What Does Quebrar o Galho Mean in Brazilian Portuguese?
Quebrar o galho describes helping someone out or making do with a workable temporary solution.
Real Life Portuguese · 5 min read · Updated October 14, 2026
The short answer
Quebrar o galho is an informal expression for helping someone out or finding a solution that works for now. Depending on the context, it can mean ‘do someone a favor,’ ‘make do,’ or ‘serve as a temporary fix.’ It does not necessarily describe the ideal solution.
Use quebrar o galho when a favor solves the immediate problem
The expression is flexible: a person can quebrar o seu galho by helping you, and an object or substitute can quebrar o galho when it is good enough for the moment.
Você pode quebrar meu galho e buscar a encomenda?
Could you do me a favor and pick up the package?
Esse adaptador quebra o galho até eu comprar outro.
This adapter will do for now until I buy another one.
Minha irmã quebrou meu galho quando o carro ficou na oficina.
My sister helped me out when the car was at the shop.
Distinguish a temporary fix from a lasting solution
The expression may suggest that the help is practical but limited. If a colleague covers one shift, they quebraram um galho; that does not mean they took over the job permanently. Add até... (until...) when you want to make the temporary period explicit.
For formal writing, say ajudar, fazer um favor, or resolver temporariamente. These phrases explain the action directly without relying on an idiom.
Vou usar este cabo para quebrar o galho até o novo chegar.
I’ll use this cable as a temporary fix until the new one arrives.
Ela pode me ajudar por uma hora?
Can she help me for an hour?
O plano resolveu o problema temporariamente.
The plan solved the problem temporarily.
Put it into practice
Use quebrar o galho for a favor or a workable stopgap. Add a time limit when you need to show that the solution is temporary.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “This adapter will do for now until I buy another one”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
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