have means

[hæv miːnz]
verb phrase
ter meios; ter recursos; ter possibilidades
1. to possess the financial resources, capability, or opportunity to do something
She doesn't have the means to buy a house right now.
Ela não tem os meios para comprar uma casa agora.
2. to have the ability or way to accomplish something
We have the means to solve this problem if we work together.
Temos os meios para resolver este problema se trabalharmos juntos.
3. to possess wealth or financial capability
They have the means to travel anywhere they want.
Eles têm meios para viajar para qualquer lugar que quiserem.
This phrase is commonly used in both American English and Brazilian Portuguese to discuss financial capability or resourcefulness. In Brazil, the concept is often discussed in relation to socioeconomic status and access to opportunities. In the USA, it frequently appears in financial and business contexts. The phrase is neutral and used across all social classes when discussing ability to afford something.
NYC Slang
have the bread; have the dough; have the paper
Synonyms / Sinônimos
have the abilityhave the capabilityhave the resourcesbe able to affordhave the wherewithal
Antonyms / Antônimos
lack meansbe unablelack resourcesbe incapable

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ter meios; ter recursos
standard usage in both formal and informal contexts
Rio de Janeiro
ter grana; ter recursos
colloquial term 'grana' (money) often used informally
São Paulo
ter meios; ter condições
use of 'ter condições' (have conditions/ability) is also common
Portugal
ter meios; ter possibilidades
similar usage; 'ter possibilidades' emphasizes opportunity aspect

Related Words

meansresourcescapabilityabilitywealthfinancial capacity

Related Idioms & Phrases

by means of
by any means
by all means
ways and means
a man of means
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