Signification
To start something prematurely or make a hasty mistake at the beginning.
Contexte culturel
In the context of 'Churrasco' (BBQ), this phrase is a common joke. If someone eats all the appetizers and is full before the main meat is served, they 'queimaram a largada'. While used, the Portuguese in Europe tend to be slightly more literal or use 'precipitar-se'. However, due to Brazilian soap operas (telenovelas), the idiom is widely recognized. The phrase is used by sports commentators in Brazil for almost any sport, not just running, to describe a team that scores too early and then loses energy.
Use it for self-deprecation
Brazilians love people who can laugh at their own mistakes. Admitting 'Queimei a largada' makes you sound humble and fluent.
Not for literal fires
Never use this if something is actually burning. Use 'incêndio' or 'pegando fogo'.
Signification
To start something prematurely or make a hasty mistake at the beginning.
Use it for self-deprecation
Brazilians love people who can laugh at their own mistakes. Admitting 'Queimei a largada' makes you sound humble and fluent.
Not for literal fires
Never use this if something is actually burning. Use 'incêndio' or 'pegando fogo'.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
O João bebeu muito rápido e ________ a largada.
João is 'he' (ele), so the verb 'queimar' becomes 'queimou' in the past tense.
In which situation is 'queimar a largada' most appropriate?
Situation: You tell your friend the ending of a movie before they see it.
Telling a spoiler is acting prematurely, which fits the idiom.
What is the opposite of 'queimar a largada'?
If 'queimar a largada' is starting too early, what is starting too late?
'Perder o bonde' (missing the tram) means to miss an opportunity by being too slow.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Vou pedir demissão hoje!' B: 'Calma, você nem tem outro emprego. Não ________.'
The imperative 'não queime' is used for giving advice/orders.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Common Ways to 'Queimar a Largada'
Social
- • Drinking too fast
- • Arriving too early
- • Spoiling a surprise
Relationships
- • Saying 'I love you' too soon
- • Talking about marriage on day 1
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesO João bebeu muito rápido e ________ a largada.
João is 'he' (ele), so the verb 'queimar' becomes 'queimou' in the past tense.
Situation: You tell your friend the ending of a movie before they see it.
Telling a spoiler is acting prematurely, which fits the idiom.
If 'queimar a largada' is starting too early, what is starting too late?
'Perder o bonde' (missing the tram) means to miss an opportunity by being too slow.
A: 'Vou pedir demissão hoje!' B: 'Calma, você nem tem outro emprego. Não ________.'
The imperative 'não queime' is used for giving advice/orders.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
3 questionsYes, but it is much more common in Brazil. In Portugal, they might prefer 'precipitar-se'.
Yes, in internal meetings to describe a project that launched too early, but avoid it in formal contracts.
Yes, it always implies that the timing was an error, even if the intention was good.
Expressions liées
Pôr a carroça na frente dos bois
synonymTo put the cart before the horse.
Queimar o filme
similarTo ruin one's reputation.
Dar um passo maior que a perna
similarTo take a step bigger than your leg.
