15초 만에
- Face challenges head-on, even when scared.
- Show your face and take responsibility.
- Implies bravery and direct confrontation.
- Common in informal, everyday Portuguese.
뜻
두려울 때에도 용기를 내어 어려움에 정면으로 맞서는 것을 의미합니다. 이는 직접 상황에 맞서고 책임을 지며, 난관 앞에서 물러서지 않는 것을 뜻합니다.
주요 예문
3 / 12Texting 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.
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!
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.
문화적 배경
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.
15초 만에
- 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 caraand 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 caraand believe in your idea." - Social Media: "That troll was being awful, so I decided to
meter a caraand reply politely. (Spoiler: it didn't help.)" - Gaming: "The final boss was insane! I had to
meter a caraand 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.
사용 참고사항
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.
예시
12Acho 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
✗ 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.
✗ 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.
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.
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.
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.
셀프 테스트
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'meter a cara'.
Eu não sabia nada de marketing, mas _______ e abri minha agência.
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'?
'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.'
'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.
In Brazil, this specific variation always refers to intense studying.
🎉 점수: /4
시각 학습 자료
When to Meter a Cara
Work
- • New projects
- • Interviews
- • Presentations
Study
- • Exams
- • New languages
- • Research
Social
- • Apologies
- • First dates
- • Difficult talks
연습 문제 은행
4 연습 문제Eu não sabia nada de marketing, mas _______ e abri minha agência.
The sentence is in the past (abri), so the verb 'meter' must be in the Pretérito Perfeito 'meti'.
Qual situação combina com 'meter a cara'?
'Meter a cara' implies taking initiative and facing a challenge despite being unprepared.
A: 'O chefe está muito bravo com o atraso do projeto.' B: 'Eu sei. Vou lá agora ________ e explicar o que aconteceu.'
'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 'Meter a cara nos livros' with its meaning.
In Brazil, this specific variation always refers to intense studying.
🎉 점수: /4
비디오 튜토리얼
이 표현에 대한 YouTube 동영상 강좌를 찾아보세요.
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문No, 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).
관련 표현
dar a cara
similarTo take responsibility
cara a tapa
specialized formTo expose oneself to criticism
meter o pé
contrastTo leave or run away
meter o bedelho
similarTo interfere
botar a cara
synonymTo show up / To dive in