estar com a bola toda
To be on top form
Littéralement: To be with the whole ball
Use it to celebrate someone who is currently successful, looking great, or performing exceptionally well in any life area.
En 15 secondes
- Used to describe someone performing at their absolute best.
- Rooted in Brazilian soccer culture meaning 'having total control.'
- Perfect for compliments, celebrations, and acknowledging someone's recent success.
Signification
This phrase describes someone who is on fire, performing at their absolute peak, or enjoying a streak of great luck and success. It is like saying someone is 'crushing it' or 'at the top of their game.'
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Complimenting a friend's new look
Nossa, você mudou o visual e agora está com a bola toda!
Wow, you changed your look and now you're looking fantastic!
Discussing a colleague's success
O Ricardo entregou o projeto antes do prazo; ele está com a bola toda com o chefe.
Ricardo delivered the project early; he's in the boss's good books.
Texting a friend about a party
A festa ontem foi ótima e você estava com a bola toda na pista!
The party yesterday was great and you were killing it on the dance floor!
Contexte culturel
The phrase originates from Brazil's deep-rooted soccer culture, where 'having the ball' signifies control and dominance. It became a national staple in the mid-20th century as radio commentators used colorful language to describe star players. Today, it represents the 'ginga' or spirit of success that transcends sports into fashion, business, and social life.
The 'Toda' is Key
Don't forget the word `toda`. If you just say `com a bola`, it doesn't mean anything. The 'whole' ball is what signifies total dominance.
Temporary State
Remember this uses `estar`, not `ser`. It describes a peak moment or a phase, not a permanent personality trait.
En 15 secondes
- Used to describe someone performing at their absolute best.
- Rooted in Brazilian soccer culture meaning 'having total control.'
- Perfect for compliments, celebrations, and acknowledging someone's recent success.
What It Means
Imagine you are playing a game and you have total control of the ball. You are the star of the match. In Portuguese, estar com a bola toda means you are in a state of excellence. You might be performing well at work. You might look stunning today. Or maybe everything is just going your way. It is a high-energy expression for winners.
How To Use It
You use this phrase like a regular verb. You conjugate estar to match the person you are talking about. If your friend just got a promotion, tell them they are com a bola toda. If you just aced an exam, you can brag a little. It functions as a predicate. It describes a temporary state of being awesome. Just remember: the 'ball' stays the same, only the verb changes.
When To Use It
Use this when you want to cheer someone on. It is perfect for a post-game celebration at a bar. It works great in a text message after a friend posts a cool photo. You can even use it in a casual office setting. If a colleague delivers a killer presentation, this phrase is your go-to compliment. It feels warm, energetic, and genuinely supportive.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this in very somber or strictly formal environments. Do not say this to your CEO during a performance review. It is too colorful for a legal document or a funeral. Also, be careful with sarcasm. If someone is clearly failing, saying they are com a bola toda might come off as mean. Use it when the 'vibe' is positive and high-energy.
Cultural Background
Brazil is the land of football (soccer). Most of our best idioms come from the pitch. To have the 'whole ball' implies you aren't sharing it. You are the playmaker. You are the one everyone is watching. It emerged from sports culture but quickly moved into everyday life. It reflects the Brazilian love for flair and individual talent.
Common Variations
You might hear people say estar com tudo. This is a shorter, more modern version. Some people also say estar por cima. However, estar com a bola toda remains the classic choice. It has a nostalgic, rhythmic feel that never goes out of style. It is the 'vintage' way to say someone is amazing.
Notes d'usage
This is a safe, friendly informal expression. It's perfect for social media comments or casual office praise, but avoid it in legal or highly academic contexts.
The 'Toda' is Key
Don't forget the word `toda`. If you just say `com a bola`, it doesn't mean anything. The 'whole' ball is what signifies total dominance.
Temporary State
Remember this uses `estar`, not `ser`. It describes a peak moment or a phase, not a permanent personality trait.
The Soccer Secret
Brazilians use soccer metaphors for everything. If you use this phrase, people will immediately feel you understand the 'soul' of Brazilian Portuguese.
Exemples
6Nossa, você mudou o visual e agora está com a bola toda!
Wow, you changed your look and now you're looking fantastic!
Used here to praise physical appearance and confidence.
O Ricardo entregou o projeto antes do prazo; ele está com a bola toda com o chefe.
Ricardo delivered the project early; he's in the boss's good books.
Shows professional momentum and high standing.
A festa ontem foi ótima e você estava com a bola toda na pista!
The party yesterday was great and you were killing it on the dance floor!
Casual slang for being the center of attention.
Hoje eu ganhei cinco reais na loteria, estou com a bola toda!
I won five reais in the lottery today, I'm on a roll!
Using the phrase ironically for a very small success.
Vai lá, você treinou muito e está com a bola toda para vencer.
Go for it, you trained a lot and you're in top form to win.
Purely motivational usage.
Aquela atriz está com a bola toda em Hollywood esse ano.
That actress is at the top of her game in Hollywood this year.
Refers to career peak and popularity.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct form of the verb 'estar' to complete the phrase.
Depois de ganhar o prêmio, ela ___ com a bola toda.
The idiom always uses the verb 'estar' because it describes a current state.
Complete the idiom with the missing word.
O time venceu cinco jogos seguidos, eles estão com a ___ toda.
The word 'bola' (ball) is the core noun of this specific soccer-inspired idiom.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Scale
Used among very close friends.
Tá com a bola toda, hein?
Standard casual conversation.
Ele está com a bola toda hoje.
Safe for work with colleagues.
A empresa está com a bola toda.
Too casual for this setting.
N/A
Where to use 'Bola Toda'
Sports Victory
After scoring a goal
Career Win
Getting a big promotion
Social Life
Being the life of the party
Dating
Feeling very confident/attractive
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsUsually no, it is meant for people or groups like companies/teams. You wouldn't say a car is com a bola toda.
Yes, estar com tudo is a very common synonym. It's slightly more modern and shorter to say.
Not directly. You would just say não estar com a bola toda to mean someone is having an off day.
It is understood, but much more common in Brazil. Portugal has its own soccer-based idioms.
It might be a bit too informal. Stick to estou em uma ótima fase (I'm in a great phase) instead.
Not at all! It applies to romance, work, fashion, and general luck. It's very versatile.
You can say Ele está com a bola toda. It captures that same 'unstoppable' energy.
It's a classic. While younger generations use newer slang, everyone from age 8 to 80 knows and uses this.
Bola cheia is a related term for someone who did something good, but bola toda describes the person's overall state.
Yes! If you're feeling confident, say Hoje eu estou com a bola toda!
Expressions liées
Estar com tudo
To have it all going on / killing it
Dar um show
To put on a performance / to do something perfectly
Estar por cima da carne seca
To be in a position of power or great success
Arrasar
To rock / to slay / to do amazing
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