Meaning
To destroy all efforts or progress made, causing failure.
Cultural Background
In Portugal, 'deitar' is the standard verb for 'throwing away' (deitar fora). Thus, the idiom feels very literal: you are throwing your efforts into the trash. Brazilians often use 'pôr tudo a perder'. Using 'deitar' can sound a bit more formal or dramatic, like something from a soap opera (telenovela). In Angolan Portuguese, the phrase is used similarly to Portugal, often in the context of social reputation and family honor. The phrase is common in formal education and media, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and not giving up on one's 'caminho' (path).
Use with 'quase'
It's very common to say 'quase deitei tudo a perder' (I almost ruined everything) to show relief after a close call.
Reflexive Trap
Don't use 'deitar-se' (reflexive) with this idiom. It's always 'deitar [something] a perder'.
Meaning
To destroy all efforts or progress made, causing failure.
Use with 'quase'
It's very common to say 'quase deitei tudo a perder' (I almost ruined everything) to show relief after a close call.
Reflexive Trap
Don't use 'deitar-se' (reflexive) with this idiom. It's always 'deitar [something] a perder'.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
Nós trabalhámos meses nesta campanha, por isso não ______ tudo a perder agora com um erro básico.
The sentence uses the imperative/subjunctive to give a negative command/advice ('não deites').
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?
Select the correct option:
This follows the correct 'deitar [object] a perder' structure.
Match the situation to the phrase.
A team is winning 3-0 but loses focus and the game ends 3-3.
The team ruined their lead and progress.
Fill in the missing line.
A: 'O que aconteceu com o teu namoro?' B: 'Infelizmente, ______.'
Jealousy (ciúmes) is a common reason to ruin a relationship.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNós trabalhámos meses nesta campanha, por isso não ______ tudo a perder agora com um erro básico.
The sentence uses the imperative/subjunctive to give a negative command/advice ('não deites').
Select the correct option:
This follows the correct 'deitar [object] a perder' structure.
A team is winning 3-0 but loses focus and the game ends 3-3.
The team ruined their lead and progress.
A: 'O que aconteceu com o teu namoro?' B: 'Infelizmente, ______.'
Jealousy (ciúmes) is a common reason to ruin a relationship.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, but 'pôr tudo a perder' is more common in daily conversation. 'Deitar' sounds slightly more formal or literary in Brazil.
Not really. It implies a significant loss of effort or a major failure. For small things, use 'estragar'.
'Deitar tudo a perder' focuses on the failure/loss, while 'jogar tudo fora' focuses on the waste of something that was still good.
Related Phrases
Pôr tudo a perder
synonymTo put everything to loss.
Jogar tudo fora
similarTo throw everything away.
Ir tudo por água abaixo
similarTo go down the drain.
Dar um tiro no pé
similarTo shoot oneself in the foot.
