Meaning
Tough / Dangerous / Heavy stuff
Example
Aquela gangue era barra pesada, ninguém se metia com eles.
That gang was dangerous, no one got involved with them.
Origin
Documented Brazilian slang from the 1960s–70s, generally tied to urban youth and samba culture in Rio. 'Barra' metaphorically refers to a situation or atmosphere; 'pesada' (heavy) marks it as intense, dangerous or bad.
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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 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