Meaning
To accidentally reveal a secret or speak out of turn.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, the phrase is often associated with 'fofoca' (gossip). Brazilians are generally very communicative, and 'dar com a língua nos dentes' is often seen as a minor, forgivable social slip rather than a grave betrayal. In Portugal, the phrase is equally common but can sometimes carry a slightly more critical tone regarding one's ability to be 'discreto' (discreet). In Angolan Portuguese, idioms are often used with great flair in music (Kuduro/Semba). You might hear variations of this in lyrics about neighborhood drama. Similar to other Lusophone countries, but often used in the context of community and family loyalty. Revealing a family secret is a significant event.
Use it to apologize
If you accidentally say something wrong, immediately saying 'Desculpe, dei com a língua nos dentes' makes you sound very natural and humble.
Watch the 'com'
Don't forget the 'com'. Without it, the phrase is grammatically incorrect.
Meaning
To accidentally reveal a secret or speak out of turn.
Use it to apologize
If you accidentally say something wrong, immediately saying 'Desculpe, dei com a língua nos dentes' makes you sound very natural and humble.
Watch the 'com'
Don't forget the 'com'. Without it, the phrase is grammatically incorrect.
Brazil vs Portugal
In Brazil, you can also say 'falar demais'. In Portugal, 'dar com a língua nos dentes' is very standard for all ages.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'dar'.
Ontem, eu ______ com a língua nos dentes sobre a surpresa.
'Ontem' (yesterday) requires the past tense (Pretérito Perfeito). The subject 'eu' takes 'dei'.
Which situation best fits the idiom?
When would you say someone 'deu com a língua nos dentes'?
The idiom is figurative and refers to revealing secrets, not physical actions.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Você contou para a Maria?' B: 'Sim, desculpe, eu ______.'
This is the appropriate idiom for admitting you told a secret.
Match the phrase to the context.
Match 'Não dê com a língua nos dentes!' to its meaning.
It is a common warning used to ensure someone keeps a secret.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs Informal
Practice Bank
4 exercisesOntem, eu ______ com a língua nos dentes sobre a surpresa.
'Ontem' (yesterday) requires the past tense (Pretérito Perfeito). The subject 'eu' takes 'dei'.
When would you say someone 'deu com a língua nos dentes'?
The idiom is figurative and refers to revealing secrets, not physical actions.
A: 'Você contou para a Maria?' B: 'Sim, desculpe, eu ______.'
This is the appropriate idiom for admitting you told a secret.
Match 'Não dê com a língua nos dentes!' to its meaning.
It is a common warning used to ensure someone keeps a secret.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's not rude. It's informal and can even be used self-deprecatingly when you make a mistake.
Probably not. Use 'revelar informações' instead to sound more professional.
The past tense (Pretérito Perfeito) like 'dei' or 'deu', because usually, you only realize you've done it after the secret is out.
Not of this specific phrase, but 'abrir o bico' is a shorter alternative idiom.
99% of the time, yes. It refers to information that should have stayed inside the mouth.
Yes! It's very common when someone accidentally ruins a surprise party or gift.
Yes, it is universally understood from Brazil to Timor-Leste.
You say: 'Eu não quis dar com a língua nos dentes' or 'Foi sem querer'.
The opposite would be 'guardar segredo' (to keep a secret) or 'ficar de bico calado' (to keep one's beak shut).
Literally, yes, if you actually hit your tongue on your teeth, but people will likely think you are joking about a secret first.
Related Phrases
Abrir o bico
synonymTo open the beak / to confess
Língua comprida
similarLong tongue
Guardar segredo
contrastTo keep a secret
Falar demais
similarTo talk too much
Bico calado
contrastBeak shut
