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answer warily

[/ˈænsər ˈwɛrəli/]
verb phrase
responder com cautela
1. to respond to a question or statement in a careful, cautious, or guarded manner, avoiding commitment or revealing too much information
When asked about the investigation, the spokesperson chose to answer warily.
Quando perguntado sobre a investigação, o porta-voz escolheu responder com cautela.
2. to reply with suspicion or distrust, being careful about what one says
She answered warily to his unexpected questions.
Ela respondeu com desconfiança às suas perguntas inesperadas.
Synonyms
respond cautiouslyreply guardedlyanswer carefullyrespond evasivelyanswer suspiciously
Antonyms
answer openlyreply candidlyrespond franklyanswer freely

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
responder com cautela
standard usage
Portugal
responder com cuidado
alternative phrasing commonly used
General Brazilian Portuguese
responder desconfiado
emphasizes suspicion or distrust

Related Idioms & Phrases

play it safe
hold one's cards close to one's chest
beat around the bush
give the runaround
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