Meaning
Finally and definitively, so that it will not happen again.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, this phrase is often used to signal the end of 'enrolação' (stalling or being vague). It's a way to demand directness. In Portugal, the phrase is used with a sense of 'basta' (enough). It is common in political discourse regarding long-standing EU negotiations. Used frequently in post-conflict contexts to refer to the establishment of lasting peace. Common in educational contexts, encouraging students to master a difficult concept so they don't struggle later.
Use for emphasis
Save this phrase for when you really mean it. Using it for small things makes you sound overly dramatic.
Gender Agreement
Always use 'todas' (feminine plural). 'Todos' is a common mistake for English speakers.
Meaning
Finally and definitively, so that it will not happen again.
Use for emphasis
Save this phrase for when you really mean it. Using it for small things makes you sound overly dramatic.
Gender Agreement
Always use 'todas' (feminine plural). 'Todos' is a common mistake for English speakers.
The 'Basta' factor
In Brazil, accompany this phrase with a firm nod to show you are serious.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
Eu decidi que vou sair desta casa de uma vez por ______.
The phrase is fixed as 'de uma vez por todas'.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly in a professional context?
Choose the best option:
The phrase is used for definitive resolutions, like signing a final contract.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Você ainda está pensando em voltar com seu ex?' B: 'Não, eu terminei com ele ______.'
This is the standard way to express a final breakup.
Match the situation to the most likely use of the phrase.
Situation: A scientist finally proves a theory after 20 years of doubt.
The phrase fits the 'final proof' context perfectly.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEu decidi que vou sair desta casa de uma vez por ______.
The phrase is fixed as 'de uma vez por todas'.
Choose the best option:
The phrase is used for definitive resolutions, like signing a final contract.
A: 'Você ainda está pensando em voltar com seu ex?' B: 'Não, eu terminei com ele ______.'
This is the standard way to express a final breakup.
Situation: A scientist finally proves a theory after 20 years of doubt.
The phrase fits the 'final proof' context perfectly.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is always 'todas' because it refers to 'vezes' (times), which is feminine.
Yes, it is appropriate for professional contexts when you want to signal a final decision or resolution.
Not exactly. 'Finalmente' just means something happened after a long time. This phrase means it happened and won't change back.
Yes, it is used throughout the Lusophone world, including Portugal, Brazil, and Angola.
Yes, 'de uma vez' is a shorter version, but 'por todas' adds much more emphasis.
It can sound firm or exasperated, but not necessarily angry. It depends on your tone of voice.
The closest equivalent is 'once and for all'.
Yes! 'I won the lottery de uma vez por todas' (meaning your money problems are over).
It is neutral. It works in a bar or in a boardroom.
Idiomatically, 'por' is used here to show exchange or substitution (one time in place of all others).
Related Phrases
De vez
similarPermanently
Para sempre
synonymForever
Definitivamente
synonymDefinitively
Dar um basta
builds onTo put a stop to something
Ponto final
similarFull stop / Period
