Signification
To be very aggressive, determined, or ready to fight.
Contexte culturel
In Brazil, this phrase is a staple of 'futebol' culture. It is used by fans and players alike to demand more effort. It's linked to the concept of 'raça' (spirit/grit). In Portugal, the phrase is understood but can sound a bit more 'dramatic' or 'old-fashioned' compared to its daily use in Brazil. It's often reserved for truly epic struggles. In Angolan Portuguese, while the phrase is known, you might also hear metaphors involving the strength of the lion or the resilience of the land to express similar determination. In the 'Faria Lima' (financial district) culture of São Paulo, this phrase is used to describe a 'shark' mentality in business deals.
Use for motivation
It's a great phrase to use when you want to pump up your friends before a challenge.
Don't be too literal
Never use this if you are actually angry at someone in a dangerous way; it might be taken as a threat.
Signification
To be very aggressive, determined, or ready to fight.
Use for motivation
It's a great phrase to use when you want to pump up your friends before a challenge.
Don't be too literal
Never use this if you are actually angry at someone in a dangerous way; it might be taken as a threat.
Sports context
If you are watching a game with Brazilians, shouting 'Faca nos dentes!' will make you sound like a local.
Regional Pronunciation
Remember that 'dentes' ends in a 'chi' sound in most of Brazil, but a 't' sound in Portugal.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'estar'.
Nós ________ com a faca nos dentes para ganhar o campeonato.
The subject is 'Nós' (We), so the verb must be 'estamos'.
Which situation is MOST appropriate for this idiom?
When would you say someone is 'com a faca nos dentes'?
The idiom describes intense determination and competitiveness.
Choose the best response for the dialogue.
Manager: 'A apresentação é amanhã. Você está preparado?' Employee: 'Sim, chefe. _________________.'
This shows the employee is highly motivated and ready for the challenge.
Match the phrase variation to its intensity.
Which phrase is the MOST intense/aggressive?
'Faca na caveira' is a military-grade version of the idiom and is considered the most extreme.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Where to use it
Good Contexts
- • Football
- • Sales
- • Exams
Bad Contexts
- • Funerals
- • First Dates
- • Lullabies
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesNós ________ com a faca nos dentes para ganhar o campeonato.
The subject is 'Nós' (We), so the verb must be 'estamos'.
When would you say someone is 'com a faca nos dentes'?
The idiom describes intense determination and competitiveness.
Manager: 'A apresentação é amanhã. Você está preparado?' Employee: 'Sim, chefe. _________________.'
This shows the employee is highly motivated and ready for the challenge.
Which phrase is the MOST intense/aggressive?
'Faca na caveira' is a military-grade version of the idiom and is considered the most extreme.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is informal but not rude. It's common in sports and business, but avoid it in very formal or sensitive settings.
Yes! The phrase is gender-neutral. 'Ela está com a faca nos dentes.'
Not necessarily. It means you are determined. You can be 'com a faca nos dentes' and still be happy, just very focused.
Yes, but it's much more common in Brazil.
They are almost the same. 'Faca nos dentes' implies readiness for action, while 'sangue nos olhos' implies a fierce look or desire.
No, that would be a joke and wouldn't make sense as an idiom.
It's better to use it *about* your preparation to a friend, rather than saying it directly to the interviewer, unless the vibe is very casual.
In its idiomatic sense, no. It implies metaphorical aggression (competitiveness).
Nós estamos com a faca nos dentes.
Sometimes people just say 'Faca nos dentes!' as an exclamation.
Expressions liées
Sangue nos olhos
synonymTo have blood in the eyes
Faca na caveira
specialized formKnife in the skull
Dar o sangue
similarTo give blood
Vender caro a derrota
builds onTo sell the defeat dearly
Comer grama
similarTo eat grass
