Dar um Bolo in Brazilian Portuguese: Talk About a No-Show
Dar um bolo means to stand someone up or fail to show for an arrangement; the context makes clear who did not arrive.
Real Life Portuguese · 5 min read · Updated October 15, 2026
The short answer
Dar um bolo is an informal expression for standing someone up or not showing up for a plan. It does not mean that a person gave someone a cake; the conversation is about an expected meeting that did not happen.
Use dar um bolo for a missed arrangement
Say quem deu bolo when you want to identify who missed the plan. Because the expression can sound critical, use it carefully when describing a friend or someone who may have had a serious reason.
Ele deu um bolo no grupo e ninguém sabia se vinha.
He stood the group up, and nobody knew whether he was coming.
A gente marcou às sete, mas ela me deu um bolo.
We made plans for seven, but she stood me up.
Ask what happened without accusing someone
If you are still waiting, use a neutral question first: você sabe se ela vem? (do you know if she is coming?). A late arrival, a changed plan, and a no-show are different situations.
For a plan you need to reschedule, state the time and ask whether the person is available. The expression describes what happened, but it does not explain why.
Você sabe se o Rafael ainda vem?
Do you know if Rafael is still coming?
Não vou conseguir chegar às sete. Podemos remarcar?
I won’t be able to make it at seven. Can we reschedule?
Choose neutral wording for a formal message
For work or a service appointment, prefira não compareceu (did not attend) or não apareceu no horário combinado (did not show at the agreed time). Those phrases are clearer and less judgmental than slang.
This guide adapts an I Speak Portuguese expression lesson by focusing on plans, no-shows, and neutral follow-up language.
O prestador não apareceu no horário combinado.
The service provider did not show at the agreed time.
Não compareci à reunião. Peço desculpas.
I did not attend the meeting. I apologize.
Put it into practice
Use dar um bolo informally for a no-show, but describe the actual timing and follow-up when plans need to be repaired.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “The service provider did not show at the agreed time”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
This guide is an original Real Life Portuguese adaptation of an earlier article from I Speak Portuguese.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
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