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be tactful

[/bi ˈtæktfəl/]
verb phrase
ser tato/diplomático
1. to act with sensitivity and discretion when dealing with others; to handle situations carefully to avoid offending or upsetting people
She was tactful in her criticism of his work.
Ela foi diplomática na sua crítica do trabalho dele.
2. to demonstrate good judgment and empathy in communication and social interactions
You need to be tactful when discussing sensitive topics.
Você precisa ter tato ao discutir tópicos sensíveis.
Synonyms
be diplomaticbe consideratebe discreetbe sensitivehandle with carebe polite
Antonyms
be tactlessbe bluntbe insensitivebe rudeoffend

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ser tato/ter tato/ser diplomático
commonly used in both formal and informal contexts
Rio de Janeiro
ser diplomático/ter jogo de cintura
jogo de cintura is a colloquial expression meaning to handle situations smoothly
São Paulo
ser tato/ser diplomático
standard usage, formal and business contexts
Portugal
ser tato/ter tato/ser diplomático
equivalent usage to Brazilian Portuguese

Related Idioms & Phrases

tread carefully
walk on eggshells
mind your Ps and Qs
watch your tongue
ter mão leve
pisar em ovos
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