We use “pagar o pato” when somebody is paying for something she shouldn’t be — like when one person gets stuck with the final bar tab. That’s ‘paying the duck.’
This is for the people who behave like someone they’re not. From girls pretending to be “good Christians” all the way to guys swearing they’re “trustworthy.”
The expression comes from the hollow saints who used to smuggle drugs or other illegal things back in the day.
Brazilians use this expression when we know something bad is going to happen and we’re trying to warn everybody involved.
When you’re crying about something to someone, you’re crying your pitangas. Totally unrelated: Pitangas are a very tasty Brazilian fruit. If you have the opportunity, try one!
It’s every Brazilian mother’s nightmare, used when we’re referring to a place where you could do everything and anything that involves bad manners.
“Get your dirty shoes out of my sofa now! where do you think you are? Casa da mãe Joana?”
We think you’re just great.
We use this one when you’re trying to fix a huge problem with a bandaid, you know? At least you tried to do something about it.
So I can pay the duck.
This one is my favorite, it means you’re full of energy.
You can’t go farther than where Judas lost his boots.
Yup, they’ve got the shovel upside down.
If you’re participating in unnecessary drama — you’re just crying and nobody’s believing you anymore — it’s probably because everyone’s aware of your crocodile tears. (They’re worth nothing.)
It’s quite possibly the worst idea you could have. 