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aperta-se

[ə-pɛɾ-tə-sə]
verb
tightens (reflexive); one tightens; it tightens
1. Third person singular present indicative of apertar (to tighten, to squeeze, to press) in reflexive form
The rope tightens around the package.
A corda aperta-se ao redor do pacote.
2. To become tight or compressed; to get narrower
The deadline approaches and the budget tightens.
O prazo se aproxima e o orçamento aperta-se.
3. To grip or squeeze oneself; to hold on tightly
She aperta-se to the rope to avoid falling.
Ela aperta-se à corda para não cair.
Synonyms
comprime-seestreita-seconstrange-seagarra-se
Antonyms
afroxa-sesolta-sealarga-seabre-se

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
aperta-se
Standard usage in Brazilian Portuguese
Portugal
aperta-se
Standard usage in European Portuguese

Related Idioms & Phrases

aperta-se o cinto (to tighten one's belt; to economize)
aperta-se o nó (the situation becomes critical)
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