estar de pedra e cal
To be very angry
Literalmente: To be of stone and lime
Use this to describe a 'solid' wall of fury that isn't going away anytime soon.
En 15 segundos
- Used to describe someone who is extremely angry or furious.
- Comes from old construction terms meaning solid and unmovable.
- Best for intense situations where someone is visibly livid.
Significado
This phrase describes someone who is absolutely fuming or in a state of intense, solid anger. It is like saying someone is 'furious' or 'boiling with rage' but with a heavy, unmovable intensity.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Describing a friend's reaction to a lie
A Maria está de pedra e cal com o namorado.
Maria is absolutely furious with her boyfriend.
Reacting to bad news at work
O chefe ficou de pedra e cal quando viu os resultados.
The boss became livid when he saw the results.
Texting a friend about a frustrating day
Não me fales agora, estou de pedra e cal!
Don't talk to me now, I'm fuming!
Contexto cultural
The phrase originates from ancient masonry techniques where stone and lime mortar created indestructible structures. While it usually signifies stability or a long-lasting relationship, its use to describe anger highlights a person who has 'hardened' their heart or position due to rage. It is a testament to how Portuguese uses construction metaphors to describe internal emotional states.
The Double Meaning
Be careful! In many contexts, this phrase means 'to be firmly established' (like a long-lasting marriage). The 'angry' meaning is often driven by tone and specific regional slang.
Too Much Weight
Don't use this for a light 'annoyance'. If you say you are `de pedra e cal` because you ran out of milk, people will think you're having a breakdown.
En 15 segundos
- Used to describe someone who is extremely angry or furious.
- Comes from old construction terms meaning solid and unmovable.
- Best for intense situations where someone is visibly livid.
What It Means
Imagine someone so angry they become a solid wall of fury. That is estar de pedra e cal. In this context, it describes a state of deep, unyielding anger. You are not just annoyed. You are profoundly upset. The 'stone and lime' represent a construction that is built to last. When applied to an emotion, it means the anger is solid and heavy. It is a vivid way to say someone is 'furious'.
How To Use It
You use this phrase to describe yourself or others. It usually follows the verb estar. For example, Ele está de pedra e cal. It sounds more dramatic than just saying irritado. It implies the anger has a physical weight to it. Use it when the situation is serious. It conveys that the person is not easily calmed down. You are essentially building a wall of anger.
When To Use It
Use it when a friend is truly livid about something. Perhaps someone lied to them. Or maybe a colleague took credit for their work. It works well in storytelling. Use it when describing a heated argument. At a restaurant, if the service is terrible, you might be de pedra e cal. It is perfect for those 'don't talk to me right now' moments. It adds a bit of descriptive flair to your Portuguese.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for minor inconveniences. If you lose your pen, you are just chateado. Do not use it in very formal legal documents. It is a bit too idiomatic for a court filing. Avoid it if you are trying to be lighthearted. This phrase carries weight. If you use it for a joke, make sure the irony is clear. Otherwise, people might think you are actually terrifyingly angry.
Cultural Background
Historically, 'pedra e cal' refers to old-school construction. Buildings made this way were meant to stand for centuries. In Portugal and Brazil, this imagery is very common. Usually, the phrase means something is 'firm' or 'established'. However, in certain regional contexts, it shifted to describe a 'solid' state of anger. It reflects the Mediterranean tendency for strong, visible emotions. It is about the permanence of the feeling in that moment.
Common Variations
You might hear estar que nem uma pedra. This is similar but slightly different. Some people use ficar de pedra e cal to show the transition. In most of the Lusophone world, the 'firmness' meaning is more common. But when used for anger, it is unmistakably intense. Always pay attention to the tone of voice. The context will tell you if they are 'firm' or 'furious'.
Notas de uso
This idiom sits in a neutral register. It is descriptive and vivid without being vulgar. Be aware that in some regions, the 'firm/permanent' meaning is much more common than the 'angry' meaning, so use tone and facial expressions to clarify your intent.
The Double Meaning
Be careful! In many contexts, this phrase means 'to be firmly established' (like a long-lasting marriage). The 'angry' meaning is often driven by tone and specific regional slang.
Too Much Weight
Don't use this for a light 'annoyance'. If you say you are `de pedra e cal` because you ran out of milk, people will think you're having a breakdown.
The Masonry Secret
Portuguese culture values things that are 'solid'. Using construction terms for emotions shows how much weight we give to our feelings!
Ejemplos
6A Maria está de pedra e cal com o namorado.
Maria is absolutely furious with her boyfriend.
Shows a deep, solid resentment.
O chefe ficou de pedra e cal quando viu os resultados.
The boss became livid when he saw the results.
Professional setting but describing a very high level of anger.
Não me fales agora, estou de pedra e cal!
Don't talk to me now, I'm fuming!
Informal warning to give someone space.
Esqueceste-te do meu café? Estou de pedra e cal!
You forgot my coffee? I am absolutely incensed!
Using a heavy idiom for a small thing creates irony.
O vizinho anda sempre de pedra e cal com toda a gente.
The neighbor is always fuming at everyone.
Describes a recurring state of anger.
O cliente saiu daqui de pedra e cal devido ao atraso.
The customer left here furious because of the delay.
Reporting a serious conflict.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the correct verb to complete the idiom describing someone currently angry.
Eu ___ de pedra e cal com esta situação!
The idiom uses the verb `estar` to describe a temporary (though intense) state of being.
Complete the phrase with the correct materials.
Ele ficou de ___ e cal.
The phrase specifically uses `pedra` (stone) to signify the hardness of the anger.
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Ayudas visuales
Formality of 'Estar de pedra e cal'
Used with friends to vent.
Estou de pedra e cal, pá!
Standard way to describe fury.
Ela está de pedra e cal.
A bit too colorful for official reports.
O sujeito encontrava-se de pedra e cal.
When to use 'Estar de pedra e cal'
Betrayal
After a friend spills a secret.
Bad Service
Waiting 2 hours for cold food.
Work Stress
When a project is ruined by a peer.
Traffic Jams
Being late for a flight due to a crash.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNo, its primary meaning is often 'firmly established' or 'solidly built'. You must rely on context; if someone is shouting, it definitely means they are angry.
It is used in Brazil, but more often to mean 'firm and steady'. Using it for 'angry' is more common in certain Portuguese regions or specific social circles.
Yes! Ficar de pedra e cal means 'to become furious', whereas estar describes the current state.
It's not a swear word, but it describes a very negative emotion. It's safe to use in most social settings to describe a situation.
'Cal' is lime (calcium oxide), which was used as a binder in traditional mortar. It's what makes the 'stone' stay put.
You should use Estou um pouco chateado or Estou irritado. Save pedra e cal for the big stuff.
Yes, if multiple people are angry, you say Eles estão de pedra e cal. The phrase itself doesn't change to 'pedras'.
Only if you are describing a very serious conflict. It's a bit informal/idiomatic for a high-level presentation.
There isn't a direct construction opposite, but estar na paz (to be at peace) or estar tranquilo would be the emotional opposites.
It has a traditional feel because of the reference to old building materials, but people of all ages understand it.
Frases relacionadas
Estar com os azeites
To be in a bad mood / annoyed.
Estar fulo
To be furious / livid.
Estar com os nervos à flor da pele
To have one's nerves on edge.
Subir as paredes
To be climbing the walls (with anger or frustration).
Comentarios (0)
Inicia Sesión para ComentarEmpieza a aprender idiomas gratis
Empieza Gratis