Meaning
To remain neutral and undecided, refusing to take a side in a conflict.
Cultural Background
In Brazilian politics, the term 'isentão' is a popular slang derived from this concept. It is used pejoratively to describe someone who claims to be neutral but is seen as ignoring social injustices. In Portugal, the phrase is often used in the context of European Union negotiations, where the country might 'stay on the wall' to balance its interests between major powers like France and Germany. In Angolan Portuguese, the phrase is understood but sometimes replaced by 'estar entre a espada e a parede' (between the sword and the wall) if the situation is more high-pressure. Similar to other Lusophone countries, it's used in social commentary. Mozambican writers often use it to describe the middle class's hesitation during social shifts.
Use with 'estar'
While 'ficar' is the verb in the idiom, you can use 'estar' to describe the state: 'Eu estou em cima do muro'.
Don't overdo it
Calling someone 'em cima do muro' can be seen as an insult, implying they lack courage.
Meaning
To remain neutral and undecided, refusing to take a side in a conflict.
Use with 'estar'
While 'ficar' is the verb in the idiom, you can use 'estar' to describe the state: 'Eu estou em cima do muro'.
Don't overdo it
Calling someone 'em cima do muro' can be seen as an insult, implying they lack courage.
Political Context
In a Brazilian job interview, avoid saying you 'stay on the wall' regarding decisions; they value 'proatividade'.
The 'Isentão'
Learn the word 'isentão' to understand modern Brazilian internet discourse related to this phrase.
Test Yourself
Complete a frase com a forma correta do verbo 'ficar'.
Ontem, durante a reunião, eu ______ em cima do muro porque não conhecia bem o assunto.
The word 'Ontem' (Yesterday) indicates the Pretérito Perfeito (fiquei).
Qual é o significado mais comum de 'ficar em cima do muro'?
Quando dizemos que um político está em cima do muro, queremos dizer que ele:
The phrase is a metaphor for neutrality and indecision.
Complete o diálogo de forma natural.
A: 'Você prefere morar no Brasil ou em Portugal?' B: 'Ah, eu ______.'
While 'ficar' is the canonical verb, 'estar' is often used to describe the current state of indecision in casual speech.
Associe a frase à situação correta.
Frase: 'O juiz ficou em cima do muro e não marcou o pênalti.'
The context of 'pênalti' (penalty) clearly points to a sports/football situation.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Neutrality vs. Indecision
Practice Bank
4 exercisesOntem, durante a reunião, eu ______ em cima do muro porque não conhecia bem o assunto.
The word 'Ontem' (Yesterday) indicates the Pretérito Perfeito (fiquei).
Quando dizemos que um político está em cima do muro, queremos dizer que ele:
The phrase is a metaphor for neutrality and indecision.
A: 'Você prefere morar no Brasil ou em Portugal?' B: 'Ah, eu ______.'
While 'ficar' is the canonical verb, 'estar' is often used to describe the current state of indecision in casual speech.
Frase: 'O juiz ficou em cima do muro e não marcou o pênalti.'
The context of 'pênalti' (penalty) clearly points to a sports/football situation.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsUsually, yes. It implies a lack of conviction. However, in diplomacy, it can be seen as a neutral, safe stance.
Yes! It's very common for small decisions like choosing a movie or a meal.
Linguistically, almost none. Culturally, the Portuguese version is slightly more associated with political opportunism.
Nós ficamos em cima do muro.
Yes, use 'manter-se neutro' or 'não tomar partido'.
No, that is a literal translation from English and sounds wrong in Portuguese.
Absolutely. It is a standard expression in all Lusophone countries.
It's a slang term for someone who always stays on the wall, often used in politics.
Yes: 'Eu fiquei em cima do muro'.
Usually, it implies two sides, but it can be used for any situation where you refuse to commit to one option.
Related Phrases
Não tomar partido
synonymTo not take a side.
Estar entre a cruz e a espada
similarBetween a rock and a hard place.
Dar a cara a tapa
contrastTo expose oneself to criticism by taking a stand.
Pipocar
specialized formTo fail to act due to fear.
Sabonetar
similarTo be evasive.
