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be discreet

[/bɪ dɪˈskriːt/]
verb phrase
ser discreto
1. to act or speak with prudence and circumspection, avoiding drawing attention or causing offense; to maintain confidentiality
Please be discreet about this matter; it's confidential.
Por favor, seja discreto sobre este assunto; é confidencial.
2. to behave carefully and tactfully in a sensitive situation
You should be discreet when discussing personal matters with colleagues.
Você deve ser discreto ao discutir assuntos pessoais com colegas.
NYC Slang
keep it on the DL (down low); keep it quiet
Synonyms
be tactfulbe prudentbe carefulmaintain confidencekeep quiet
Antonyms
be indiscreetbe carelessbe tactlessrevealdisclose

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ser discreto
standard usage across Brazil
São Paulo
ser discreto
standard usage
Rio de Janeiro
ser discreto
standard usage
Portugal
ser discreto
standard usage; may also use 'ser reservado'

Related Idioms & Phrases

keep your mouth shut
mum's the word
loose lips sink ships
keep a low profile
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