Meaning
To be full of energy / To be pumped up
Example
Fulano começou o serviço com a corda toda!
He started the job all fired up!
Origin
The image is a wind-up toy fully wound up — tense with stored energy. The phrase is Brazilian colloquial and became common in the 20th century once clockwork toys were everywhere.
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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