morde e assopra
Meaning: A cycle of conflict and reconciliation; repeated fighting followed by making peace.
Language: Portuguese
Literally: bites and blows
Category: Body & Senses
Origin: The phrase pictures a pattern of mutual aggression (biting) followed by soothing or calming (blowing on a wound), describing an on-and-off hostile relationship.
More idioms — Body & Senses
- ombro a ombro — On equal terms, standing together as peers.
- morrer de rir — To laugh very hard or uproariously.
- nu e cru — To speak with brutal, unvarnished honesty, holding nothing back.
- na ponta da língua — To have something in one's mind but be unable to recall or express it completely.
- dar um tiro no pé — To harm oneself through one's own actions; to undermine one's own interests.
- uit de voeten maken — to flee or scram hastily.
More Portuguese idioms
- fugir como o diabo foge da cruz — To flee or escape with great speed and urgency.
- falar com as paredes — To speak to someone who does not listen or respond; to waste one's words.
- carta branca — complete freedom to act without restrictions or needing approval.
- de vez em nunca — very rarely; almost never.
- cuspir no prato que comeu — to betray or show ingratitude toward someone who has helped you.
- arrastar pela lama — to publicly humiliate or damage someone's reputation.
From our proverbs
- He that sends mouths sends meat. — Supporting dependents obligates one to provide their sustenance.
- A fool demands much, but he's a greater that gives it. — Indulging someone's unreasonable requests reveals greater foolishness than making them.
- Much is expected where much is given. — Those blessed with greater resources, talents, or advantages bear proportional responsibi…