estar espiando
1. to be engaged in the act of secretly observing or gathering information about someone or something
He was spying on his neighbor through the window.
Ele estava espiando seu vizinho pela janela.
2. to be working as a spy; to conduct espionage
The agents were spying for the government during the Cold War.
Os agentes estavam espiando para o governo durante a Guerra Fria.
3. to be secretly monitoring or tracking someone's activities
She discovered that her ex-boyfriend was spying on her social media.
Ela descobriu que seu ex-namorado estava espiando suas redes sociais.
In both American and Brazilian contexts, spying carries negative connotations when referring to private individuals, but is neutral when discussing government intelligence work. In Brazil, the phrase 'estar de olho' (literally 'to have an eye on') is often used colloquially instead of the more formal 'espiando' in casual conversation.
NYC Slang
peeping/peeping Tom (if referring to voyeurism); clocking (if referring to watching/monitoring someone)
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