IdiomDaily Life
Portuguese
Portuguesefugir como o diabo foge da cruz
Meaning: To avoid something or someone at all costs.
Literally: To flee like the devil flees from the cross
Example: “Ele foge das reuniões de condomínio como o diabo foge da cruz.” — He avoids the building meetings like the plague.
English equivalent: To avoid like the plague
Equivalents in other languages
French: Fuir comme la peste Literally: To flee like the plague
English: avoid like the plague
Origin: From the Christian belief that the devil cannot bear the sight of the cross, which in legends and saints' lives drives him away. Fleeing like the devil from the cross is avoiding something at all costs; Spanish has huir como el diablo de la cruz. Its first use is not documented.
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