nem que a vaca tussa

Portuguese
FWOTD – 25 February 2013

Etymology

Literally, “not even if the cow coughs”.

Pronunciation
 
  • (Brazil) IPA(key): /ˈnẽj̃ ki a ˈva.kɐ ˈtu.sɐ/ [ˈnẽɪ̯̃ ki a ˈva.kɐ ˈtu.sɐ]
    • (Southern Brazil) IPA(key): /ˈnẽj̃ ke a ˈva.ka ˈtu.sa/ [ˈnẽɪ̯̃ ke a ˈva.ka ˈtu.sa]
  • (Portugal) IPA(key): /ˈnɐ̃j̃ k‿ɐ ˈva.kɐ ˈtu.sɐ/

Adverb

nem que a vaca tussa (not comparable)

  1. (idiomatic) definitely not; by no means; not in a million years
    Synonyms: nem a pau, nem morto, só por cima do meu cadáver
    • 2004, Antonio Prata, Estive Pensando: Crônicas de Antonio Prata, Marco Zero, page 88:
      Deixo a leitora com um ósculo, um amplexo e à procura de um dicionário, pois o significado dessas duas palavras eu não conto nem que a vaca tussa!
      I leave the reader with a kiss, a hug and in search of a dictionary, because not in a million years I will tell the meaning of these words!
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