In 15 Seconds
- Used to say you are completely broke or exhausted.
- Originates from boxing, meaning you are knocked down.
- Best for casual chats with friends and family.
Meaning
It describes being completely out of money or physically and mentally exhausted. Think of it as being 'on the ropes' or 'down for the count' in every sense of the word.
Key Examples
3 of 6Declining a dinner invite
Desculpa, mas este mês estou mesmo nas lonas.
Sorry, but I'm really broke this month.
After a 12-hour shift
Depois deste turno, estou completamente nas lonas.
After this shift, I'm completely exhausted.
Discussing a failing business
A empresa dele está nas lonas desde a crise.
His company has been in bad shape since the crisis.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, 'estar nas lonas' is often used with a sense of 'perrengue' (struggle). It's very common to hear it during the last week of the month, known as 'semana do aperto'. Portuguese speakers in Europe use this phrase frequently to describe the national economy or the state of public services, not just personal finances. In Luanda, you might hear similar expressions, but 'estar nas lonas' is understood thanks to the influence of Portuguese media and soap operas. Because boxing was very popular in the mid-20th century in the Lusophone world, many boxing terms entered the language. 'Estar nas lonas' is the most enduring one.
Use it for empathy
If a friend tells you they are tired, saying 'Eu também estou nas lonas' is a great way to show you relate to them.
Watch the verb
Never use 'ser'. It's always 'estar' because you hope to get off the canvas soon!
In 15 Seconds
- Used to say you are completely broke or exhausted.
- Originates from boxing, meaning you are knocked down.
- Best for casual chats with friends and family.
What It Means
Estar nas lonas is a versatile expression used when you've hit your limit. Most often, it refers to your bank account being empty. However, it also describes feeling totally drained after a long day. It implies you are barely hanging on. You are essentially 'flat on the mat' and unable to keep fighting.
How To Use It
You use it just like the verb 'to be'. Pair it with the verb estar to describe a temporary state. You can say estou nas lonas when a friend asks to go out. It works for financial ruin or just a bad flu. It is punchy, clear, and very common in Portugal and Brazil.
When To Use It
Use it when you need to decline an expensive invitation. It is perfect for venting about a grueling work week. Use it when your favorite sports team is losing badly. It fits perfectly in casual conversations with family or close colleagues. It adds a touch of dramatic flair to your struggles.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this in a high-level job interview or formal speech. You wouldn't tell a CEO that the company is nas lonas. It sounds a bit too 'street' for serious business negotiations. Don't use it if you are just a little tired. It is reserved for when you are truly finished. Using it for minor inconveniences might make you sound overly dramatic.
Cultural Background
The phrase comes directly from the world of boxing. The lonas (canvases) refer to the floor of the boxing ring. When a fighter is knocked down, they are literally 'on the canvases'. Over time, Portuguese speakers adopted this image for life’s many knockouts. It reflects a culture that values resilience but loves a good moan.
Common Variations
You might hear people say ficar nas lonas to describe the process of becoming broke. In Brazil, you might also hear estar quebrado for being broke. Some people just say estou de rastos if they are only talking about tiredness. But nas lonas remains the classic 'all-in-one' phrase for exhaustion and poverty.
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly informal. It is best used in speech rather than writing, unless you are texting friends or writing a casual blog post.
Use it for empathy
If a friend tells you they are tired, saying 'Eu também estou nas lonas' is a great way to show you relate to them.
Watch the verb
Never use 'ser'. It's always 'estar' because you hope to get off the canvas soon!
The 'Ficar' trick
Use 'ficar' to describe the moment you *became* broke or tired (e.g., 'Fiquei nas lonas depois de pagar o IPVA').
Examples
6Desculpa, mas este mês estou mesmo nas lonas.
Sorry, but I'm really broke this month.
A polite but very clear way to say you have no money.
Depois deste turno, estou completamente nas lonas.
After this shift, I'm completely exhausted.
Here, it refers to physical and mental fatigue.
A empresa dele está nas lonas desde a crise.
His company has been in bad shape since the crisis.
Used here to describe a financial state of an entity.
Queria ir, mas a minha conta bancária está nas lonas! 😂
I wanted to go, but my bank account is on the ropes!
The emoji lightens the mood of being broke.
O nosso time está nas lonas este campeonato.
Our team is doing terribly this championship.
Used to describe poor performance or lack of energy.
Apanhei uma gripe e agora estou nas lonas.
I caught a flu and now I'm totally wiped out.
Focuses on the lack of physical strength.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'estar'.
Eu ______ nas lonas porque gastei todo o meu dinheiro em sapatos.
We use 'estar' for temporary states like being broke.
Which situation best fits the phrase 'estar nas lonas'?
A Maria acabou de ganhar na loteria.
If she won the lottery, she is definitely not broke.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: 'Você quer ir ao show amanhã?' B: 'Infelizmente não posso. Trabalhei 15 horas hoje e ______.'
While 'liso' means broke, 'nas lonas' fits the context of working 15 hours (exhaustion) better.
Match the phrase to its meaning.
Match the following:
These are all related terms for being broke or tired.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Broke vs. Tired
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEu ______ nas lonas porque gastei todo o meu dinheiro em sapatos.
We use 'estar' for temporary states like being broke.
A Maria acabou de ganhar na loteria.
If she won the lottery, she is definitely not broke.
A: 'Você quer ir ao show amanhã?' B: 'Infelizmente não posso. Trabalhei 15 horas hoje e ______.'
While 'liso' means broke, 'nas lonas' fits the context of working 15 hours (exhaustion) better.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are all related terms for being broke or tired.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it can describe emotional exhaustion or feeling 'defeated' by life, though physical and financial uses are more common.
Not at all. It's informal and colorful, but perfectly fine for general conversation.
Yes, it is very common in both Portugal and Brazil.
For money: 'estar montado no dinheiro' (sitting on money). For energy: 'estar com a corda toda' (full of energy).
No. It sounds too defeated and informal. Use 'Estou em busca de novos desafios' instead.
Yes, it means 'canvas' or 'tarp'. You use it to cover trucks or for tents.
Idioms often take plural forms for emphasis. It's just the fixed way the phrase evolved.
Yes, 'estar quebrado' (to be broken) is a very close synonym for being broke or tired.
It's better to just say 'estou nas lonas'. The 'de sono' is implied by your yawning!
Usually no. It's for people, companies, or economies. You wouldn't say your phone is 'nas lonas' if the battery is dead; you'd say 'está sem bateria'.
Related Phrases
estar liso
synonymTo be broke (literally 'smooth', as in a wallet with no bumps from coins/bills).
estar morto
similarTo be dead (tired).
estar no bico da chaleira
similarTo be in a very bad way/near the end.
estar por um fio
similarTo be hanging by a thread.
nadar em dinheiro
contrastTo be swimming in money.
