become fastened
[bɪˈkʌm ˈfɑːsənd]
verb phrase
ficar preso; ficar apertado; prender-se
1. to become attached, secured, or fixed in place
The bolt became fastened after turning the wrench several times.
O parafuso ficou preso depois de virar a chave inglesa várias vezes.
2. to become stuck or unable to move freely
The door became fastened shut due to the humidity.
A porta ficou presa fechada por causa da umidade.
3. to become emotionally or mentally attached
She became fastened to the idea of moving abroad.
Ela ficou presa à ideia de se mudar para o exterior.
This phrase is commonly used in both technical/mechanical contexts and metaphorical contexts in Brazilian Portuguese. In casual speech, 'ficar preso' is the most natural translation, while in technical manuals or formal writing, 'ficar apertado' or 'prender-se' may be preferred. The expression is universal across Portuguese-speaking regions with minimal variation.
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