In 15 Seconds
- Used when you make a clumsy social mistake.
- Similar to 'putting your foot in it' in English.
- Best for lighthearted blunders among friends or family.
Meaning
This phrase is used when you make a mistake or accidentally get involved in a situation you shouldn't have. It's like 'putting your foot in it' or messing up by being clumsy with your words or actions.
Key Examples
3 of 6Accidentally revealing a secret
Acho que meti a perna ao falar da festa surpresa.
I think I put my foot in it by talking about the surprise party.
Sending a text to the wrong group
Meti a perna e enviei a mensagem para o grupo do trabalho!
I messed up and sent the message to the work group!
Admitting a mistake to a partner
Desculpa, meti a perna com aquele comentário sobre a tua mãe.
Sorry, I put my foot in it with that comment about your mother.
Cultural Background
The expression evokes the image of a hunter's trap or a muddy hole in a path. It is deeply rooted in the Portuguese sense of 'desenrascar' (finding a way out), acknowledging that we all stumble sometimes. It became popular as a way to soften the blow of social awkwardness.
The 'Oops' Factor
Use this phrase as soon as you realize the mistake. It acts as a social lubricant to show you didn't mean any harm.
Don't use for big stuff
If you crash someone's car, saying `meti a perna` sounds way too casual. Save it for social awkwardness, not insurance claims!
In 15 Seconds
- Used when you make a clumsy social mistake.
- Similar to 'putting your foot in it' in English.
- Best for lighthearted blunders among friends or family.
What It Means
Imagine you are walking and accidentally step into a hole. That is the physical vibe of meter a perna. It means you've made a blunder. Usually, it implies you made a mistake out of ignorance or clumsiness. You didn't mean to cause trouble. But now you are stuck in a messy situation. It is very similar to the English 'put your foot in your mouth'.
How To Use It
You use this when you realize you've messed up. It often follows a moment of 'oops'. You can use it to describe your own mistakes. You can also use it to warn others. It works well with the verb ir. For example, fui meter a perna means 'I went and messed up'. It is a versatile way to admit a fault.
When To Use It
Use this with friends when you tell a bad joke. Use it when you accidentally spoil a surprise party. It is perfect for those 'facepalm' moments in life. If you send a text to the wrong person, this is the phrase. It lightens the mood because it sounds a bit silly. It shows you are humble enough to admit a slip-up.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for serious crimes or deep betrayals. It is too lighthearted for major life disasters. Avoid it in very formal legal settings. Your boss might not find it professional during a performance review. If the mistake caused real pain, use a more serious apology. It is for blunders, not for breaking hearts or laws.
Cultural Background
Portuguese culture values social harmony and 'saving face'. This idiom provides a way to laugh at oneself. It likely comes from old rural traps for animals. Stepping into a trap by accident is a classic blunder. Today, it reflects the relaxed, self-deprecating humor found in Lisbon or Rio. It turns a mistake into a shared laugh over coffee.
Common Variations
You might also hear meter os pés pelas mãos. This means getting totally confused or tangled up. Another common one is dar com a língua nos dentes. That specifically means revealing a secret. Meter a perna remains the king of general, clumsy mistakes. Some regions might say meter a pata, comparing the mistake to an animal's hoof.
Usage Notes
This is a solid B1-level phrase. It's informal but not vulgar. Use it to sound more like a native speaker when admitting to those small, annoying life mistakes.
The 'Oops' Factor
Use this phrase as soon as you realize the mistake. It acts as a social lubricant to show you didn't mean any harm.
Don't use for big stuff
If you crash someone's car, saying `meti a perna` sounds way too casual. Save it for social awkwardness, not insurance claims!
Animal Variations
In some regions, people say `meter a pata` (pata = paw). It's even more informal and implies you were as clumsy as a big animal.
Examples
6Acho que meti a perna ao falar da festa surpresa.
I think I put my foot in it by talking about the surprise party.
The speaker realizes they spoiled a secret.
Meti a perna e enviei a mensagem para o grupo do trabalho!
I messed up and sent the message to the work group!
Expresses regret over a digital blunder.
Desculpa, meti a perna com aquele comentário sobre a tua mãe.
Sorry, I put my foot in it with that comment about your mother.
A soft apology for a social slip-up.
Cuidado para não meteres a perna quando falares com ele.
Be careful not to put your foot in it when you talk to him.
Giving advice to avoid a social minefield.
Meti a perna no relatório, mas já estou a corrigir.
I made a blunder in the report, but I'm already fixing it.
Admitting a small professional error casually.
Vim de fato de treino para o jantar? Meti mesmo a perna!
I came in a tracksuit to the dinner? I really messed up!
Laughing at a personal social error.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct verb to complete the idiom.
Eu ___ a perna quando perguntei pela ex-namorada dele.
The standard verb for this idiom is `meter` (to put/place).
Which situation fits this phrase best?
O João ___ porque contou o segredo sem querer.
Revealing a secret accidentally is a classic example of 'putting your foot in it'.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Scale of 'Meter a perna'
Very street-level
Vacilei feio
Friends and family
Meti a perna
General daily use
Cometi um erro
Professional/Legal
Incorri num equívoco
When to use 'Meter a perna'
Spoiling a movie
Oops, meti a perna!
Wrong Email
Meti a perna no Outlook.
Awkward Joke
Meti a perna no jantar.
Wrong Name
Chamei-a pelo nome errado.
Practice Bank
2 exercisesEu ___ a perna quando perguntei pela ex-namorada dele.
The standard verb for this idiom is `meter` (to put/place).
O João ___ porque contou o segredo sem querer.
Revealing a secret accidentally is a classic example of 'putting your foot in it'.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt literally means 'to put the leg'. It implies stepping into a situation you should have avoided, like a hole in the ground.
Yes, meter a pata is a very common variation. Pata means paw, making the expression feel slightly more humorous or self-deprecating.
Only if the vibe is relaxed. If you made a small typo, it's fine. If you lost a million-euro contract, it's too informal.
It is understood in both, though Brazilians might more frequently say meter os pés pelas mãos or simply vacilar.
You would say Nós metemos a perna. For example: Metemos a perna ao chegar atrasados (We messed up by arriving late).
Not necessarily. While often about saying the wrong thing, it can be any clumsy action, like showing up to a party on the wrong day.
Not at all. It's a very safe, common idiom used to admit a mistake without sounding too dramatic.
There isn't a direct 'opposite' idiom, but you could say estar com o pé direito (to be on the right foot/start well).
Yes, you can say Ele meteu a perna. Just be careful, as it might sound like you are mocking their mistake.
It's more of an informal idiom than 'slang'. Most age groups use it, from teenagers to grandparents.
Related Phrases
Meter os pés pelas mãos
To get confused or act clumsily.
Dar com a língua nos dentes
To let a secret slip out.
Dar um tiro no pé
To shoot oneself in the foot (self-sabotage).
Fazer asneira
To do something stupid or make a mistake.
