Meaning
To trap someone with a pregnancy for money
Example
Aquela fã conheceu o famoso jogador e aplicou o golpe da barriga nele.
That fan met the famous player and trapped him with a baby for money.
Origin
The Brazilian counterpart to 'golpe do baú.' 'Barriga' (belly) stands for pregnancy: someone deliberately gets pregnant by a wealthier partner in order to claim financial support or marriage. Brazilian pop press in the 1970s–80s used the phrase repeatedly in celebrity paternity scandals.
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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