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virar bicho

Meaning: To become extremely angry or enraged.

Language: Portuguese

Literally: to turn animal

Category: Animals

Origin: The phrase pictures a person losing human restraint and behaving with animal ferocity, a metaphorical loss of civilized control.

More idioms — Animals

  • vaca sagrada — Something so valued or protected that it cannot be criticized, changed, or harmed.
  • matar cachorro a grito — To be extremely poor or destitute.
  • met de kippen op stok gaan — to go to bed very early, at sunset.
  • köra med — To tease, bully, or push someone around.
  • kasta pärlor för svin — To offer something valuable to someone who cannot appreciate or will waste it.
  • ingen ko på isen — There is no danger or immediate problem; the situation is safe.

More Portuguese idioms

  • 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.
  • 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.

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