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
A cockroach being swatted runs in random zigzags — 'tonta' means dizzy or confused. The phrase is Brazilian Portuguese popular speech, widely attested in the 20th century.
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