A mentira é como uma bola de neve, quanto mais rola, maior fica.
A lie is like a snowball, the more it rolls, the bigger it gets.
Signification
Lies tend to grow and become more complicated, eventually revealing themselves.
Contexte culturel
In Brazil, the 'bola de neve' metaphor is extremely common in financial contexts, referring to 'juros sobre juros' (compound interest) on credit card debt. It's often used interchangeably with the moral proverb. Portuguese speakers in Portugal tend to use the full, traditional form of the proverb more often in formal writing and education to emphasize moral character. In Angolan Portuguese, proverbs are a vital part of oral tradition. This specific proverb is used to teach 'respeito' (respect) and 'integridade' (integrity) in community settings. Similar to other Lusophone African countries, the proverb is often used in fables and stories to illustrate the downfall of a trickster character.
Use it for emphasis
Use this phrase when you want to sound wise and give serious advice.
Don't over-use
If you use it for every small thing, you will sound like a 'moralista' (preacher).
Signification
Lies tend to grow and become more complicated, eventually revealing themselves.
Use it for emphasis
Use this phrase when you want to sound wise and give serious advice.
Don't over-use
If you use it for every small thing, you will sound like a 'moralista' (preacher).
Shorten it
In casual conversation, just say 'Isso vai virar uma bola de neve' (This is going to turn into a snowball).
Brazilian Context
Remember that in Brazil, this is also the #1 phrase for talking about debt.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb with the correct words.
A mentira é como uma bola de neve, quanto mais ______, ______ fica.
The standard proverb uses 'rola' (rolls) and 'maior' (bigger).
Match the situation to the most appropriate use of the proverb.
Which situation best fits: 'A mentira é como uma bola de neve'?
The proverb describes a situation that grows out of control due to deception.
Choose the best response for the dialogue.
João: 'Eu disse que terminei o relatório, mas nem comecei. O que eu faço?' Maria: 'Diga a verdade agora, porque...'
Maria is warning João that his lie will grow if he doesn't stop it now.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesA mentira é como uma bola de neve, quanto mais ______, ______ fica.
The standard proverb uses 'rola' (rolls) and 'maior' (bigger).
Which situation best fits: 'A mentira é como uma bola de neve'?
The proverb describes a situation that grows out of control due to deception.
João: 'Eu disse que terminei o relatório, mas nem comecei. O que eu faço?' Maria: 'Diga a verdade agora, porque...'
Maria is warning João that his lie will grow if he doesn't stop it now.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, it is universally understood in all Portuguese-speaking countries.
Technically yes (a positive snowball effect), but the proverb specifically refers to lies and negative consequences.
Using 'mais grande' instead of 'maior'.
It's neutral to formal. You can use it with friends or in a newspaper article.
You say 'O efeito bola de neve'.
Yes, 'rolar' is the verb for rolling.
'Fica' implies a change of state (becomes), which fits the growth of the snowball.
No, it can be about debt, problems, or even a viral video.
No, that means 'ice ball' and isn't used in this proverb.
There isn't a direct opposite, but 'A verdade liberta' (The truth sets you free) is a common contrasting sentiment.
Expressions liées
A mentira tem pernas curtas
synonymLies are easily caught.
Efeito bola de neve
builds onThe snowball effect.
Puxar o fio da meada
similarTo pull the thread of the story.
Cavar a própria cova
contrastTo dig one's own grave.
