Meaning
To be scared stiff / to be spooked silly
Example
Quando ouvi aquele barulho de noite, me caíram os butiá do bolso.
When I heard that noise at night, I was scared stiff.
Origin
Butiá (from Tupi mbutiá) is a small palm-tree fruit, roughly the size of a marble, native to Southern Brazil and traditionally harvested by gauchos.
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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