Meaning
Shameless / To have some nerve
Example
Carlos é tão cara de pau. Ele está paquerando a mulher do chefe!
Carlos is so shameless. He's flirting with the boss's wife!
Origin
The phrase literally means "wooden face." A human face usually betrays shame, fear or embarrassment; wood is rigid, hard and expressionless. To call someone cara de pau is to picture a face that stays impassive while lying or misbehaving, feeling no shame at all.
Source: Todoprosa (Sérgio Rodrigues).
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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