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be tense
[bi tɛns]
verb phrase
estar tenso/tensa
1.
to be in a state of mental or emotional strain; to feel anxious or nervous
She was tense about the upcoming exam.
Ela estava tensa sobre o exame que se aproximava.
2.
to have muscles that are tight or contracted
His shoulders were tense after working at the computer all day.
Os ombros dele estavam tensos depois de trabalhar no computador o dia todo.
3.
to be characterized by or filled with tension
The situation was tense during the negotiation.
A situação estava tensa durante a negociação.
NYC Slang
be all wound up
Synonyms
be stressed
be anxious
be nervous
be uptight
be wound up
Antonyms
be relaxed
be calm
be composed
be at ease
Regional Variations
General Brazilian
estar tenso/tensa
Most common usage in Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
estar travado/travada
Colloquial alternative meaning 'stiff' or 'locked up'
São Paulo
estar tenso/tensa
Standard usage
Portugal
estar tenso/tensa
Standard European Portuguese usage
Related Idioms & Phrases
the tension is thick
wound up like a spring
on edge
high strung
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