In 15 Seconds
- Hurry up or increase your pace to finish a task.
- Commonly used for deadlines, chores, or physical movement.
- A friendly way to encourage speed and extra effort.
Meaning
This phrase means to hurry up or put in extra effort to finish something quickly. It is like telling your legs to move faster so you can reach a goal or beat a deadline.
Key Examples
3 of 6Running late for a meeting with a friend
O filme começa às oito, temos de dar a perna!
The movie starts at eight, we have to hurry up!
Finishing a work project before the weekend
Vou dar a perna neste projeto para sair cedo.
I'm going to hustle on this project to leave early.
Texting a teammate about a group assignment
Pessoal, vamos dar a perna no trabalho? O prazo é amanhã!
Guys, shall we speed up the work? The deadline is tomorrow!
Cultural Background
This expression is deeply rooted in the Portuguese transition from a rural to an urban society. While it originally referred to physical walking speed, it adapted to the modern workplace. It captures the 'desrascanço' spirit—the Portuguese art of finding a quick solution under pressure.
The 'No' Connection
Always remember to contract 'em' with the article. It's 'dar a perna NO trabalho' (masculine) or 'NA tarefa' (feminine).
Don't be too literal
If you say this to a doctor about a leg injury, they might get confused. It's strictly about speed, not medical donation!
In 15 Seconds
- Hurry up or increase your pace to finish a task.
- Commonly used for deadlines, chores, or physical movement.
- A friendly way to encourage speed and extra effort.
What It Means
Dar a perna is all about speed and effort. You use it when you need to accelerate. It implies you are currently behind or just need to finish fast. Imagine you are walking and suddenly start power-walking. That is the energy of this idiom. It is not just about physical movement. It applies to work, chores, or even eating.
How To Use It
You usually say dar a perna followed by em or a. If you are finishing a report, you dá a perna no relatório. It works just like the verb "to hurry." You can use it as a command to yourself. You can also use it to encourage a friend. It is a very active, kinetic expression. It makes your speech sound much more natural.
When To Use It
Use it when the clock is ticking. Use it at the office when a deadline is approaching. Use it with friends if you are late for a movie. It is perfect for those "crunch time" moments. If you are hiking and the sun is setting, tell your group to dar a perna. It adds a sense of friendly urgency. It is less aggressive than just saying "hurry up."
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this in extremely formal ceremonies. Do not say it to your boss during a funeral. It is too casual for a legal contract. Also, do not use it for things that require slow precision. You wouldn't dar a perna while performing surgery. It implies a bit of a rush, which can mean lower quality. Use it for tasks where speed is the priority.
Cultural Background
Portuguese culture values social time, but deadlines are still real. This phrase reflects a hardworking spirit. It likely comes from the idea of lengthening your stride. In rural areas, it was about walking faster between villages. Today, it is the anthem of the busy city dweller. It shows you are committed to finishing the job.
Common Variations
You might hear dar aos calcanhares (give to the heels). Another common one is dar ao pedal (give to the pedal). Both mean exactly the same thing: move faster! In some regions, people just say dá-lhe gás. But dar a perna remains a classic favorite. It is relatable because everyone has legs and everyone has been late.
Usage Notes
This is a versatile B1-level idiom. It sits comfortably in the informal/neutral register, making it perfect for daily interactions and workplace camaraderie.
The 'No' Connection
Always remember to contract 'em' with the article. It's 'dar a perna NO trabalho' (masculine) or 'NA tarefa' (feminine).
Don't be too literal
If you say this to a doctor about a leg injury, they might get confused. It's strictly about speed, not medical donation!
The Pedal Alternative
If you want to sound even more 'street' or modern, try 'dar ao pedal'. It's the cycling version of the same idea.
Examples
6O filme começa às oito, temos de dar a perna!
The movie starts at eight, we have to hurry up!
Used here for physical movement/walking faster.
Vou dar a perna neste projeto para sair cedo.
I'm going to hustle on this project to leave early.
Refers to working faster to gain free time.
Pessoal, vamos dar a perna no trabalho? O prazo é amanhã!
Guys, shall we speed up the work? The deadline is tomorrow!
Great for motivating a group in a relaxed way.
A minha mãe disse para eu dar a perna na limpeza.
My mom told me to hurry up with the cleaning.
Commonly used for household chores.
Estás a andar como um caracol, dá lá a perna!
You're walking like a snail, get a move on!
A humorous nudge to someone being slow.
Tens de dar mais a perna se queres ganhar a corrida.
You have to push harder if you want to win the race.
Used in a literal sporting context for effort.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct preposition to complete the phrase.
Temos de dar a perna ___ serviço se queremos jantar fora.
We use 'no' (em + o) because 'serviço' is a masculine noun you are working 'on'.
Which situation best fits the use of 'dar a perna'?
O João está atrasado para o comboio, ele precisa de ___.
'Dar a perna' means to hurry, which is what you do when you are late for a train.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Scale of 'Dar a perna'
Too common for street slang
N/A
Perfect for friends and family
Dá a perna, estamos atrasados!
Good for casual office talk
Vamos dar a perna no relatório.
Avoid in speeches or legal docs
N/A
Where to 'Dar a Perna'
At the Gym
Finishing the last set fast
At the Office
Beating a 5 PM deadline
On the Street
Catching a bus
At Home
Cooking before guests arrive
Practice Bank
2 exercisesTemos de dar a perna ___ serviço se queremos jantar fora.
We use 'no' (em + o) because 'serviço' is a masculine noun you are working 'on'.
O João está atrasado para o comboio, ele precisa de ___.
'Dar a perna' means to hurry, which is what you do when you are late for a train.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's an idiom! It means to move your legs faster or work harder, like dar a perna no estudo to study faster.
Yes, if your relationship is friendly. You could say Vou dar a perna para terminar isto hoje to show you are working hard.
Not at all. You can dar a perna on a computer task, a drawing, or even while eating if you're in a rush.
Apressar-se is the standard verb for 'to hurry'. Dar a perna is more colorful and idiomatic.
It is more common in Portugal. In Brazil, you might hear dar um gás or correr atrás more often.
You conjugate the verb dar. For example: Eu dou a perna, Nós damos a perna, Eles deram a perna.
Sure! You can say Tu não deste nada a perna! to complain that someone was being lazy or slow.
Usually, it is dar à perna (with the accent) when used generally, but dar a perna em algo when specifying the task.
No, it's generally seen as energetic and proactive. Just don't shout it at a stranger!
Using it for slow, careful tasks. Don't say it if you want someone to be precise; it implies speed over perfection.
Related Phrases
Dar ao pedal (To hurry up/work hard)
Apressar o passo (To pick up the pace)
Fazer as coisas a correr (To do things in a rush)
Dar um gás (To put in extra effort/speed)
Pôr-se a mexer (To get moving)
