Meaning
To gulp / To swallow hard
Example
Quando o chefe chamou ele na sala, ele engoliu em seco.
When the boss called him into the office, he swallowed hard.
Origin
'Engolir em seco' = to swallow without water. The image is of a visible, effortful swallow — a sign of shock, nerves or suppressed anger.
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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