ter lá as manhas

You use it as a verb phrase. You can conjugate ter (to have) for any person. For example, ele tem lá as manhas dele (he has his tricks). The word lá is a filler here. It adds a sense of 'over there' or 'somewhere in his repertoire.' It makes the phrase sound more natural and conversational. You can use it for technical skills or social navigation. Use it when you see someone solve a problem effortlessly.

Use it when observing a master at work. It fits perfectly at a family barbecue. Use it when your uncle flips the perfect steak. It works well in a garage when a mechanic hears a noise and knows the fix. You can also use it for social situations. Use it for the friend who always gets a table at a full restaurant. It is great for lighthearted gossip about someone's cleverness.

Avoid this in very formal academic writing. It is too idiomatic for a legal document. Do not use it if someone is being genuinely dishonest or criminal. Manhas implies cleverness, not necessarily malice. If someone is cheating on their taxes, this phrase might sound too light. Also, avoid using it if you want to sound strictly professional. In a high-stakes corporate board meeting, use competência instead.

Portuguese culture prizes the 'desenrascar'—the art of improvisation. Ter as manhas is the skill set behind that improvisation. It suggests a life lived with eyes open. It is the wisdom of the street versus the wisdom of the book. In Brazil and Portugal, being 'manhoso' can sometimes mean 'sneaky.' However, having 'as manhas' is usually seen as a positive, practical trait. It reflects a culture that values finding a way when there is no clear path.

You might hear pegar a manha. This means 'to get the hang of it.' If you are learning to drive, you are pegando a manha. Another one is ele é cheio de manhas. This can mean someone is very particular or has many little quirks. In some regions, people just say ele tem a manha. The lá is optional but adds a lovely rhythmic flavor to your speech.