Meaning
To shoot the breeze / To make small talk
Example
Não tinha nada para fazer, fiquei jogando conversa fora com a Rita.
I had nothing to do, I was shooting the breeze with Rita.
Origin
'Conversa fora' is talk thrown 'outside' — casual, without purpose. The phrase is attested across Portuguese from the 19th century and simply means making small talk.
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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