Meaning
Brown-noser / suck-up
Example
Aquele estagiário é o maior paga pau do chefe.
That intern is the biggest brown-noser to the boss.
Origin
Brazilian slang of disputed origin. Pau is a many-purpose vulgar word; one common explanation reads pagar pau as 'I'd pay you my pau,' meaning 'I'd give you anything.
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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