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ad lib

[/æd ˈlɪb/]
verb/noun/adjective
improvisar; improviso
1. (verb) To speak, perform, or act without preparation or written script; to improvise
The actor had to ad lib when he forgot his lines.
O ator teve que improvisar quando esqueceu suas falas.
2. (noun) Something said or performed without preparation; an improvisation
His funny ad lib got a big laugh from the audience.
Seu improviso engraçado arrancou risadas da plateia.
3. (adjective) Done or made without preparation; improvised
The comedian's ad lib jokes were hilarious.
As piadas improvisadas do comediante foram hilariantes.
NYC Slang
off the cuff; winging it
Synonyms
improviseextemporizewing itmake it up as you go
Antonyms
scriptedpreparedrehearsedplanned

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
improvisar; improviso
Most common usage across Brazil
São Paulo
improvisar; improviso
Standard usage
Rio de Janeiro
improvisar; jogo de cintura
Sometimes used with 'jogo de cintura' (flexibility/improvisation)
Portugal
improvisar; improviso
Standard usage, similar to Brazilian Portuguese

Related Idioms & Phrases

play it by ear
think on one's feet
wing it
improvise on the spot
make it up as you go along
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