In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe someone meddling in your private business.
- Equivalent to 'sticking your nose in' or 'butting in'.
- Commonly used when someone gives unsolicited advice or interference.
Meaning
This phrase is used when someone gets involved in a situation where they weren't invited. It's like telling someone to stop sticking their nose into your business.
Key Examples
3 of 6Complaining about a nosy neighbor
A vizinha adora meter o bedelho na criação dos meus filhos.
The neighbor loves to meddle in how I raise my kids.
Warning a friend to stay out of a fight
É melhor você não meter o bedelho nessa briga de casal.
You'd better not stick your nose into that couple's fight.
In a professional but tense office setting
Com licença, mas não pedi para você meter o bedelho no meu relatório.
Excuse me, but I didn't ask you to meddle in my report.
Cultural Background
The term 'bedelho' historically refers to a small piece of wood or metal used to lock a door. The expression implies that by 'putting the latch,' you are trying to open a door that should remain closed. It reflects a Mediterranean cultural tension between tight-knit communities and the desire for personal privacy.
The 'Bedelho' is small
Remember that a 'bedelho' is a small thing. Using this phrase implies the person is being petty or annoying about small details.
Watch your tone
Saying this directly to someone can be quite confrontational. Use it behind people's backs for venting, or with a smile if joking.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe someone meddling in your private business.
- Equivalent to 'sticking your nose in' or 'butting in'.
- Commonly used when someone gives unsolicited advice or interference.
What It Means
Meter o bedelho is the ultimate way to describe meddling. Imagine you are minding your own business. Suddenly, a neighbor starts giving unsolicited advice. That person is 'putting their latch' in your door. It means interfering in matters that don't concern you. It is vivid, slightly annoying, and very common.
How To Use It
You use it as a verb phrase. You can say someone meteu o bedelho in your life. You can also use it as a warning. Tell a nosy friend: Não meta o bedelho onde não é chamado! It works just like 'to butt in' in English. It is flexible and fits many social gaps.
When To Use It
Use it when someone is being too curious. It works great when discussing family drama. Use it at work when a colleague critiques your project uninvited. It is perfect for venting to friends about a bossy relative. It captures that specific feeling of being intruded upon. Use it when the interference is small but irritating.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this in very formal business meetings. Do not say it to your CEO during a performance review. It is too colorful for a legal document or a funeral. If someone is truly helping you, this phrase is too harsh. It implies the person is being a nuisance. Use it only when the help is unwanted.
Cultural Background
The word bedelho refers to a small latch on a door. In the old days, if you poked the latch, you were trying to peek inside. It suggests a lack of boundaries. Portuguese culture values family, but also loves to gossip. This phrase is the natural defense against the neighborhood 'fofoqueira' (gossip). It has been a staple of the language for generations.
Common Variations
You might hear meter o nariz which is 'to stick the nose.' Another common one is dar pitaco. Pitaco is more like giving an unwanted opinion. Meter o bedelho is slightly more aggressive than dar pitaco. Both are great for keeping people in their own lanes. If you want to be extra rude, you say não te metas!
Usage Notes
This phrase is strictly informal. It carries a tone of annoyance. Be careful using it with superiors or people you don't know well, as it can be seen as a direct provocation.
The 'Bedelho' is small
Remember that a 'bedelho' is a small thing. Using this phrase implies the person is being petty or annoying about small details.
Watch your tone
Saying this directly to someone can be quite confrontational. Use it behind people's backs for venting, or with a smile if joking.
The 'Fofoca' Connection
In Brazil and Portugal, 'fofoca' (gossip) is a national pastime. This phrase is your best shield against the 'fofoqueiros'!
Examples
6A vizinha adora meter o bedelho na criação dos meus filhos.
The neighbor loves to meddle in how I raise my kids.
Shows the phrase used for persistent, unwanted advice.
É melhor você não meter o bedelho nessa briga de casal.
You'd better not stick your nose into that couple's fight.
A friendly warning to avoid unnecessary drama.
Com licença, mas não pedi para você meter o bedelho no meu relatório.
Excuse me, but I didn't ask you to meddle in my report.
Used to set boundaries with a colleague.
Minha tia sempre mete o bedelho onde não é chamada!
My aunt always sticks her nose in where she isn't invited!
Classic use for family gossip via text.
Lá vai o João meter o bedelho na conversa alheia de novo.
There goes João meddling in someone else's conversation again.
Used to poke fun at a naturally curious friend.
Eu odeio quando sua mãe tenta meter o bedelho nos nossos planos.
I hate it when your mother tries to meddle in our plans.
Conveys emotional frustration regarding boundaries.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct verb to complete the expression.
Ela sempre ___ o bedelho na vida dos outros.
The standard verb for this idiom is `meter`, which means to put or stick into.
Complete the warning.
Não ___ o bedelho onde não é chamado!
This is the imperative form used to tell someone not to meddle.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Scale of 'Meter o bedelho'
Slang like 'não te mete'
Não te mete, cara!
Standard use of 'meter o bedelho'
Ele meteu o bedelho.
Using 'interferir' instead
Ele interferiu no assunto.
When to use 'Meter o bedelho'
Family Dinners
Aunts asking about your love life.
Office Gossip
Colleagues commenting on your desk.
Street Life
Strangers giving driving advice.
Friend Groups
Someone joining a private chat.
Practice Bank
2 exercisesEla sempre ___ o bedelho na vida dos outros.
The standard verb for this idiom is `meter`, which means to put or stick into.
Não ___ o bedelho onde não é chamado!
This is the imperative form used to tell someone not to meddle.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsLiterally, it is a small latch or a part of a lock. In this idiom, it represents a small intrusion into someone else's space.
Yes, it can be quite blunt. If you say Não meta o bedelho, you are telling them to shut up and stay away from your business.
Absolutely not! It is far too informal. Use interferir or intervir instead.
The phrase is understood in both, though Brazilians use it very frequently in daily conversation. In Portugal, you might also hear meter o nariz.
They are close, but dar um pitaco is more about giving an unwanted opinion, while meter o bedelho is more about general interference.
It conjugates like a regular -er verb. For example: Eu meto, Você mete, Eles metem.
No, it almost always has a negative or annoying connotation. If the help is good, don't use this phrase.
The most common way is the negative imperative: Não meta o bedelho onde não é chamado!
It's more of an idiomatic expression than pure slang. It's widely understood by all ages but remains very informal.
Only in informal writing like texts, emails to friends, or dialogue in a story. Avoid it in academic or formal writing.
Related Phrases
Meter o nariz onde não é chamado
Dar pitaco
Cuidar da própria vida
Ser um fofoqueiro
Não é da sua conta
