Meaning
To poke the bear / To provoke someone
Example
Não cutuca a onça com vara curta, a Maria está sem paciência hoje!
Don't poke the bear, Maria is out of patience today!
Origin
The image is of poking a jaguar ('onça') with a stick too short to keep a safe distance — a classic rural Brazilian picture of stupid risk. Attested in Brazilian Portuguese popular speech since the 19th century.
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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