Meaning
To get hold of something or someone, often with difficulty.
Cultural Background
In Portugal, the phrase is heavily associated with the 'desenrascanço' culture—finding a way to get what you need against the odds. While understood, Brazilians often replace 'deitar' with 'pôr' or 'botar'. 'Deitar a mão' can sound a bit old-fashioned or very formal in some Brazilian states. In Angolan Portuguese, the phrase is used similarly to Portugal, often in the context of market trading and 'kandonga' (informal markets). In Mozambique, it is frequently used in news media when discussing the apprehension of suspects by the PRM (Police of the Republic of Mozambique).
Use with 'Finalmente'
This idiom sounds most natural when preceded by 'finalmente' (finally), as it emphasizes the effort taken to get the object.
Watch the Preposition
Never say 'deitar a mão em' in Portugal; it marks you immediately as a non-native or someone using Brazilian syntax.
Meaning
To get hold of something or someone, often with difficulty.
Use with 'Finalmente'
This idiom sounds most natural when preceded by 'finalmente' (finally), as it emphasizes the effort taken to get the object.
Watch the Preposition
Never say 'deitar a mão em' in Portugal; it marks you immediately as a non-native or someone using Brazilian syntax.
The Threatening Tone
Be careful using this with people. 'Se eu te deito a mão' is a common way to threaten a scolding or physical punishment.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct contraction (ao, à, aos, às).
Finalmente deitei a mão ___ chaves do carro!
'Chaves' is feminine plural, so 'a' + 'as' = 'às'.
Which situation best fits the idiom 'deitar a mão a'?
Qual destas situações é a mais adequada?
The idiom implies seizing a rare or difficult opportunity.
Complete the dialogue.
Polícia: 'Não te preocupes, nós vamos ______ ao culpado em breve.'
In the context of catching a criminal, 'deitar a mão' is the correct idiom.
Match the sentence to the meaning.
1. Deitar a mão ao dinheiro. 2. Deitar a mão ao ladrão. 3. Deitar a mão à oportunidade.
The idiom adapts its nuance based on the object.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesFinalmente deitei a mão ___ chaves do carro!
'Chaves' is feminine plural, so 'a' + 'as' = 'às'.
Qual destas situações é a mais adequada?
The idiom implies seizing a rare or difficult opportunity.
Polícia: 'Não te preocupes, nós vamos ______ ao culpado em breve.'
In the context of catching a criminal, 'deitar a mão' is the correct idiom.
1. Deitar a mão ao dinheiro. 2. Deitar a mão ao ladrão. 3. Deitar a mão à oportunidade.
The idiom adapts its nuance based on the object.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsGenerally, no. It implies catching someone who is running away or a culprit. Using it for a friend sounds like you are hunting them.
Both are possible, but 'deitar a mão' (singular) is the standard idiom. The plural version is more literal or emphasizes a struggle.
Yes, but 'pôr a mão em' is much more common in daily Brazilian speech. 'Deitar a mão' sounds more formal or literary there.
It's rare. It's better for physical objects or specific opportunities. For knowledge, use 'adquirir' or 'obter'.
'Apanhar' is a general verb for 'to catch'. 'Deitar a mão a' is more idiomatic and emphasizes the act of reaching out to seize something.
Related Phrases
Lançar mão de
similarTo make use of something.
Dar a mão
contrastTo help someone.
Mão na massa
builds onTo get to work.
Ter mão em
similarTo have control over.
