be sharp

[/bi ʃɑrp/]

verb phrase

estar afiado; ser perspicaz; estar atento

1. To have a keen edge or point; to be able to cut or pierce easily

The knife needs to be sharp to cut through the meat.

A faca precisa estar afiada para cortar a carne.

2. To be mentally quick, intelligent, or perceptive

You need to be sharp during the negotiation.

Você precisa estar perspicaz durante a negociação.

3. To be alert and attentive

The guards must be sharp and vigilant at all times.

Os guardas devem estar atentos e vigilantes o tempo todo.

4. To be fashionable or stylish in appearance

He always likes to be sharp when going out.

Ele sempre gosta de estar bem vestido quando sai.

NYC Slang

be on point; be fresh; be tight

Synonyms

Antonyms

Regional Variations

General Brazilian

estar afiado; estar esperto; estar atento

Common usage in everyday Brazilian Portuguese

Rio de Janeiro

estar ligeiro; estar esperto

Colloquial usage emphasizing quickness and alertness

São Paulo

estar afiado; estar perspicaz

More formal usage in business contexts

Portugal

estar afiado; estar atento; estar bem-apresentado

Portuguese usage with slight variations in emphasis

keep your wits sharp

sharp as a tack

sharp as a razor

estar com os sentidos aguçados

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