Meaning
To cut someone some slack / To give a break
Example
Professor, me dá uma colher de chá, eu estudei muito mas fiquei nervoso na prova!
Professor, cut me some slack, I studied a lot but got nervous during the test!
Origin
In 19th-century Brazilian cafés and sugarcane farms, a 'colher de chá' (teaspoon) was offered as an extra kindness — a small bonus.
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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