B1 Idiom カジュアル 4分で読める

meter a cara

To face up to

直訳: to meter the face

15秒でわかる

  • Face challenges head-on, even when scared.
  • Show your face and take responsibility.
  • Implies bravery and direct confrontation.
  • Common in informal, everyday Portuguese.

意味

怖がっていても、果敢に挑戦に立ち向かうこと。それは、困難にひるまず、責任を取り、状況に直接立ち向かうことを意味します。

主な例文

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1

Texting a friend about a tough decision

Acho que vou `meter a cara` e pedir aquele aumento.

I think I'm going to face up to it and ask for that raise.

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2

Instagram caption for a travel vlog

Essa trilha era super difícil, mas tive que `meter a cara` pra ver a vista! Valeu a pena!

This trail was super hard, but I had to face up to it to see the view! It was worth it!

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>
3

Job interview on Zoom

Sei que a pergunta é complicada, mas vou `meter a cara` e responder com honestidade.

I know the question is complicated, but I'll face up to it and answer honestly.

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>
🌍

文化的背景

In Brazil, 'meter a cara' is often associated with the 'vendedor' (salesperson) spirit—the idea that you can sell anything or achieve anything if you just have the 'cara de pau' (audacity) to try. In Portugal, the phrase is slightly more associated with 'frontalidade' (being direct). It is a valued trait to 'meter a cara' rather than talking behind someone's back. In Luanda, 'meter a cara' can also imply showing up at a party or social event where you weren't necessarily invited but want to be seen. Similar to Brazil, it is used to describe the resilience of people starting small businesses (informal markets) in challenging economic conditions.

🎯

Use with 'nos livros'

If you want to impress Brazilians, use 'meter a cara nos livros' when talking about your Portuguese studies.

⚠️

Not for funerals

The verb 'meter' is too informal for very somber or highly formal ceremonies.

15秒でわかる

  • Face challenges head-on, even when scared.
  • Show your face and take responsibility.
  • Implies bravery and direct confrontation.
  • Common in informal, everyday Portuguese.

What It Means

This isn't about applying makeup or checking your reflection! Meter a cara means to step up and face a challenge directly. It’s about showing your face, literally and figuratively, when things are tough. You’re not hiding; you’re confronting the situation head-on. It carries a vibe of courage and sometimes a bit of resignation, like, "Okay, here I go!"

Origin Story

The origin isn't tied to a specific historical event or famous quote. Instead, it likely comes from everyday folk wisdom, visualizing the act of physically putting your face forward. Imagine soldiers charging into battle or someone stepping into a ring – they meter a cara. It’s a very visual metaphor for confronting something directly, using your most visible feature, your face, as a symbol of your presence and willingness to engage. It’s like saying, "I’m here, and I’m dealing with this!"

How To Use It

Use meter a cara when you need to be brave. It fits when you have to confront a problem, take a risk, or deal with an uncomfortable truth. Think about situations where hesitation is an option, but you choose action instead. It’s great for those moments you feel a bit scared but know you have to push through. It’s your go-to phrase for showing guts!

Real-Life Examples

  • Job Interview: "I was nervous about the interview, but I decided to meter a cara and give it my best shot."
  • Difficult Conversation: "She didn't want to tell him the bad news, but she knew she had to meter a cara."
  • Starting a Business: "Launching a new venture is scary, but you have to meter a cara and believe in your idea."
  • Social Media: "That troll was being awful, so I decided to meter a cara and reply politely. (Spoiler: it didn't help.)"
  • Gaming: "The final boss was insane! I had to meter a cara and try a new strategy."

When To Use It

This phrase is perfect for moments of decision and action. Use it when you're about to take a leap of faith. It applies to facing fears, admitting mistakes, or tackling daunting tasks. Think of it as the verbal equivalent of a deep breath before a plunge. It signals your commitment to facing whatever comes next, with courage and resolve. It’s like telling yourself, "No more excuses, time to act!"

When NOT To Use It

Avoid meter a cara when you're already in control or when the situation is simple. It’s not for everyday, mundane tasks like brushing your teeth (unless you *really* hate brushing your teeth, then maybe!). Don't use it for situations requiring careful planning and strategy *before* action. It implies a direct confrontation, not a meticulous process. Also, it’s not for situations where you should be cautious or avoid confrontation altogether. It’s not a magic spell to make problems disappear; it’s about facing them.

Common Mistakes

A frequent slip-up is using it when a simpler phrase would do. For instance, saying "I need to meter a cara to buy milk" sounds ridiculous. Another mistake is confusing it with just showing up. Meter a cara implies facing a *challenge*. It’s not just about being present; it’s about confronting difficulty. Remember, it’s about courage, not just attendance.

Similar Expressions

  • Encarar o problema: To face the problem. Very direct.
  • Dar a cara a tapa: Literally, to give the face to the slap. Similar boldness.
  • Tomar coragem: To take courage. Focuses on the internal feeling.
  • Ir pra cima: To go for it. More about aggressive action.

Memory Trick

💡

Picture yourself literally pushing your face through a wall. Ouch! That’s how tough it might feel to meter a cara sometimes. The "meter" part sounds a bit like "meter" (to put in), so you're putting your face *in* the situation. It’s a bit silly, but it sticks! Just don’t *actually* meter your face through a wall; that’s what meter a cara is for! 😉

Quick FAQ

  • Is it always about danger? No, it can be for any difficult task, like asking for a raise.
  • Does it mean you'll succeed? Not necessarily. It means you'll try bravely.
  • Can I use it with friends? Yes, it's very common in casual chats.
  • What if I'm really scared? That's exactly when you'd use it! It acknowledges the fear.

使い方のコツ

This is a distinctly informal idiom, best used in casual conversation among friends, family, or colleagues you know well. Avoid it in formal writing, official speeches, or when speaking to authority figures you don't know personally. It carries a sense of grit and bravery, so ensure the context truly calls for confronting a challenge.

🎯

Use with 'nos livros'

If you want to impress Brazilians, use 'meter a cara nos livros' when talking about your Portuguese studies.

⚠️

Not for funerals

The verb 'meter' is too informal for very somber or highly formal ceremonies.

💬

The 'Cara de Pau' connection

Someone who 'mete a cara' often has a bit of 'cara de pau' (audacity/shamelessness), which is often seen as a positive trait for success.

例文

12
#1 Texting a friend about a tough decision
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Acho que vou `meter a cara` e pedir aquele aumento.

I think I'm going to face up to it and ask for that raise.

Here, `meter a cara` emphasizes the bravery needed to confront the boss about a raise.

#2 Instagram caption for a travel vlog
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Essa trilha era super difícil, mas tive que `meter a cara` pra ver a vista! Valeu a pena!

This trail was super hard, but I had to face up to it to see the view! It was worth it!

Used to describe facing a physical challenge for a reward.

#3 Job interview on Zoom
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

Sei que a pergunta é complicada, mas vou `meter a cara` e responder com honestidade.

I know the question is complicated, but I'll face up to it and answer honestly.

Shows professionalism and willingness to tackle a difficult question directly.

#4 Discussing a friend's breakup
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M4.318 6.318a4.5 4.5 0 000 6.364L12 20.364l7.682-7.682a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364-6.364L12 7.636l-1.318-1.318a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364 0z"/></svg>

Ele precisa `meter a cara` e conversar com ela sobre o que aconteceu.

He needs to face up to it and talk to her about what happened.

Highlights the emotional difficulty and necessity of confronting a relationship issue.

#5 WhatsApp message about a difficult project
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

O prazo tá apertado, mas a gente vai ter que `meter a cara` e terminar isso hoje.

The deadline is tight, but we're going to have to face up to it and finish this today.

Emphasizes the need for direct action and hard work under pressure.

#6 Explaining a mistake to a colleague
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

Eu errei feio. Preciso `meter a cara` e contar a verdade pra chefe.

I messed up badly. I need to face up to it and tell the boss the truth.

Shows accountability and the courage to admit a fault.

#7 Humorous take on a diet
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Essa dieta é cruel! Mas hoje eu vou `meter a cara` e comer só salada. Que sacrifício!

This diet is cruel! But today I'll face up to it and eat only salad. What a sacrifice!

A lighthearted, slightly exaggerated use for a difficult but self-imposed task.

Mistake: Using it for a simple task よくある間違い
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

✗ Preciso `meter a cara` para ir ao supermercado. → ✓ Preciso ir ao supermercado.

✗ I need to face up to it to go to the supermarket. → ✓ I need to go to the supermarket.

This is a mistake because going to the supermarket isn't usually a challenge requiring bravery.

Mistake: Confusing with just showing up よくある間違い
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

✗ Ele vai `meter a cara` na festa. → ✓ Ele vai à festa.

✗ He will face up to the party. → ✓ He will go to the party.

This is wrong because 'meter a cara' implies facing difficulty, not just attending an event.

#10 Vlogger facing a technical issue
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

A live travou de novo! Que ódio! Mas vamos `meter a cara` e tentar consertar.

The live stream froze again! So annoying! But let's face up to it and try to fix it.

Used to rally and tackle a frustrating technical problem.

#11 Facing a difficult exam
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M4.318 6.318a4.5 4.5 0 000 6.364L12 20.364l7.682-7.682a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364-6.364L12 7.636l-1.318-1.318a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364 0z"/></svg>

A prova de física é amanhã e eu não estudei nada. Vou ter que `meter a cara` e fazer o meu melhor.

The physics exam is tomorrow and I haven't studied at all. I'll have to face up to it and do my best.

Highlights the bravery needed to face a challenging academic situation with minimal preparation.

#12 Responding to a negative online comment
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Vi um comentário super maldoso sobre meu post. Decidi `meter a cara` e responder educadamente.

I saw a really mean comment about my post. I decided to face up to it and reply politely.

Shows courage in confronting online negativity directly and with composure.

自分をテスト

Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'meter a cara'.

Eu não sabia nada de marketing, mas _______ e abri minha agência.

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: meti a cara

The sentence is in the past (abri), so the verb 'meter' must be in the Pretérito Perfeito 'meti'.

Which situation best fits the idiom 'meter a cara'?

Qual situação combina com 'meter a cara'?

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: Ir a uma entrevista de emprego mesmo sem experiência.

'Meter a cara' implies taking initiative and facing a challenge despite being unprepared.

Complete the dialogue.

A: 'O chefe está muito bravo com o atraso do projeto.' B: 'Eu sei. Vou lá agora ________ e explicar o que aconteceu.'

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: meter a cara

'Meter a cara' is used here for confronting a difficult person/situation. 'Meter o nariz' is being nosy, and 'meter o pé' means to leave quickly.

Match the phrase to the meaning.

Match 'Meter a cara nos livros' with its meaning.

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: To study very hard

In Brazil, this specific variation always refers to intense studying.

🎉 スコア: /4

ビジュアル学習ツール

When to Meter a Cara

💼

Work

  • New projects
  • Interviews
  • Presentations
📚

Study

  • Exams
  • New languages
  • Research
🤝

Social

  • Apologies
  • First dates
  • Difficult talks

練習問題バンク

4 問題
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'meter a cara'. Fill Blank B1

Eu não sabia nada de marketing, mas _______ e abri minha agência.

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: meti a cara

The sentence is in the past (abri), so the verb 'meter' must be in the Pretérito Perfeito 'meti'.

Which situation best fits the idiom 'meter a cara'? Choose A2

Qual situação combina com 'meter a cara'?

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: Ir a uma entrevista de emprego mesmo sem experiência.

'Meter a cara' implies taking initiative and facing a challenge despite being unprepared.

Complete the dialogue. dialogue_completion B1

A: 'O chefe está muito bravo com o atraso do projeto.' B: 'Eu sei. Vou lá agora ________ e explicar o que aconteceu.'

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: meter a cara

'Meter a cara' is used here for confronting a difficult person/situation. 'Meter o nariz' is being nosy, and 'meter o pé' means to leave quickly.

Match the phrase to the meaning. situation_matching B1

Match 'Meter a cara nos livros' with its meaning.

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: To study very hard

In Brazil, this specific variation always refers to intense studying.

🎉 スコア: /4

ビデオチュートリアル

このフレーズに関するYouTubeの動画チュートリアルを探す。

よくある質問

10 問

No, it's not rude, but it is informal. It's like saying 'go for it' or 'dive in' in English.

Only if you have a relaxed relationship. In a formal review, use 'assumir desafios' instead.

'Meter' is about the initiative of starting; 'Dar' is about the bravery of facing consequences.

Yes, it is widely understood and used in Portugal, though 'dar a cara' is slightly more frequent there.

Yes, literally it means to eat greedily, but it's less common than the figurative meanings.

Nós metemos a cara.

It's on the border between a common idiom and informal slang. Safe for friends and family.

The verb 'meter' alone can, but the full phrase 'meter a cara' does not. It's safe.

Yes! In Brazil, 'meter a cara nos livros' is the standard way to say study hard.

'Amarelar' (to turn yellow/chicken out) or 'meter o pé' (to leave).

関連フレーズ

🔗

dar a cara

similar

To take responsibility

🔗

cara a tapa

specialized form

To expose oneself to criticism

🔗

meter o pé

contrast

To leave or run away

🔗

meter o bedelho

similar

To interfere

🔄

botar a cara

synonym

To show up / To dive in

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