family. Using it in formal settings like business meetings or official documents would be inappropriate and could be perceived as rude. Be mindful that it carries a negative connotation of unwanted interference.
Use with 'vida'
The most common way to use this is 'meter a colher na vida de [alguém]'.
The Proverb Trap
Be careful using the full proverb 'Em briga de marido e mulher...'. It can sound like you are okay with domestic violence to some modern listeners.
Softening the blow
If you want to meddle but be polite, say: 'Não quero meter a colher, mas...' (I don't want to meddle, but...)
Regional variation
In the south of Brazil, you might hear 'meter o bedelho' more often than in the northeast.
Ejemplos
12Eu não queria `meter a colher`, mas a situação ficou feia.
I didn't want to interfere, but the situation got ugly.
Shows reluctance to get involved, but acknowledging the interference.
O João sempre `mete a colher` nas conversas alheias.
João always puts the spoon in other people's conversations.
Describes someone's habitual nosy behavior.
Não `meta a colher` nesse assunto, é complicado.
Don't put the spoon in this matter, it's complicated.
Direct advice to avoid interference.
Aprendendo a dizer 'não' e a não `meter a colher` onde não sou chamada. #Boundaries
Learning to say 'no' and not to put the spoon where I'm not called. #Boundaries
Self-reflection on personal boundaries, using the idiom in a social media context.
Vi um comentário dizendo 'você deveria fazer assim'. Alguém `meteu a colher` de novo!
I saw a comment saying 'you should do it like this'. Someone put the spoon in again!
Expressing annoyance at unsolicited advice in an online forum.
Agradeço a contribuição, mas vamos focar no escopo do projeto e evitar `meter a colher` em assuntos paralelos.
I appreciate the contribution, but let's focus on the project scope and avoid interfering in parallel matters.
Used politely to redirect a conversation in a professional setting, softening the 'meddling' aspect.
Precisamos garantir que todos respeitem o espaço de trabalho uns dos outros, sem `meter a colher` em tarefas que não nos competem.
We need to ensure everyone respects each other's workspace, without interfering in tasks that are not ours.
Setting expectations about teamwork and avoiding unnecessary involvement.
✗ "Meu amigo `meteu a colher` para me ajudar com o dever." → ✓ "Meu amigo `ajudou-me` com o dever."
✗ "My friend put the spoon in to help me with homework." → ✓ "My friend helped me with homework."
This phrase implies unwanted interference, not genuine help.
✗ "Eles sempre `mete a colher` nas nossas brigas." → ✓ "Eles sempre `metem a colher` nas nossas brigas."
✗ "They always put the spoon in our fights." → ✓ "They always put the spoon in our fights."
The verb `meter` must agree with the subject ('eles' requires 'metem').
A personagem nova `meteu a colher` tanto que quase estragou o plano inteiro! Que figura!
The new character put the spoon in so much that she almost ruined the whole plan! What a character!
Exaggerated, funny use to describe a character's disruptive actions.
Eu já disse mil vezes para não `meter a colher` na minha vida pessoal!
I've said a thousand times not to put the spoon in my personal life!
Shows strong frustration and a clear boundary being crossed.
Cara, não `meta a colher` na minha estratégia de jogo, ok?
Dude, don't put the spoon in my game strategy, okay?
Used informally in gaming to tell someone not to interfere with their tactics.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
Eu não gosto que ninguém _______ a colher nos meus problemas.
We use the subjunctive 'meta' here because of the expression of dislike/desire ('não gosto que').
Which situation best fits the phrase 'meter a colher'?
A situation where...
The idiom specifically refers to meddling in others' affairs, like a couple's argument.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'O que você acha que a Maria deve fazer com o namorado dela?' B: 'Eu não sei, e prefiro não ________.'
The context is about giving an opinion on someone else's relationship, which is the perfect use for 'meter a colher'.
Match the phrase to the intent.
Match 'Não meta a colher!' with its meaning.
In an imperative negative form, it's a direct way to tell someone to stop meddling.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Spoon Idioms
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosEu não gosto que ninguém _______ a colher nos meus problemas.
We use the subjunctive 'meta' here because of the expression of dislike/desire ('não gosto que').
A situation where...
The idiom specifically refers to meddling in others' affairs, like a couple's argument.
A: 'O que você acha que a Maria deve fazer com o namorado dela?' B: 'Eu não sei, e prefiro não ________.'
The context is about giving an opinion on someone else's relationship, which is the perfect use for 'meter a colher'.
Match 'Não meta a colher!' with its meaning.
In an imperative negative form, it's a direct way to tell someone to stop meddling.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Tutoriales en video
Encuentra tutoriales en video sobre esta expresión en YouTube.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt can be. If you tell someone 'Não meta a colher!', it is quite direct and can be rude. However, describing a third person as someone who 'mete a colher' is just standard gossip.
No, it's too informal. Use 'interferir' or 'intervir' instead.
'Pitaco' is usually just a comment or opinion. 'Meter a colher' implies a deeper, more annoying level of interference.
It's always 'meter a colher'. 'Colherada' means a spoonful, which is used for eating or medicine.
Mostly yes, but it can be used for organizations or governments interfering in affairs.
You can say 'Não meta o nariz onde não é chamado' or 'Não meta a colher'. both work!
In Portugal, yes. In Brazil, it's often very soft or silent in casual speech (/me.te.a.ku.ʎe/).
Rarely. It almost always has a negative connotation of 'unwanted'.
A person who meddles is a 'metido' (masc) or 'metida' (fem).
The verb changes (eles metem a colher), but 'a colher' usually stays singular as it's part of the fixed idiom.
Frases relacionadas
Meter o bedelho
synonymTo meddle or stick one's nose in.
Dar um pitaco
similarTo give a small piece of unsolicited advice.
Dar uma colher de chá
contrastTo give someone a break or a helping hand.
Meter o nariz onde não é chamado
synonymTo stick one's nose where it's not called.
Não é da sua conta
builds onIt's none of your business.
