cu na mão

ˈku nɐ ˈmɐ̃wexpression, fear, anatomical

What does cu na mão mean? cu na mão is a Portuguese strong that translates to “scared shitless / terrified” in English.

ass in hand

01

"scared shitless / terrified"

Extreme fear; holding one's ass in fear.

Fiquei com o cu na mão naquela montanha russa (I was scared shitless on that roller coaster)

Context

  • Informal settings where profanity is accepted
  • Expressing strong frustration or emphasis

Avoid

  • Professional or formal settings
  • Around elders or authority figures
  • Job interviews, meetings, or customer-facing situations

Cultural Context

Vivid metaphor for terror. 'Ficar com o cu na mão' = to be scared shitless. 'Cu trancado' (ass clenched) is similar.

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