pôr os pontos nos is
Meaning: To clarify a matter by spelling out details explicitly.
Language: Portuguese
Literally: to put the dots on the i's
Category: Daily Life
Origin: A literal image from writing and typography: adding the final diacritical marks that complete a letter's proper form, used metaphorically for completing an explanation.
More idioms — Daily Life
- 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.
- van de oude stempel — old-fashioned or adhering to outdated styles and ways of thinking.
- hout snijden — to be convincing or logically sound; to hold up under scrutiny.
- de teerling is geworpen — an irrevocable decision has been made; the course of action is now set in motion.
- een loopje nemen — to deceive or trick someone.
More Portuguese idioms
- 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.
- Empurrar com a barriga — To procrastinate; to keep delaying something.
- Matar a cobra e mostrar o pau — To prove you actually did what you claim.
- dar um jeito — Find a creative solution or workaround, often bending rules pragmatically.