Meaning
A man of his word
Example
Meu pai é um homem de palavra.
My father is a man of his word.
Origin
The expression rests on a transparent and very old idea: that a person's spoken word is a binding pledge. Long before written contracts were common, deals were sealed by giving one's palavra (word), and to be a homem de palavra meant your promise alone could be trusted, no signature required.
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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