Meaning
Disoriented / Running around like a headless chicken
Example
A mulher parecia uma barata tonta depois que o ladrão a ameaçou.
The woman was running around like a headless chicken after the thief threatened her.
Origin
Barata tonta ("dizzy cockroach") describes someone who darts about confused and panicky, with no clear direction. The image comes from the everyday sight of a cockroach that, startled by a sudden light or threat, scurries erratically as if it had lost its bearings.
Source: Qual é a Gíria?.
Practice idioms with the Idiom Trainer
Falando's Idiom Trainer teaches you to recognize idiom meanings and create sentences using them, so you can speak like a Brazilian.
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 properlyArmar um barracoTo cause a public sceneRodar 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 opportunity