Meaning
To show off / To make fun of
Example
Comprou o carro do ano só pra tirar onda.
He bought the newest car just to show off.
Origin
'Tirar onda' is Brazilian surfer slang of the 1970s — 'to pull a wave' — meaning to show off while surfing. By the 1980s the phrase was being used across Brazilian Portuguese for any form of showing off or making fun.
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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