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being firm

[ˈbiːɪŋ fɜːrm]
verb phrase / gerund
ser firme / manter-se firme
1. Remaining steadfast, resolute, or unyielding in one's position, decision, or stance
Being firm about your boundaries is important for self-respect.
Ser firme sobre seus limites é importante para a autoestima.
2. Maintaining a solid, stable, or fixed physical form or structure
The handshake demonstrated he was being firm and confident.
O aperto de mão demonstrou que ele estava sendo firme e confiante.
3. Not showing weakness, doubt, or flexibility in dealing with others
The manager was being firm with the employee about deadline expectations.
O gerente estava sendo firme com o funcionário sobre as expectativas de prazos.
NYC Slang
keeping it tight / holding it down / staying solid
Synonyms
staying resoluteremaining steadfastholding groundstanding firmbeing resolutebeing unyielding
Antonyms
being flexiblebeing weakbeing indecisivewaveringbeing lenient

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ser firme / ficar firme
Most common usage in everyday contexts
Rio de Janeiro
ser firme / não ceder
Emphasis on not giving in or backing down
São Paulo
ser firme / manter-se firme
Formal and business contexts
Portugal
ser firme / manter-se firme
Standard European Portuguese usage

Related Idioms & Phrases

stand your ground
stick to your guns
hold firm
não ceder um milímetro
ficar de pé
manter a linha
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