Signification
To control one's impulses or actions in a situation.
Contexte culturel
The phrase is a hallmark of 'Brazilian politeness'. Instead of saying 'No' or 'Stop', which is considered 'seco' (dry/rude), Brazilians use this to suggest a pause. In the business hub of São Paulo, 'dar uma segurada' is frequently used in corporate meetings to discuss budget cuts or delaying project phases without sounding alarmist. Cariocas often use 'Segura a onda' as a direct synonym, often accompanied by a hand gesture (palm down, moving slightly). While understood due to the influence of Brazilian soap operas (telenovelas), it is not native. A Portuguese person might find it 'engraçado' (funny/cute) but wouldn't use it in a serious conversation.
The 'Uma' Trick
Always include 'uma'. If you say 'Dar segurada', it sounds like a technical term. 'Dar uma segurada' sounds like a native speaker.
Don't use with 'O'
Never say 'Dar o segurado'. It's always feminine and always indefinite.
Signification
To control one's impulses or actions in a situation.
The 'Uma' Trick
Always include 'uma'. If you say 'Dar segurada', it sounds like a technical term. 'Dar uma segurada' sounds like a native speaker.
Don't use with 'O'
Never say 'Dar o segurado'. It's always feminine and always indefinite.
Body Language
When saying this, Brazilians often make a 'calm down' gesture with their hands to reinforce the meaning.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
Eu gastei muito dinheiro ontem, então hoje eu vou ______.
The standard form is 'dar uma segurada', using the feminine noun.
Which situation best fits the use of 'Dá uma segurada'?
Your friend is driving 140km/h in a 80km/h zone.
The phrase is used to suggest slowing down or reducing intensity.
Choose the best response for the dialogue.
A: 'Vou falar para a Maria que o vestido dela é horrível!' B: '_________'
Here, the phrase is used to advise social restraint to avoid hurting someone's feelings.
Match the context to the meaning of 'dar uma segurada'.
Context: 'O governo deu uma segurada na inflação.'
In a macro-context, it refers to controlling economic variables.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesEu gastei muito dinheiro ontem, então hoje eu vou ______.
The standard form is 'dar uma segurada', using the feminine noun.
Your friend is driving 140km/h in a 80km/h zone.
The phrase is used to suggest slowing down or reducing intensity.
A: 'Vou falar para a Maria que o vestido dela é horrível!' B: '_________'
Here, the phrase is used to advise social restraint to avoid hurting someone's feelings.
Context: 'O governo deu uma segurada na inflação.'
In a macro-context, it refers to controlling economic variables.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsTechnically yes (e.g., 'Dá uma segurada nessa porta'), but it's 90% used for metaphorical restraint.
It depends on the company culture. In a startup, it's fine. In a traditional bank, it might be too informal. Use 'Precisamos de cautela' instead.
'Segurar' is the verb 'to hold'. 'Dar uma segurada' is the idiomatic expression for 'to exercise restraint'.
They understand it, but they don't use it. It's a very Brazilian expression.
Expressions liées
Segurar a onda
synonymTo hold back or deal with a difficult situation.
Pisar no freio
similarTo slow down.
Maneirar
similarTo moderate.
Soltar a franga
contrastTo let loose / lose all inhibitions.
