Meaning
To make a run for it / To bolt
Example
Quando a polícia chegou, os ladrões deram no pé.
When the police arrived, the thieves made a run for it.
Origin
The picture is the body's own: when you flee you "give it in the foot," putting your feet to work to get away fast. The expression is old in Portuguese — Antônio Delicado already recorded the proverb Dar no pé, que tempo é in his collection of Portuguese adages of 1651.
Source: História do Riso.
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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