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be deceptive

[/bi dɪˈsɛptɪv/]
verb phrase
ser enganoso
1. to be misleading or give a false impression; to trick or deceive someone
Appearances can be deceptive.
As aparências podem ser enganosas.
2. to deliberately provide false information with intent to mislead
His calm demeanor was deceptive; he was actually very nervous.
Seu comportamento calmo era enganoso; ele estava muito nervoso na verdade.
NYC Slang
be full of it; be on some BS
Synonyms
be misleadingbe fraudulentbe dishonestdeceivetrickmislead
Antonyms
be honestbe truthfulbe genuinebe sincere

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ser enganoso/enganosa
most common usage
Brazil
ser falso/falsa
alternative, slightly colloquial
Portugal
ser enganador/enganadora
also commonly used
Portugal
ser ilusório/ilusória
more formal alternative

Related Idioms & Phrases

looks can be deceptive
don't let it fool you
it's not what it seems
pull the wool over someone's eyes
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