Meaning
To enjoy the positive results of one's hard work.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, the phrase is often associated with 'meritocracia' (meritocracy), a widely debated topic. It is used to validate the success of someone who came from a humble background. In Portugal, there is a strong connection to the land. The phrase feels less like 'corporate speak' and more like a traditional piece of wisdom passed down through generations. In Angolan Portuguese, the phrase is used in post-conflict discourse to describe the benefits of peace and national reconstruction. Often used in the context of the diaspora; Cape Verdeans working abroad 'colhem os frutos' to help their families back home.
Use with 'Finalmente'
This phrase pairs perfectly with 'finalmente' (finally) to emphasize the long wait.
Don't say 'Colher as frutas'
Even though 'frutas' is more common for eating, the idiom strictly uses 'frutos'.
Meaning
To enjoy the positive results of one's hard work.
Use with 'Finalmente'
This phrase pairs perfectly with 'finalmente' (finally) to emphasize the long wait.
Don't say 'Colher as frutas'
Even though 'frutas' is more common for eating, the idiom strictly uses 'frutos'.
Job Interviews
This is a great phrase to use when asked about your greatest achievement.
Test Yourself
Preencha a lacuna com a forma correta do verbo 'colher'.
Eu finalmente _______ os frutos do meu esforço hoje.
The sentence is in the first person singular ('Eu'), so 'colho' is the correct present tense form.
Qual frase usa a expressão corretamente?
Escolha a opção correta:
The expression requires a previous effort (studying) to make sense figuratively.
Complete o diálogo de forma natural.
A: 'Nossa empresa cresceu muito este ano!' B: 'É verdade, estamos finalmente _________________.'
'Colhendo os frutos' is the standard idiom for business success.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesEu finalmente _______ os frutos do meu esforço hoje.
The sentence is in the first person singular ('Eu'), so 'colho' is the correct present tense form.
Escolha a opção correta:
The expression requires a previous effort (studying) to make sense figuratively.
A: 'Nossa empresa cresceu muito este ano!' B: 'É verdade, estamos finalmente _________________.'
'Colhendo os frutos' is the standard idiom for business success.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsTechnically yes, but it's rare. 'Colher o que semeou' is much better for negative consequences.
Both exist, but 'colher' is much more common for the idiom.
Eu colhi, você colheu, nós colhemos, eles colheram.
Yes, it is perfectly natural in both Portugal and Brazil.
It's better to say 'colher os frutos dos meus investimentos'.
Related Phrases
Colher o que semeou
similarTo reap what you sowed.
Dar frutos
builds onTo be productive.
Colher os louros
synonymTo reap the laurels.
Fazer por merecer
similarTo earn something.
