Meaning
Be in a vulnerable or critical situation, facing a threat or challenge.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, 'estar em xeque' is a favorite of 'jornalismo investigativo'. It's often used to describe the 'Operação Jato Jato' era, where many politicians' careers were threatened. In Portugal, the expression is used with a slightly more formal tone, often in the context of European Union negotiations or national history. In Angolan media, it's frequently used to discuss the diversification of the economy away from oil. Among chess players in Lusophone countries, saying 'xeque' is a courtesy, but in professional tournaments, it is often not spoken aloud—the move speaks for itself.
Use with 'Colocar'
In formal writing, 'colocar em xeque' sounds slightly more sophisticated than 'pôr em xeque'.
Spelling Alert
Never write 'cheque' unless you are talking about a bank document. This is a common mistake even for natives.
Meaning
Be in a vulnerable or critical situation, facing a threat or challenge.
Use with 'Colocar'
In formal writing, 'colocar em xeque' sounds slightly more sophisticated than 'pôr em xeque'.
Spelling Alert
Never write 'cheque' unless you are talking about a bank document. This is a common mistake even for natives.
Newspaper Staple
If you want to sound like a Portuguese political analyst, use this phrase to describe any government crisis.
Test Yourself
Preencha a lacuna com a forma correta da expressão.
As recentes mentiras do diretor ________ a sua credibilidade em xeque.
When an action (lies) causes the threat, we use the verb 'pôr' (puseram).
Qual frase usa a expressão de forma correta no contexto político?
Escolha a opção correta:
This correctly uses the expression to describe a threatened institutional strategy.
Combine a situação com a frase apropriada.
Situação: Um cientista descobre um erro em uma teoria antiga.
The discovery threatens the theory's validity, putting it 'em xeque'.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
When to use 'Estar em Xeque'
Politics
- • Elections
- • Scandals
- • Laws
Business
- • Market Share
- • Bankruptcy
- • Reputation
Personal
- • Trust
- • Future Plans
- • Integrity
Practice Bank
3 exercisesAs recentes mentiras do diretor ________ a sua credibilidade em xeque.
When an action (lies) causes the threat, we use the verb 'pôr' (puseram).
Escolha a opção correta:
This correctly uses the expression to describe a threatened institutional strategy.
Situação: Um cientista descobre um erro em uma teoria antiga.
The discovery threatens the theory's validity, putting it 'em xeque'.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt's better not to. It sounds too dramatic for small issues. Use 'estar com problemas' instead.
Always 'em xeque'. 'No xeque' is not used idiomatically.
'Xeque' is a threat (you can still escape). 'Xeque-mate' is the end (you lost).
Yes, it is equally common and understood in all Portuguese-speaking countries.
Yes, if you are in a very dangerous situation or facing a life-changing crisis.
Etymologically yes, they both come from roots meaning 'leader' or 'king', but they are used differently today.
Use 'pôr em xeque' or 'colocar em xeque'.
It is neutral to formal. It's perfect for business and news.
No, the expression is almost always used in the singular: 'em xeque'.
There isn't a direct opposite idiom, but you could say 'estar seguro' or 'estar fora de perigo'.
Related Phrases
Xeque-mate
builds onCheckmate; final defeat.
Pôr em xeque
similarTo challenge or question something.
Corda bamba
synonymTightrope.
Faca de dois gumes
contrastDouble-edged sword.
Contra a parede
similarAgainst the wall.
