Meaning
To be full of energy, vigor, or in peak condition.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, this phrase is often associated with 'Carnaval'. You will hear commentators say the 'escola de samba' is 'com a corda toda' when they are performing with maximum passion. In Portugal, while the meaning is the same, the phrase can sometimes carry a slightly more ironic tone if someone is being 'too' talkative or annoying with their energy.
Use with 'Estar'
If you want to sound more like a native Brazilian, use 'Estar com a corda toda' for temporary states of energy.
Not for Sadness
Never use this to describe someone who is frantic or stressed in a negative way; it sounds too cheerful.
Meaning
To be full of energy, vigor, or in peak condition.
Use with 'Estar'
If you want to sound more like a native Brazilian, use 'Estar com a corda toda' for temporary states of energy.
Not for Sadness
Never use this to describe someone who is frantic or stressed in a negative way; it sounds too cheerful.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'ter'.
Hoje eu ______ a corda toda!
The subject is 'Eu' (I), so the verb 'ter' must be conjugated as 'tenho'.
What does 'Ter a corda toda' mean?
Se o Paulo tem a corda toda, ele está...
The idiom describes someone with high energy or vigor.
In which situation is this phrase most appropriate?
Select the best context:
The phrase is used for lively, energetic social situations.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: 'As crianças ainda estão acordadas?' B: 'Sim, elas ______ a corda toda!'
'Estar com' is the correct auxiliary phrase for this idiom.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesHoje eu ______ a corda toda!
The subject is 'Eu' (I), so the verb 'ter' must be conjugated as 'tenho'.
Se o Paulo tem a corda toda, ele está...
The idiom describes someone with high energy or vigor.
Select the best context:
The phrase is used for lively, energetic social situations.
A: 'As crianças ainda estão acordadas?' B: 'Sim, elas ______ a corda toda!'
'Estar com' is the correct auxiliary phrase for this idiom.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsNo, it's strictly for people, animals, or metaphorical progress. For a battery, just say 'está carregado'.
You must include 'toda' (all/whole) to complete the idiom. 'Ter a corda' doesn't mean anything on its own.
Yes, it's a friendly and positive way to describe someone's energy.
Related Phrases
Dar corda
builds onTo encourage someone to talk or act.
A todo o vapor
synonymAt full steam.
Estar com a macaca
similarTo be hyperactive or restless.
