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be constrained

[bi kənˈstreɪnd]
verb phrase
estar constrangido/limitado
1. to be limited or restricted by circumstances, rules, or obligations
We are constrained by the budget limitations.
Estamos limitados pelas restrições orçamentárias.
2. to feel uncomfortable, inhibited, or awkward in a social situation
She felt constrained in the formal meeting.
Ela se sentiu constrangida na reunião formal.
3. to be held back or prevented from acting freely
The company is constrained by regulatory requirements.
A empresa está limitada pelos requisitos regulatórios.
Synonyms
be limitedbe restrictedbe inhibitedbe boundbe held back
Antonyms
be freebe unconstrainedbe unrestrictedbe liberated

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
estar constrangido/limitado
Common usage in both formal and informal contexts
São Paulo
estar limitado
Preferred in business and technical contexts
Rio de Janeiro
estar constrangido
Often emphasizes social discomfort
Portugal
estar constrangido/limitado
Similar usage to Brazilian Portuguese; constrangido emphasizes emotional constraint

Related Idioms & Phrases

have one's hands tied
be in a bind
be boxed in
estar de mãos atadas
estar preso a
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