ter pé no chão

You use it just like an adjective. You can say someone é (is) or tem (has) pé no chão. Usually, we use the verb ser to describe a personality trait. For example, Ela é muito pé no chão. It doesn't change for gender or number. You don't say pés nos chãos. Keep it singular and simple. It’s a very sturdy expression, just like the people it describes.

Use it when discussing finances, career moves, or relationship expectations. If your friend wants to quit their job to become a professional kite surfer, tell them to have pé no chão. It’s great for business meetings when evaluating a risky project. You can also use it to describe yourself when you're being cautious. It shows you are mature and thoughtful.

Avoid using it if you want to encourage someone to be creative or bold. It can sound a bit boring or 'killjoy' in a brainstorming session. Don't use it for literal physical descriptions of being barefoot. If someone is walking without shoes, just say they are descalço. Using it there would just be confusing and weirdly metaphorical. Also, don't use it to describe someone who is simply sad or pessimistic.

Brazilians are known for being passionate and sometimes quite optimistic. Because of this, being pé no chão is a highly valued trait in Brazil. It represents the 'worker' spirit and the wisdom of the common person. It’s often associated with someone who has 'street smarts' and knows how the real world works. It’s a compliment that suggests you can be trusted with responsibility.

You might hear pés no chão in the plural, which is also correct. Sometimes people say manter os pés no chão (to keep your feet on the ground). This version is used when things are going well and you don't want to get arrogant. It’s the Portuguese way of saying 'stay humble.' Whether singular or plural, the meaning remains the same: stay real.