Popular Sayings in Portuguese

Students often attempt to translate proverbs and sayings from their native language into English during classes. I always encourage them to do so as it is a valuable exercise. While they may be able to convey the intended meaning, it is important for them to eventually find equivalent expressions in English. This is when they will begin to properly use sayings in English.

I've compiled a list of sayings from class and added my own:

A man is known by the company he keeps. -> Diga-me com quem andas e eu te direi quem és.

Business is business. -> Amigos, amigos, negócios à parte.

Feast or Famine. -> Oito ou oitenta

United we stand, divided we fall. -> A união faz a força.

Read between the lines. -> Ler nas entrelinhas

The early bird catches the worm. -> Deus ajuda quem cedo madruga.

Go extra mile. -> Ir além.

Haste makes waste. -> A pressa é inimiga da perfeição.

Let the dust settle. -> Esperar a poeira baixar

You get what you pay for. -> O barato sai caro.

Blessing in disguise. -> Há males quem vem para o bem.

Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth. -> Cavalo dado não se olha os dentes.

Not take kindly to. -> Não ver com bons olhos.

Live by the sword, die by the sword. -> Quem com ferro fere, com ferro será ferido.

Better safe than sorry. -> O seguro morreu de velho.

The shoemaker’s son always goes barefoot. -> Casa de ferreiro, espeto de pau.

Every dog has its day. -> Um dia é da caça, outro, do caçador.

These sayings offer insights into Portuguese culture and are commonly used in everyday conversations to convey wisdom and advice.