IdiomBody & Senses
Portuguese
Portuguesemorde e assopra
Meaning: To hurt someone and then soothe them; to alternate harshness and kindness.
Literally: Bites and blows
Example: “O chefe é assim, morde e assopra: grita de manhã e traz bolo à tarde.” — The boss blows hot and cold: he shouts in the morning and brings cake in the afternoon.
Origin: Biting and then blowing on the bite to soothe it is hurting someone and then comforting them. The phrase describes a person who alternates harshness and kindness to keep someone in line, or an on-and-off relationship. Its origin is not documented.
More Portuguese idioms
- fugir como o diabo foge da cruz To avoid something or someone at all costs.
- 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.
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