botar a perna em algo
botar one's perna
Littéralement: to put the leg in something
Use this phrase when you've stopped overthinking and finally decided to dive into a new life project.
En 15 secondes
- To commit or take a risk in a new situation.
- Used when starting a project, job, or relationship.
- Implies proactive movement and leaving the sidelines.
Signification
This phrase is used when you decide to take a risk, commit to a path, or 'step into' a new project or situation with confidence. It is about making a move and getting involved rather than staying on the sidelines.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Starting a new business
Eu finalmente resolvi botar a perna nesse novo negócio.
I finally decided to step into this new business.
Joining a dance class
Fiquei com medo, mas botei a perna na aula de samba!
I was scared, but I went for it in the samba class!
Moving to a new city
Ele botou a perna em São Paulo e não olhou para trás.
He made his move to São Paulo and didn't look back.
Contexte culturel
The expression draws from the imagery of mounting a horse or crossing a fence in rural Brazil. It represents the transition from hesitation to action. It is particularly popular in the Northeast and interior regions where physical metaphors for 'starting' are common.
The 'Action' Verb
In Brazil, `botar` is often used instead of `colocar` in informal speech. It sounds much more natural and active when using idioms.
Don't Trip
Be careful not to confuse this with `passar a perna`, which means to trick or scam someone! `Botar a perna` is positive; `passar a perna` is a betrayal.
En 15 secondes
- To commit or take a risk in a new situation.
- Used when starting a project, job, or relationship.
- Implies proactive movement and leaving the sidelines.
What It Means
Imagine you are standing at the edge of a swimming pool. You are not just dipping a toe. You are firmly placing your leg in to test the depth. Botar a perna em algo means you are committing to a situation. It is about involvement and taking that first real step. You are no longer just thinking about it. You are actually doing it.
How To Use It
Use this when you start a new job or hobby. It works well when describing a bold move. You can use it for personal projects or social commitments. It is a very physical way to describe a mental decision. Think of it as 'stepping into' a role. It implies a bit of courage and action.
When To Use It
You can use this during a coffee break with friends. It is perfect for telling someone about your new business venture. Use it when you finally decide to travel alone. It fits perfectly in a casual brainstorming session. If you are feeling brave about a choice, this is your phrase. It sounds proactive and energetic.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this in a very formal legal document. Do not use it if you are talking about a tragedy. It is too active and slightly informal for mourning. If you are literally talking about a medical procedure, be careful. People might think you are talking about a prosthetic leg! Keep it for metaphorical 'steps' in life.
Cultural Background
Brazilians are known for being proactive and resourceful. This phrase reflects that 'get stuck in' attitude. It likely comes from the idea of crossing a threshold. In many rural areas, 'botar a perna' also relates to mounting a horse. It signifies the moment you take control and start the journey. It is about momentum.
Common Variations
You might hear meter o pé, which is much more aggressive. There is also dar um passo, which is more neutral. Botar a perna sits right in the middle. It is friendly but shows you mean business. Sometimes people say botar a perna no mundo to mean traveling far. Focus on the 'in something' part for commitment.
Notes d'usage
This is a B1 level idiom because it requires understanding metaphorical movement. It is safe for most social situations but keep it out of high-level academic writing.
The 'Action' Verb
In Brazil, `botar` is often used instead of `colocar` in informal speech. It sounds much more natural and active when using idioms.
Don't Trip
Be careful not to confuse this with `passar a perna`, which means to trick or scam someone! `Botar a perna` is positive; `passar a perna` is a betrayal.
Regional Flavor
In the Northeast of Brazil, you might hear `botar a perna no mundo`. This specifically means leaving your hometown to find success elsewhere.
Exemples
6Eu finalmente resolvi botar a perna nesse novo negócio.
I finally decided to step into this new business.
Shows a transition from planning to actual investment.
Fiquei com medo, mas botei a perna na aula de samba!
I was scared, but I went for it in the samba class!
Focuses on overcoming hesitation for a fun activity.
Ele botou a perna em São Paulo e não olhou para trás.
He made his move to São Paulo and didn't look back.
Implies a big life change and total commitment.
Acho que vou botar a perna nesse relacionamento.
I think I'm going to dive into this relationship.
Very informal and shows emotional vulnerability.
Botei a perna na reforma da cozinha e agora não sei sair!
I stepped into this kitchen renovation and now I don't know how to get out!
Uses the phrase to show being 'in deep' with a task.
Você tem talento, precisa botar a perna nesse projeto logo.
You have talent, you need to get involved in this project soon.
Used as an encouraging nudge to take action.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct verb form for a past action.
Ontem eu ___ a perna no meu plano de viajar.
The first person past tense of 'botar' is 'botei'.
Complete the idiom correctly.
Não tenha medo de botar a ___ em algo novo.
The idiom specifically uses 'perna' (leg) to indicate taking a step or mounting a challenge.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'Botar a perna'
Meter o pé
Meti o pé no trampo.
Botar a perna
Botei a perna nesse curso.
Começar algo
Comecei um projeto.
Where to use 'Botar a perna'
New Job
Starting a career path
Hobbies
Joining a gym or class
Travel
Going on a solo trip
Romance
Starting to date seriously
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot at all! It is informal and friendly. You wouldn't use it in a legal contract, but it's fine for amigos and colegas.
Usually, it's for things that require a bit of effort or risk. You wouldn't say it for buying a snack, but you would for começar uma dieta (starting a diet).
Colocar is more formal and polite. Botar is punchy, common in spoken Portuguese, and fits idioms like this much better.
No, it's 100% metaphorical. It's like saying 'I've got a foot in the door' but with more emphasis on the action of stepping in.
Only if you have a very close, casual relationship with the person. Otherwise, stick to iniciar or começar.
No, meter o pé usually means to leave quickly or to do something with extreme intensity. Botar a perna is about the initial commitment.
It is much more common in Brazilian Portuguese. In Portugal, they might prefer meter-se em algo or dar o passo.
It's not a standard idiom, but people would understand you mean you are 'all in.' However, the singular a perna is the classic way.
People will be very confused! Passar a perna em alguém means you cheated them. Always remember: botar is for starting, passar is for tricking.
Yes, it usually suggests you are staying for a while. You've 'put your leg in' and you're not just passing through.
Expressions liées
Mergulhar de cabeça (To dive in headfirst)
Botar a mão na massa (To get your hands dirty/start working)
Dar o primeiro passo (To take the first step)
Meter as caras (To face something head-on)
Entrar com tudo (To go all in)
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