quem não tem cão, caça com gato
Make do with what you have
Literally: Who doesn't have a dog, hunts with a cat
In 15 Seconds
- Be resourceful with whatever tools you currently have.
- Improvise when the ideal solution is not available.
- Acknowledge a workaround with a touch of humor.
Meaning
It means being resourceful when you don't have the ideal tools. You use whatever is available to get the job done.
Key Examples
3 of 7Cooking at home
Não tinha leite, então usei creme de leite. Quem não tem cão, caça com gato!
I didn't have milk, so I used heavy cream. Make do with what you have!
Technical workaround
O projetor quebrou, então vou usar meu tablet. Quem não tem cão, caça com gato.
The projector broke, so I'll use my tablet. I'll make it work.
Texting a friend about a DIY fix
Consertei a sandália com fita adesiva. Quem não tem cão, caça com gato! 😂
I fixed the sandal with duct tape. Making it work!
Cultural Background
In Brazil, this is a cornerstone of the 'jeitinho' culture, which values finding creative ways around obstacles. While used in Portugal, it is often seen as a traditional piece of folk wisdom, reflecting rural history. The idiom is understood and used in urban settings, often in the context of business and trade. It is used to describe resilience in the face of economic challenges.
Context is key
Use this phrase when you are actively solving a problem, not just complaining about a lack of tools.
The 'Jeitinho' connection
Understanding this phrase helps you understand the Brazilian mindset of flexibility.
In 15 Seconds
- Be resourceful with whatever tools you currently have.
- Improvise when the ideal solution is not available.
- Acknowledge a workaround with a touch of humor.
What It Means
This phrase is the ultimate Brazilian anthem for improvisation. It suggests that lacking the perfect resource shouldn't stop you. If the 'dog' (the ideal tool) is missing, use the 'cat' (the alternative). It is about being flexible and creative. You focus on the result, not the missing equipment.
How To Use It
Use it when you find a clever workaround. It works as a standalone comment or a justification. You can say it after explaining a MacGyver-like solution. It shows you are practical and not a quitter. It often brings a smile because of the funny imagery.
When To Use It
Use it when a recipe lacks an ingredient. Use it when a software tool breaks and you use Excel. It is perfect for DIY projects at home. Use it when you are traveling and forget your charger. It fits perfectly in casual conversations with friends. It also works in relaxed professional brainstorming sessions.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid it in high-stakes, formal legal or medical settings. You don't want a surgeon saying this before an operation. Do not use it if the 'alternative' is dangerous. Avoid it when someone is grieving a serious loss. It is too lighthearted for moments of deep tragedy. Don't use it to excuse laziness or poor quality.
Cultural Background
Some linguists argue the original phrase was caça como gato. This means 'hunts like a cat' (stealthily). Over time, popular usage changed como to com. This turned the cat into the tool rather than the style. It reflects the famous jeitinho brasileiro. This is the national pride in finding a way through any obstacle.
Common Variations
Most people stick to the classic version. In very informal settings, you might just say quem não tem cão... and stop. The listener will automatically finish the thought in their head. Some regions might have slight rhythmic tweaks. However, the dog and cat remain the stars everywhere.
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile but carries a light, informal tone. It is best used to diffuse tension when things aren't going perfectly according to plan.
Context is key
Use this phrase when you are actively solving a problem, not just complaining about a lack of tools.
The 'Jeitinho' connection
Understanding this phrase helps you understand the Brazilian mindset of flexibility.
Examples
7Não tinha leite, então usei creme de leite. Quem não tem cão, caça com gato!
I didn't have milk, so I used heavy cream. Make do with what you have!
Shows culinary improvisation.
O projetor quebrou, então vou usar meu tablet. Quem não tem cão, caça com gato.
The projector broke, so I'll use my tablet. I'll make it work.
Professional but relaxed problem solving.
Consertei a sandália com fita adesiva. Quem não tem cão, caça com gato! 😂
I fixed the sandal with duct tape. Making it work!
Humorous use of the phrase for a temporary fix.
Esqueci o guarda-chuva, mas usei o jornal. Quem não tem cão, caça com gato.
I forgot my umbrella, but I used the newspaper. Had to improvise.
Practicality during a minor inconvenience.
O orçamento é curto, então vamos improvisar. Quem não tem cão, caça com gato.
The budget is tight, so we will improvise. We'll make do.
Acknowledging limitations while staying positive.
Não tenho a chave certa, mas essa faca serve. Quem não tem cão, caça com gato.
I don't have the right wrench, but this knife works. Making do.
Classic 'MacGyver' moment.
A vida é difícil, mas quem não tem cão, caça com gato.
Life is hard, but we make do with what we've got.
A slightly more philosophical or resilient tone.
Test Yourself
Complete the proverb.
Quem não tem cão, caça com ____.
The idiom specifically uses 'gato' as the substitute for the dog.
Which situation best fits the idiom?
When should you use this phrase?
The idiom is about resourcefulness and making do with what is available.
Choose the best response.
A: 'Não temos o software de edição.' B: '____'
This response suggests using an alternative to solve the problem.
Match the situation to the idiom.
You are cooking and missing an ingredient.
This idiom is perfect for improvising in the kitchen.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesQuem não tem cão, caça com ____.
The idiom specifically uses 'gato' as the substitute for the dog.
When should you use this phrase?
The idiom is about resourcefulness and making do with what is available.
A: 'Não temos o software de edição.' B: '____'
This response suggests using an alternative to solve the problem.
You are cooking and missing an ingredient.
This idiom is perfect for improvising in the kitchen.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsOnly if you have a very informal relationship. Otherwise, stick to 'I'll find an alternative'.
No, it's just a proverb!
Absolutely not. It means using what you have, not taking what isn't yours.
No, that reverses the meaning and sounds very strange.
Yes, it is understood, though perhaps less frequently than in Brazil.
The proverb is just a metaphor, don't take it literally!
No, it's a popular proverb.
It's usually for practical, physical tasks, not emotional ones.
Sometimes people just say 'Quem não tem cão...', but it's better to use the full phrase.
Not necessarily. It implies the result is achieved despite the lack of ideal tools.
Related Phrases
Dar um jeito
synonymTo find a way/workaround.
Se virar
synonymTo manage/cope.
Improvisar
similarTo improvise.
Cada macaco no seu galho
contrastMind your own business.
