Portuguese Phrase
Fica longe das portas que estão fechando.
Meaning
Literally, ‘Stay away from the doors that are closing.’ Figuratively, it warns someone to avoid situations or opportunities that are ending or about to become unavailable.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to advise a friend to steer clear of a fading opportunity, a deteriorating relationship, or any circumstance that is clearly winding down.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Ficalongedasportasqueestãofechando
Imperative of ficar
‘Fica’ is the informal (tu) imperative of ‘ficar’, meaning ‘stay’ or ‘remain’. In formal contexts use ‘Fique’.
Preposition + article (das)
‘das’ = de + as, translating to ‘of the’ or ‘from the’.
Relative clause with que
‘que’ introduces a relative clause that describes ‘portas’.
Progressive with estar + gerund
‘estão fechando’ is the present progressive, indicating an action in progress.
Gerund of fechar
‘fechando’ is the gerund form of ‘fechar’, meaning ‘to close’.
🗨In Conversation
Fica longe das portas que estão fechando.
Stay away from the doors that are closing.
Obrigado, vou procurar algo que ainda esteja aberto.
Thanks, I’ll look for something that’s still open.
✕Common Mistakes
Fica longe das portas que estão fechando.
In formal speech you should use ‘Fique’ (formal imperative) instead of ‘Fica’ (informal).
Fica longe das portas que está fechando.
The verb must agree with the plural noun ‘portas’; use ‘estão’ not ‘está’.
Fica longe da porta que estão fechando.
Avoid mixing singular and plural; keep both nouns and verbs plural.
↔Alternatives
Mantenha distância das portas que se fecham.
Keep your distance from doors that close.
Afaste‑se das portas que estão se fechando.
Stay away from doors that are closing.
Não se aproxime das portas que vão fechar.
Don’t approach doors that are about to close.
Cultural Tip
In Brazilian and European Portuguese, ‘porta que se fecha’ is a common metaphor for a lost opportunity. It’s often used in business, relationships, or personal growth contexts. The phrase carries a slightly cautionary tone, so use it when you want to sound caring but firm.