A1 Idiom Informal

Dar uma de João sem braço.

To act like John without an arm.

Meaning

To pretend to be ignorant or incapable to avoid responsibility.

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Cultural Background

It is a very common expression in everyday life, often used with a wink or a smile. The phrase is understood but less common than in Brazil; Portuguese speakers might prefer 'fazer-se de parvo'.

🎯

Use it with a smile

Because it's informal, using it with a smile makes it sound like a joke rather than an insult.

Meaning

To pretend to be ignorant or incapable to avoid responsibility.

🎯

Use it with a smile

Because it's informal, using it with a smile makes it sound like a joke rather than an insult.

Test Yourself

Complete the phrase.

Ele sempre __________ de João sem braço quando precisa trabalhar.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: dá uma

The correct idiom is 'dar uma de'.

🎉 Score: /1

Visual Learning Aids

Practice Bank

1 exercises
Complete the phrase. Fill Blank A1

Ele sempre __________ de João sem braço quando precisa trabalhar.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: dá uma

The correct idiom is 'dar uma de'.

🎉 Score: /1

Frequently Asked Questions

1 questions

No, it's too informal and can be seen as disrespectful.

Related Phrases

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Fazer-se de desentendido

synonym

To act like you don't understand.

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Empurrar com a barriga

similar

To procrastinate.

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