Meaning
To cause a public scene
Example
Catarina armou o maior barraco na frente da casa do próprio irmão.
Catarina caused the biggest scene in front of her own brother's house.
Origin
'Barraco' in Brazilian Portuguese originally meant a shanty or makeshift house — cheap and flimsy, something you could throw up quickly. 'Armar um barraco' (to put up a shanty) migrated figuratively to 'cause a loud public scene,' probably through 20th-century samba and chanchada film culture.
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More idioms
Acertar na moscaTo guess correctly / To hit the nail on the headAmigo da onçaA fake/false friendAndar na linhaTo toe the line / To behave properlyRodar a baianaTo cause a public scene / To go ballisticArrumar sarna pra se coçarTo ask for troubleArrastar as asasTo hit on someone / To flirtAbrir o jogoTo come clean / To open upArregaçar as mangasTo roll up one's sleeves / To get to workAgarrar com unhas e dentesTo hold on for dear life / To seize an opportunityBater as botasTo kick the bucket / To die