dar certo

You use it like a regular verb. The word dar changes based on the tense. For something happening now, say dá certo. For something that already happened, use deu certo. It is incredibly flexible. You can use it as a question to check progress. You can use it as a sigh of relief. It is the ultimate verbal thumbs-up.

Use it when your bus arrives just in time. Use it when that risky cake recipe actually rises. It is perfect for professional settings too. Tell your boss the project deu certo. Text your friend to see if their job interview deu certo. It fits almost every scenario involving a goal or an expectation.

Don't use it for people's physical health. You wouldn't say a person deu certo if they recovered from a cold. Use it for events and processes instead. Also, avoid it when talking about moral "rightness." It is about results, not ethics. If someone is "doing the right thing," use fazer o certo instead.

Brazilians are known for the jeitinho—finding creative ways to solve problems. Dar certo is the happy ending of that process. It reflects a cultural optimism. Even when things look messy, there is a hope they will eventually dar certo. It is a phrase rooted in the satisfaction of overcoming obstacles.

You will often hear vai dar certo. This means "it will work out." It is a common phrase of encouragement. If things go wrong, just flip it: não deu certo. Another variation is dar super certo when something goes amazingly well. It is like adding three exclamation points to your success.