Meaning
To mess things up / To put one's foot in it
Example
Ele meteu os pés pelas mãos quando tentou consertar o computador sozinho.
He messed things up when he tried to fix the computer by himself.
Origin
The image is of someone so flustered that their feet and hands cross each other — total coordination loss.
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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