botar o pau na mesa

Portuguese

Etymology

Literally, “to put the stick on the table”. The idiom has its origins from historical periods when slavery was practiced.

Verb

botar o pau na mesa (first-person singular present boto o pau na mesa, first-person singular preterite botei o pau na mesa, past participle botado o pau na mesa)

1. (idiomatic) to show who's boss (to assert oneself to be in charge)