Meaning
Bring up a delicate or controversial topic for discussion that might cause discomfort.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, 'levantar a lebre' is often a precursor to a 'saia justa' (an awkward situation). Brazilians value social harmony, so the person who 'raises the hare' is often seen as either very brave or a bit of a troublemaker. In Portugal, the expression is frequently used in 'tertúlias' (informal gatherings for intellectual discussion). It is seen as a sign of a sharp mind to be the one who 'raises the hare' in a political debate. In Angolan Portuguese, the phrase maintains its standard meaning but is often used in the context of community issues or 'mambo' (problems/things). Similar to other Lusophone countries, it is used in journalism to highlight social discrepancies that the government might be trying to hide.
Use 'Uma' for Softness
If you want to be less confrontational, say 'Queria levantar *uma* lebre' instead of '*a* lebre'. It sounds more like a suggestion than an accusation.
Be Ready for the Chase
Once you 'levantar a lebre', be prepared to defend your point. The idiom implies that a discussion *will* follow.
Meaning
Bring up a delicate or controversial topic for discussion that might cause discomfort.
Use 'Uma' for Softness
If you want to be less confrontational, say 'Queria levantar *uma* lebre' instead of '*a* lebre'. It sounds more like a suggestion than an accusation.
Be Ready for the Chase
Once you 'levantar a lebre', be prepared to defend your point. The idiom implies that a discussion *will* follow.
The 'Climão'
In Brazil, raising a hare often creates a 'climão' (heavy atmosphere). Use it sparingly if you want to keep the peace.
Test Yourself
Complete a frase com a forma correta do verbo 'levantar'.
Ontem, na reunião, eu __________ a lebre sobre os atrasos na entrega.
The context 'Ontem' (Yesterday) requires the preterite perfect tense.
Qual é o significado mais próximo de 'levantar a lebre'?
O que significa quando alguém 'levanta a lebre' em uma discussão?
The idiom specifically refers to initiating a discussion on a tricky topic.
Associe a situação ao uso da expressão.
Em qual destas situações é MAIS apropriado usar 'levantar a lebre'?
It involves a hidden problem/suspicion that needs to be brought to light.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesOntem, na reunião, eu __________ a lebre sobre os atrasos na entrega.
The context 'Ontem' (Yesterday) requires the preterite perfect tense.
O que significa quando alguém 'levanta a lebre' em uma discussão?
The idiom specifically refers to initiating a discussion on a tricky topic.
Em qual destas situações é MAIS apropriado usar 'levantar a lebre'?
It involves a hidden problem/suspicion that needs to be brought to light.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot necessarily, but it is provocative. It depends on your tone and the context. In a professional setting, it's often seen as being proactive.
Usually no. It's almost always reserved for problems, suspicions, or controversial topics.
'Puxar assunto' just means to start a conversation (small talk). 'Levantar a lebre' means to start a *difficult* or *specific* conversation about a problem.
Yes, it is a universal idiom across the Lusophone world, from Brazil to Timor-Leste.
No, that would sound very strange and literal. Stick to 'lebre'.
It's very common in both. You'll see it in newspaper headlines and hear it in casual bar chats.
Technically yes ('levantar as lebres'), but it's rarely used. We usually focus on one 'hare' (topic) at a time.
No, it's an idiom. It's perfectly acceptable in formal writing and professional speech.
Use 'levantei a lebre' (I raised), 'levantou a lebre' (he/she raised), etc.
You can say 'Foi ele quem levantou a lebre'.
Related Phrases
Pôr o dedo na ferida
similarTo touch on a sensitive or painful point.
Tocar no assunto
synonymTo bring up a topic.
Lançar a pulga atrás da orelha
builds onTo make someone suspicious.
Abrir o jogo
similarTo be honest and reveal everything.
