ficar descoberto
[fee-KAR des-ko-behr-TOO]
verb phrase
to be exposed; to be uncovered; to be revealed; to be left unprotected
1. To be left without protection or cover
The soldier was left uncovered during the retreat.
O soldado ficou descoberto durante a retirada.
2. To have one's secret or deception revealed
His lies were exposed when the truth came out.
Suas mentiras ficaram descobertas quando a verdade apareceu.
3. To be caught or found out doing something wrong
The thief was caught red-handed.
O ladrão ficou descoberto com a mão na massa.
4. To be left uncovered or exposed physically
The roof leaked and everything inside got soaked.
O telhado vazava e tudo dentro ficava descoberto à chuva.
This phrase is commonly used in Brazilian Portuguese in both literal contexts (physical exposure) and figurative contexts (social embarrassment or being caught in wrongdoing). It reflects the importance of 'jogo de cintura' (adaptability) in Brazilian culture, where being 'descoberto' means losing your advantage or protection in a social situation.
NYC Slang
get busted; get caught; be exposed; have your cover blown
Related Idioms & Phrases
ficar descoberto com a mão na massa (caught red-handed)
deixar alguém descoberto (leave someone unprotected)
sair descoberto (go out without protection)
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