Meaning
To admit defeat, concede a point, or change one's opinion after being wrong.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, 'dar o braço a torcer' is often linked to the concept of 'teimosia' (stubbornness). Being 'teimoso' is a common personality trait discussed in families, and 'dar o braço a torcer' is the cure. In Portugal, the phrase is used with similar frequency but often in a slightly more formal tone in media and political debates compared to the more casual Brazilian usage. The phrase is well-understood in Luanda and other urban centers, often appearing in literature to describe characters who are prideful. In modern Lusophone startups, giving 'o braço a torcer' is increasingly seen as a sign of 'agilidade' (agility) and 'open-mindedness' rather than weakness.
Use it in the negative
It is most powerful when describing someone else's stubbornness: 'Ele não dá o braço a torcer por nada!'
Softening the blow
Using this phrase makes your admission of error sound more like a social game and less like a humiliating defeat.
Meaning
To admit defeat, concede a point, or change one's opinion after being wrong.
Use it in the negative
It is most powerful when describing someone else's stubbornness: 'Ele não dá o braço a torcer por nada!'
Softening the blow
Using this phrase makes your admission of error sound more like a social game and less like a humiliating defeat.
Don't use for physical pain
If you actually hurt your arm, just say 'Machuquei o braço'.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'dar'.
Eu nunca _______ o braço a torcer, mas desta vez você tem razão.
The subject is 'Eu', so the verb 'dar' must be in the first person singular present tense.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?
Choose the correct option:
The standard idiom is 'dar o braço a torcer'.
Match the situation to the most likely use of the phrase.
A scientist finds that their 10-year theory is actually incorrect due to new data.
This situation involves admitting a long-held error, which is the perfect context for the idiom.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesEu nunca _______ o braço a torcer, mas desta vez você tem razão.
The subject is 'Eu', so the verb 'dar' must be in the first person singular present tense.
Choose the correct option:
The standard idiom is 'dar o braço a torcer'.
A scientist finds that their 10-year theory is actually incorrect due to new data.
This situation involves admitting a long-held error, which is the perfect context for the idiom.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's actually quite humble when used for yourself, and descriptive when used for others.
Yes, to show you are capable of learning from mistakes. 'Aprendi a dar o braço a torcer quando vejo uma solução melhor.'
'Ceder' is more formal and general. 'Dar o braço a torcer' specifically implies a struggle with one's own pride.
Yes, it is universally understood across all Portuguese-speaking countries.
Yes, that is the literal origin, though people will likely think you're being punny.
Only the verb and the possessive change: 'Eles não deram os braços a torcer' (though 'o braço' usually stays singular as a collective idiom).
Very. You will find it in classic literature and modern news articles alike.
Yes, like admitting a movie was actually good.
'Bater o pé' or 'ser irredutível'.
It implies the other person's arguments or the situation forced your logic to change, not physical force.
Related Phrases
Engolir o sapo
similarTo endure something unpleasant without complaining.
Bater o pé
contrastTo insist on something stubbornly.
Ceder terreno
similarTo give ground in a negotiation.
Reconhecer o erro
synonymTo recognize the mistake.
