virar a casaca
To switch sides
Literalmente: To turn the jacket inside out
Use it to call out someone who switches sides or teams, especially for opportunistic reasons.
En 15 segundos
- Used to describe someone who switches loyalties or opinions suddenly.
- Originates from soldiers flipping their coats to hide their identity.
- Commonly applied to politics, sports, and social betrayals.
Significado
This phrase describes someone who suddenly changes their opinion, loyalty, or political party to join the opposing side. It is like calling someone a 'turncoat' or saying they've swapped teams just when it's convenient.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Talking about a soccer fan
O Marcos era flamenguista, mas agora virou a casaca e torce pelo Vasco!
Marcos was a Flamengo fan, but now he's switched sides and cheers for Vasco!
Discussing politics with a friend
Aquele político virou a casaca só para ganhar as eleições.
That politician switched sides just to win the elections.
A professional setting regarding a project
Eu não esperava que ela fosse virar a casaca e apoiar a outra proposta.
I didn't expect her to switch sides and support the other proposal.
Contexto cultural
The phrase dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries when military coats had different colored linings. By turning the coat inside out, a soldier could instantly 'change' their allegiance on the battlefield. In modern Brazil, it is most frequently used to mock fans who switch soccer teams or politicians who switch parties for power.
The Noun Form
If you want to call someone a 'turncoat' directly, use 'Ele é um casaca-virada.' It's a very common way to label someone.
Don't be too harsh
In some contexts, this can be a strong insult. Use it carefully if you don't want to actually offend someone's character.
En 15 segundos
- Used to describe someone who switches loyalties or opinions suddenly.
- Originates from soldiers flipping their coats to hide their identity.
- Commonly applied to politics, sports, and social betrayals.
What It Means
Virar a casaca is all about a shift in loyalty. It suggests someone is being opportunistic. They leave one group to join the rival. It often implies the person is a bit of a traitor. You use it when someone changes their mind for personal gain.
How To Use It
You use it like a regular verb. The person is the subject. You can say 'Ele virou a casaca.' It works for big things like politics. It also works for small things like sports. If your friend suddenly supports a rival team, they virou a casaca.
When To Use It
Use it during a heated football match. It is perfect when a politician switches parties. Use it when a friend starts liking a brand they used to hate. It fits well in office gossip. It is great for describing a sudden change in heart. Use it when the betrayal feels a bit dramatic.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for simple mistakes. If someone just forgets something, this is too strong. Avoid it in very formal legal documents. It is a bit too colorful for a serious court case. Don't use it if the change was gradual and sincere. This phrase implies a sudden, suspicious flip.
Cultural Background
This expression comes from old military uniforms. Soldiers would sometimes flip their jackets to hide their colors. This helped them desert or join the enemy without being caught. In Brazil, it became famous in politics and soccer. It carries a sting of 'traitor' but can be used jokingly among friends.
Common Variations
You might hear someone called a casaca-virada. This is the noun form for the person themselves. In some regions, people just say virou and point to their shoulder. The meaning remains the same. It is a classic piece of Portuguese imagery that everyone understands instantly.
Notas de uso
This phrase is primarily informal to neutral. It is very common in sports journalism and political commentary. Avoid using it in highly formal settings where a more direct, non-idiomatic term like 'mudança de partido' would be more appropriate.
The Noun Form
If you want to call someone a 'turncoat' directly, use 'Ele é um casaca-virada.' It's a very common way to label someone.
Don't be too harsh
In some contexts, this can be a strong insult. Use it carefully if you don't want to actually offend someone's character.
The Soccer Factor
In Brazil, switching soccer teams is considered a 'mortal sin.' Using this phrase in sports is the ultimate way to tease a friend.
Ejemplos
6O Marcos era flamenguista, mas agora virou a casaca e torce pelo Vasco!
Marcos was a Flamengo fan, but now he's switched sides and cheers for Vasco!
A classic use in the world of Brazilian football rivalry.
Aquele político virou a casaca só para ganhar as eleições.
That politician switched sides just to win the elections.
Implies the politician has no real convictions.
Eu não esperava que ela fosse virar a casaca e apoiar a outra proposta.
I didn't expect her to switch sides and support the other proposal.
Used to express surprise at a colleague's change of mind.
Nossa, você virou a casaca mesmo? Agora só usa iPhone?
Wow, did you really switch sides? Now you only use iPhones?
Playful teasing about brand loyalty.
Você sempre vira a casaca quando as coisas ficam difíceis!
You always switch sides when things get difficult!
A more serious accusation of being unreliable.
Cuidado com ele, é um casaca-virada!
Watch out for him, he's a turncoat!
Using the noun version of the idiom.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the correct verb form for the situation.
O João era meu aliado, mas ele ___ a casaca na última hora.
The expression is 'virar a casaca', so the past tense 'virou' is the correct fit.
Complete the sentence to describe a traitor.
Não confio nele, ele é um ___.
'Casaca-virada' is the specific noun phrase used for someone who switches sides.
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Ayudas visuales
Formality of 'Virar a Casaca'
Used among close friends or family.
Mano, você virou a casaca!
Common in news and sports commentary.
O jogador virou a casaca este ano.
Rarely used; seen as too idiomatic.
O deputado mudou de partido (better).
When to use 'Virar a Casaca'
Sports Rivalry
Changing your favorite team.
Political Shifts
A candidate changing parties.
Brand Loyalty
Switching from Android to Apple.
Office Politics
Supporting a rival manager's idea.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt literally means 'to turn the jacket.' It refers to flipping a coat inside out to show a different color.
It can be. While often used jokingly, it implies someone is opportunistic or lacks loyalty, like Ele virou a casaca por dinheiro.
Yes, but keep it casual. It's fine for a coffee break, but maybe not in a formal performance review.
Yes. Mudar de ideia is just changing your mind. Virar a casaca implies a betrayal or a shift in loyalty to a rival side.
You use the noun form: casaca-virada. For example, Ele é um casaca-virada.
Not usually. It's more about groups, teams, or ideas. For cheating, there are other specific terms like trair.
Yes, it is widely understood and used in all Portuguese-speaking countries with the same meaning.
You can, but it sounds funny and dramatic. Like saying Você virou a casaca! because a friend now likes pizza with pineapple.
It comes from old military uniforms where soldiers would flip their coats to hide their original army's colors.
Yes, you could use mudar de bando or simply trocar de lealdade, though they are less colorful.
Frases relacionadas
Mudar de lado
Pular do barco
Trocar as bolas
Ficar em cima do muro
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