Meaning
To be very old, sick, or near death; or something nearing its end.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, this phrase is often used with a sense of dark humor, especially among older generations. The usage is similar to Brazil, but it might be considered slightly more traditional or conservative in tone. Used in urban settings to describe failing infrastructure or businesses. Used in similar contexts to describe the end of a process or the decline of something.
Be careful with the tone
This is a very blunt idiom. Only use it with people you know well.
Use it for things, not just people
It's very common to use this for failing businesses or old cars.
Meaning
To be very old, sick, or near death; or something nearing its end.
Be careful with the tone
This is a very blunt idiom. Only use it with people you know well.
Use it for things, not just people
It's very common to use this for failing businesses or old cars.
Dark humor
In Brazil, this is often used as a joke. Don't be offended if someone uses it about themselves.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
Aquele negócio está ___________, ele vai fechar logo.
The idiom for a failing business is 'estar com o pé na cova'.
Choose the best situation to use this idiom.
When is it appropriate to use 'estar com o pé na cova'?
The idiom describes terminal states or imminent failure.
Match the idiom to its meaning.
Match 'Estar com o pé na cova' to its meaning.
The idiom is a metaphor for the end of life or a process.
Complete the dialogue.
A: O que aconteceu com o seu computador antigo? B: ___________.
The context implies the computer is old and failing.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesAquele negócio está ___________, ele vai fechar logo.
The idiom for a failing business is 'estar com o pé na cova'.
When is it appropriate to use 'estar com o pé na cova'?
The idiom describes terminal states or imminent failure.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
The idiom is a metaphor for the end of life or a process.
A: O que aconteceu com o seu computador antigo? B: ___________.
The context implies the computer is old and failing.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it is too strong. Use it only for terminal or very serious situations.
It can be, if used in the wrong context. Avoid it in professional or sensitive settings.
'Cova' is much more common in everyday speech.
Absolutely not. It is too informal and morbid.
No, it is very common for businesses, projects, and old objects.
It represents the physical act of stepping into the grave.
Yes, it is widely understood in all of them.
You could, but the idiom is 'um pé'. Using 'dois' sounds like they are already dead.
No, it is very informal.
Only the verb 'estar' changes.
Related Phrases
Estar nas últimas
synonymTo be at the end of one's resources.
Bater as botas
similarTo die.
Ir para o beleléu
similarTo go to ruin/die.
Dar o último suspiro
similarTo take one's last breath.
