Meaning
To be furious / To be fuming
Example
Nunca vi o Demétrio assim, soltando fogo pelas ventas!
I've never seen Demetrius like this, he's absolutely furious!
Origin
'Ventas' are nostrils — of a raging bull or dragon, breathing fire. The image appears in Portuguese since at least the 19th century and refers to anger so intense it's visible.
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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