no bico do corvo

Portuguese

Etymology

Literally, “in the raven's beak”. From the passage in 1 Kings 17 where Elijah is feed by godsent ravens.

Pronunciation

 

• (Brazil) IPA^(key): /nu ˈbi.ku du ˈkoʁ.vu/ [nu ˈbi.ku du ˈkoɦ.vu]

• (Brazil) IPA^(key): /nu ˈbi.ku du ˈkoʁ.vu/ [nu ˈbi.ku du ˈkoɦ.vu]
  • (São Paulo) IPA^(key): /nu ˈbi.ku du ˈkoɾ.vu/
  • (Rio de Janeiro) IPA^(key): /nu ˈbi.ku du ˈkoʁ.vu/
  • (Southern Brazil) IPA^(key): /no ˈbi.ko do ˈkoɻ.vo/

 

• (Portugal) IPA^(key): /nu ˈbi.ku du ˈkoɾ.vu/ [nu ˈβi.ku ðu ˈkoɾ.vu]

• (Portugal) IPA^(key): /nu ˈbi.ku du ˈkoɾ.vu/ [nu ˈβi.ku ðu ˈkoɾ.vu]
  • (Northern Portugal) IPA^(key): /nu ˈbi.ku du ˈkoɾ.bu/ [nu ˈβi.ku ðu ˈkoɾ.βu]

Adjective

no bico do corvo (invariable)

1. (idiomatic) at death's door (about to die)
   1. (by extension) worn out (exhausted from exertion)
   2. (by extension) in a bad situation

See also

• às portas da morte