Meaning
To make a complete change / A total 180
Example
Ele era briguento e bêbado, agora mudou da água para o vinho, é um excelente pai.
He was quarrelsome and drunk, now he made a complete change, he is an excellent father.
Origin
Water and wine are the two archetypal opposites of taste and cost in Portuguese folklore. 'Mudar da água para o vinho' = to go from the cheap to the noble, or just to change completely.
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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