sair do armário
Meaning: To reveal a secret identity or hidden truth, especially regarding sexual orientation or personal circumstances one has concealed.
Language: Portuguese
Literally: out of the closet
Example: “Ele saiu do armário aos vinte anos, e a família apoiou-o.” — He came out of the closet at twenty, and his family supported him.
English equivalent: To come out of the closet
Category: Daily Life
Origin: The phrase pictures emerging from a dark, confined space into the open; it gained currency in English-language LGBTQ+ discourse in the late 20th century and has been adopted across languages.
Equivalents in other languages
- English: come out of the closet
More idioms — Daily Life
- nada a ver — Nonsense or absurdity; something that makes no sense.
- 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.
More Portuguese idioms
- virar bicho — To become extremely angry or enraged.
- unha e carne — Extremely close or inseparable; bound together in an intimate connection.
- morde e assopra — A cycle of conflict and reconciliation; repeated fighting followed by making peace.
- arrastar pela lama — to publicly humiliate or damage someone's reputation.
- comprar briga — to intentionally provoke a quarrel or confrontation with someone.
- há algo de podre no reino da Dinamarca — something is deeply wrong or suspicious, though the truth may be hidden.
From our compliments & insults
- És uma joia — You're a gem — a precious, lovely person.
- Cabeça de alho chocho — A forgetful scatterbrain whose thoughts won't stay put.
- Você é um amor — You're a sweetheart — warm, caring, and impossible not to like.