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