Meaning
To settle down, establish oneself in a place, often implying marriage or stability.
Cultural Background
In states like Minas Gerais and Goiás, the phrase is used with deep affection for rural roots. It's not just about marriage, but about returning to the 'terra' (land) and finding peace. In rural Portugal, the literal meaning is still very much alive, but the figurative sense of being 'stubborn' or 'moody' is more prevalent than the 'settling down' sense used in Brazil. In Luanda, the phrase is understood but often replaced by more modern slang. However, in older generations, it still carries the weight of 'becoming a man of respect' by settling down. Younger urbanites use the phrase ironically or humorously, often to describe a friend who was a 'party animal' but is now staying home every weekend with a partner.
Use it for humor
Use this phrase when a friend who was a 'party animal' gets engaged. It shows you have a high level of cultural fluency and a sense of humor.
Regional differences
Remember: Brazil = Settling down; Portugal = Stubbornness. Check your location before using it to avoid confusion!
Meaning
To settle down, establish oneself in a place, often implying marriage or stability.
Use it for humor
Use this phrase when a friend who was a 'party animal' gets engaged. It shows you have a high level of cultural fluency and a sense of humor.
Regional differences
Remember: Brazil = Settling down; Portugal = Stubbornness. Check your location before using it to avoid confusion!
Rural flavor
Even in big cities, using this phrase makes you sound like a 'local' who appreciates the traditional, rural roots of the language.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'amarrar'.
Eles estão viajando há meses, mas no ano que vem eles vão ______ o burro em Portugal.
After the auxiliary 'vão' (ir), we use the infinitive form.
What is the most likely meaning of 'amarrar o burro' in a Brazilian wedding context?
O noivo finalmente amarrou o burro.
In Brazil, this is the primary figurative meaning in social contexts.
Match the situation to the correct use of the phrase.
Which situation best fits 'amarrar o burro'?
Stability and permanence are the core of this idiom.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
Mãe: 'Filho, você já tem 35 anos. Quando vai ______?' Filho: 'Calma, mãe! Ainda quero conhecer o mundo.'
The mother is asking when he will settle down.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEles estão viajando há meses, mas no ano que vem eles vão ______ o burro em Portugal.
After the auxiliary 'vão' (ir), we use the infinitive form.
O noivo finalmente amarrou o burro.
In Brazil, this is the primary figurative meaning in social contexts.
Which situation best fits 'amarrar o burro'?
Stability and permanence are the core of this idiom.
Mãe: 'Filho, você já tem 35 anos. Quando vai ______?' Filho: 'Calma, mãe! Ainda quero conhecer o mundo.'
The mother is asking when he will settle down.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's not offensive, but it is informal. It's like saying 'to tie the knot' in English—perfectly fine for friends, but maybe not for a formal speech.
Yes! Even though 'burro' is masculine, the idiom doesn't change. You would say 'Ela amarrou o burro'.
Not exclusively. It can also mean buying a house or staying in a job for a long time, though marriage is the most common context.
'Criar raízes' is more formal and poetic. 'Amarrar o burro' is more colloquial and has a rural, 'country' feel.
Yes, but be careful! In Portugal, it often means someone is being stubborn or is in a bad mood.
Probably not. It's too informal. Stick to 'estabelecer-se' or 'fixar residência'.
Because donkeys were the main transport in old Brazil. Tying your donkey meant you had finished your journey.
Yes, 'Eles amarraram o burro'. The verb conjugates, but 'o burro' usually stays singular unless they literally have multiple donkeys!
It's moderately common. You'll hear it more from people over 30 or in rural areas, but urban youth use it for humor.
The closest is 'to settle down'.
Related Phrases
Criar raízes
synonymTo put down roots.
Sossegar o facho
similarTo calm down / To stop being wild.
Pôr o pé na estrada
contrastTo set out on a journey.
Amarrar o bode
similarTo get in a bad mood.
