Does muitos anos a virar frangos have anything to do with chickens??? Let’s discover ways to say “I wasn’t born yesterday” in Portuguese – with flair!
When you want to say you’re no fool in English, you might say “I wasn’t born yesterday”, “Don’t take me for a fool” or even “You can’t pull the wool over my eyes.” But in Portuguese, we’ve got some wonderfully vivid ways to say the same thing — especially if you want to sound like a true local. Let’s have a look at some of them!
🐔 “muitos anos a virar frangos”
Literal translation: “many years of turning chickens.”
Meaning: To have been around the block. Not new to this. I’ve seen things. IT also means that one is experienced at something.
English equivalents:
- I wasn’t born yesterday.
- I’ve been around the block.
- I’ve done this a thousand times.
- This isn’t my first barbecue/rodeo.
🗣 “You think I’d fall for that? Come on… I’ve got many years of turning chickens.”
🎵“Já não vou em cantigas”
Literal translation: “I don’t fall for songs anymore.”
Meaning: I’ve learned my lesson. I don’t fall for sweet talk or empty promises.
English equivalents:
- I’m not buying it.
- Don’t try to sweet-talk me.
- Fool me once, shame on you…
🗣 “Another excuse? Sorry, I don’t fall for songs anymore.”
🍦 “Não como gelados com a testa”
Literal translation: “I don’t eat icecreams with my forehead.”
Meaning: I’m not stupid. (Very sarcastic and colourful!)
English equivalents:
- I’m not an idiot.
- I wasn’t born yesterday.
- Do I look that gullible?
🗣 “You expect me to believe that? I don’t eat icecreams with my forehead!”
🕰️ “Já ando cá há muito tempo”
Literal translation: “I’ve been around here a long time.”
Meaning: I’ve got experience. I know how this works.
English equivalents:
- I’ve seen this before.
- I’ve been around long enough to know…
- I’ve been through this before.
- Been there, done that (got the T-shirt)
🗣 “You won’t fool me. I’ve been around here a long time.”
👶“Não nasci ontem”
Literal translation: “I wasn’t born yesterday.”
Meaning: The same as in English.
*Used just as often in Portuguese as it is in English!
🗣 “Don’t treat me like that. I wasn’t born yesterday.”
🏠 “Sei o que a casa gasta”
Literal translation: “I know what the house spends.”
Meaning: I know what I’m dealing with. I know how things work around here.
It implies familiarity with a situation or person — usually with a slightly sceptical or knowing tone.
English equivalents:
- I know what I’m dealing with.
- I know how this game is played.
- I’ve got your number.
- I know the drill.
🗣 “Another late arrival with a big smile? Please… I know what this house spends.”
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Want to sound more Portuguese?
These expressions are full of personality. Sprinkling idioms like these into your conversations can help you sound more natural and more culturally aware.
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Até breve!
— Adelina 🌸☘️