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
The origin is disputed and anecdotal, with no single documented source. The most repeated account traces tirar onda to Brazilian surf culture of the 1960s and 70s: someone who sits on the board in the breakers posturing as a surfer but never actually catches a wave is just "taking wave" — all show, no substance. Others link it to the world of samba and street wit.
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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