Signification
To overcome a difficult situation or setback and recover successfully.
Contexte culturel
The phrase is the title of one of the most famous Sambas ever written. It is often quoted in motivational speeches and is considered a core part of the 'Brazilian spirit' of never giving up. In Portugal, the phrase is common but you might also hear 'dar a volta ao texto' (to turn the text around), meaning to find a clever way to change an argument or situation. Used frequently in music (Kuduro and Semba) to describe the resilience of the people after the civil war. Often used in political discourse to describe national recovery after natural disasters like cyclones.
Use with 'conseguir'
To sound more natural, use 'conseguir' (to manage to). 'Ele conseguiu dar a volta por cima'.
Don't pluralize
Never say 'dar as voltas por cima'. It's always singular.
Signification
To overcome a difficult situation or setback and recover successfully.
Use with 'conseguir'
To sound more natural, use 'conseguir' (to manage to). 'Ele conseguiu dar a volta por cima'.
Don't pluralize
Never say 'dar as voltas por cima'. It's always singular.
The Samba connection
If you mention the song by Paulo Vanzolini, Brazilians will be very impressed with your cultural knowledge!
Teste-toi
Conjugate the verb 'dar' in the Pretérito Perfeito (Past).
O time perdia por 2 a 0, mas no final eles _______ a volta por cima.
The subject is 'eles' (the team/they), so the past plural form is 'deram'.
Which situation best fits the idiom?
Quando usamos 'dar a volta por cima'?
The idiom is specifically about overcoming setbacks.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: 'Sinto muito pelo seu divórcio.' B: 'Obrigado, mas não se preocupe. Eu vou _______.'
'Dar a volta por cima' is the only one that means 'to recover/overcome'.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesO time perdia por 2 a 0, mas no final eles _______ a volta por cima.
The subject is 'eles' (the team/they), so the past plural form is 'deram'.
Quando usamos 'dar a volta por cima'?
The idiom is specifically about overcoming setbacks.
A: 'Sinto muito pelo seu divórcio.' B: 'Obrigado, mas não se preocupe. Eu vou _______.'
'Dar a volta por cima' is the only one that means 'to recover/overcome'.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with friends, but also in a business meeting or a newspaper article.
It's better for big things. Using it for small things sounds like you are being a 'drama queen'.
In Brazil, 'dar a volta' usually means to physically go around something. 'Por cima' adds the figurative meaning of success.
You say: 'Eu vou dar a volta por cima'.
Expressions liées
Superar
synonymTo overcome.
Renascer das cinzas
similarTo rise from the ashes.
Dar o troco
contrastTo get revenge.
Sacudir a poeira
builds onTo shake off the dust.
