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mandar bala

Meaning: To pursue something with enthusiasm and vigor.

Language: Portuguese

Literally: to send a bullet

Category: Daily Life

Origin: Origin uncertain; the phrase pictures launching effort forward with the speed and force of a fired bullet.

More idioms — Daily Life

  • encontro às cegas — A romantic meeting between two people who have never met before.
  • ao fim e ao cabo — After everything is considered; ultimately; in the final analysis.
  • sujo falando do mal lavado — Hypocritical criticism from someone guilty of the same fault being criticized.
  • pôr os pontos nos is — To clarify a matter by spelling out details explicitly.
  • hoe de vork in de steel zit — to understand the real situation or hidden mechanics of something.
  • over de brug komen — to hand over money or pay what is owed.

More Portuguese idioms

  • na ponta da língua — To have something in one's mind but be unable to recall or express it completely.
  • fazer uma tempestade num copo de água — To make an excessive fuss over something trivial.
  • dar um tiro no pé — To harm oneself through one's own actions; to undermine one's own interests.
  • Engolir sapos — To put up with unpleasant things without complaining.
  • Pagar o pato — To take the blame for something you didn't do.
  • Descascar o abacaxi — To solve a very difficult, thorny problem.

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