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be diplomatic

[/bi dɪpləˈmætɪk/]
verb phrase
ser diplomático
1. to handle a situation with tact, sensitivity, and discretion; to communicate in a way that avoids offense or conflict while achieving one's goals
She decided to be diplomatic when discussing the budget cuts with her team.
Ela decidiu ser diplomática ao discutir os cortes orçamentários com sua equipe.
2. to express oneself carefully and thoughtfully to maintain good relations
He tried to be diplomatic in his criticism of the proposal.
Ele tentou ser diplomático em sua crítica da proposta.
NYC Slang
play it cool / don't put your foot in your mouth
Synonyms
be tactfulbe discreetbe judiciousshow restrainttread carefullyuse finesse
Antonyms
be bluntbe tactlessbe rudebe insensitivespeak franklybe candid

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ser diplomático
Most common usage across Brazil
São Paulo
ser diplomático
Standard usage, same as general Brazilian
Rio de Janeiro
ser diplomático / agir com jogo de cintura
Alternative colloquial expression meaning to navigate skillfully
Portugal
ser diplomático
Standard usage, identical to Brazilian Portuguese

Related Idioms & Phrases

tread on eggshells
mind your p's and q's
watch your tongue
walk on thin ice
choose your words carefully
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