Meaning
To charge a very high price or exploit someone financially.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, this phrase is very common in urban centers where consumer rights are a frequent topic of discussion. While understood, Portuguese speakers might prefer 'ser um roubo' for the same situation. In rural areas, the literal meaning is still closer to the surface, making the idiom feel even more intense. Using this phrase in a meeting is a sign of extreme frustration and a breakdown of professional decorum.
Context is key
Only use this with friends. It's a strong, emotional phrase.
Don't be literal
Never use this to talk about actual skinning or violence.
Meaning
To charge a very high price or exploit someone financially.
Context is key
Only use this with friends. It's a strong, emotional phrase.
Don't be literal
Never use this to talk about actual skinning or violence.
Use with 'meu'
Say 'arrancaram o MEU couro' to make it personal and more impactful.
Haggling
This phrase is often used when you fail to haggle a better price.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct idiom.
Fui ao dentista e ele cobrou uma fortuna. Ele realmente ___________!
The context of 'cobrou uma fortuna' (charged a fortune) requires the idiom for overcharging.
Which situation is appropriate for 'arrancar o couro'?
Choose the best scenario:
The idiom is used for unfair, high prices.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'O aluguel subiu muito!' B: 'Sim, o proprietário está ___________.'
The context of a rent increase implies exploitation.
Match the feeling to the phrase.
Feeling: Indignation at a high price.
This idiom is the standard way to express financial indignation.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesFui ao dentista e ele cobrou uma fortuna. Ele realmente ___________!
The context of 'cobrou uma fortuna' (charged a fortune) requires the idiom for overcharging.
Choose the best scenario:
The idiom is used for unfair, high prices.
A: 'O aluguel subiu muito!' B: 'Sim, o proprietário está ___________.'
The context of a rent increase implies exploitation.
Feeling: Indignation at a high price.
This idiom is the standard way to express financial indignation.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, it is too informal and aggressive for a professional setting.
Yes, it is almost exclusively used for financial exploitation.
They are synonyms in this context; both are perfectly fine.
It is not a swear word, but it is strong language. Use it with people you know well.
No, that would be sarcastic and confusing.
Yes, but it is more common in Brazil.
The imagery is violent, but the meaning is purely financial.
It follows regular verb conjugation for 'arrancar'.
It is grammatically possible but less natural than 'arrancaram o meu couro'.
Use 'preços abusivos' or 'exploração financeira'.
Yes, it is very common in comments sections complaining about prices.
The phrase itself doesn't change, but the subject can be plural.
Related Phrases
Cobrar os olhos da cara
synonymTo charge an exorbitant price.
Ser um roubo
similarTo be a robbery (very expensive).
Preço abusivo
contrastAbusive price.
Pagar o pato
builds onTo pay the price for someone else's mistake.
