Meaning
It's a bummer / it's a trap
Example
Comprar carro usado sem garantia é fria.
Buying a used car with no warranty is a trap.
Origin
20th-century Carioca/Paulista slang. Frio = cold, and a fria is an unpleasant or deceptive situation. The metaphor is the unwelcome chill of a bad surprise.
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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