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act off the cuff

[/ækt ɔːf ðə kʌf/]
verb phrase
atuar de improviso; improvisar uma atuação
1. To perform or act without prior preparation, rehearsal, or a script; to perform spontaneously or extemporaneously
The actor had to act off the cuff when the prompter forgot his lines.
O ator teve que improvisar quando o ponto esqueceu suas falas.
2. To perform in a casual, unrehearsed manner without formal preparation
She decided to act off the cuff during the audition, which impressed the directors.
Ela decidiu atuar de improviso durante o teste, o que impressionou os diretores.
NYC Slang
wing it; fake it till you make it
Synonyms
improvisewing itad-libperform extemporaneouslyact without a script
Antonyms
rehearse thoroughlyfollow the scriptperform with preparationact with planning

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
improvisar; atuar de improviso
Common usage in theater and performance contexts
Rio de Janeiro
improvisar a atuação
Colloquial in performance circles
São Paulo
atuar sem roteiro; improvisar
Used in formal and informal theatrical contexts
Portugal
atuar de improviso; representar sem preparação
Less common idiom; more formal alternatives preferred

Related Idioms & Phrases

off the cuff
ad-lib
wing it
fly by the seat of one's pants
think on one's feet
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