pôr as mãos no fogo

You usually use this phrase with the preposition por. For example, Eu ponho as mãos no fogo por ele. You can use it in the affirmative to show deep loyalty. You can also use it in the negative to show doubt. If you say Eu não ponho as mãos no fogo por esse político, you’re saying you don't trust them one bit. It’s a strong statement, so use it for people, not objects.

Use it when a friend’s reputation is being questioned. It’s perfect for when your mom asks if your new boyfriend is a good guy. It works in business too when recommending a trusted partner. Use it when you want to end an argument about someone's reliability. It’s a conversation stopper because it shows your stance is final. Just make sure you actually trust the person first!

Don't use this for trivial things like weather or sports scores. You wouldn't 'put your hands in the fire' that it will rain tomorrow. It’s strictly for human character and integrity. Avoid using it in very stiff, legalistic documents. While it’s common in offices, it’s still an idiomatic expression. Also, don't use it if you have even a 1% doubt. If they mess up, your metaphorical hands are the ones getting burned!

This expression has dark roots in the Middle Ages. During the Inquisitions, there was a 'Trial by Ordeal'. An accused person had to hold a red-hot iron or walk through fire. If they didn't burn, it was seen as God proving their innocence. Thankfully, we don't do that anymore. Now, we just use the phrase to show we'd take the heat for someone we love. It’s a very common sentiment in Brazilian and Portuguese culture where loyalty is everything.

You might hear botar as mãos no fogo instead of pôr. In Brazil, botar is very frequent in casual speech. Both mean exactly the same thing. Sometimes people say pôr a mão no fogo (singular hand). Don't worry, the meaning stays just as intense. Whether it's one hand or two, the fire is just as hot!