be unsteady
[/bi ʌnˈstɛdi/]
verb phrase
estar instável; estar oscilante; estar cambaleante
1. to lack stability or firmness in position or movement; to sway or wobble
The boat began to be unsteady as the waves grew larger.
O barco começou a ficar instável quando as ondas ficaram maiores.
2. to be uncertain or unreliable in behavior or performance
His hands were unsteady as he held the glass.
Suas mãos estavam tremendo enquanto ele segurava o copo.
3. to be emotionally or mentally unstable
She seemed unsteady after hearing the bad news.
Ela parecia abalada depois de ouvir a má notícia.
In both American and Brazilian English contexts, 'be unsteady' is commonly used to describe physical instability (especially after alcohol consumption or illness) as well as emotional or financial uncertainty. In Brazilian Portuguese, 'estar instável' is the more formal choice while 'estar cambaleante' is more colloquial and vivid.
NYC Slang
be wobbly; be shaky on your feet
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