avoid a subject
[/əˈvɔɪd ə ˈsʌbdʒɪkt/]
verb phrase
evitar um assunto
1. to deliberately refrain from discussing, addressing, or dealing with a particular topic or issue
He tends to avoid the subject of his failed marriage whenever it comes up in conversation.
Ele tende a evitar o assunto de seu casamento fracassado sempre que surge na conversa.
2. to change the topic or redirect conversation to escape uncomfortable discussion
When I asked about her grades, she quickly avoided the subject by asking about my weekend.
Quando perguntei sobre suas notas, ela rapidamente evitou o assunto perguntando sobre meu fim de semana.
This phrase reflects universal human behavior in both American and Brazilian cultures, particularly in situations involving conflict, embarrassment, or discomfort. In Brazil, direct confrontation is sometimes viewed negatively in hierarchical settings, making subject avoidance more socially acceptable in formal contexts. In American culture, the phrase is commonly used in casual conversation and workplace settings to describe uncomfortable dialogue avoidance.
NYC Slang
dodge the topic, beat around the bush, talk around it
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