curvas, dobras, volta
1. curves or angles formed by bending something
The road has several sharp bends.
A estrada tem várias curvas acentuadas.
2. third person singular present tense of 'bend' - to force into a curved or angled shape
She bends the metal with great force.
Ela dobra o metal com grande força.
3. decompression sickness affecting divers
The diver got the bends after ascending too quickly.
O mergulhador teve a doença descompressiva após subir muito rápido.
4. to incline or move from upright position
He bends down to pick up the paper.
Ele se abaixa para pegar o papel.
In Brazilian Portuguese, 'bends' (curvas) is extremely common when discussing road safety and navigation. The phrase 'dar a volta' (to take the bend/turn) is culturally significant in informal speech. The diving term 'the bends' is known internationally but less commonly discussed in casual Brazilian conversation.
Related Idioms & Phrases
around the bend - próximo ao final ou iminente
bend over backwards - fazer de tudo, se esforçar ao máximo
bend the rules - burlar as regras
bend someone's ear - falar persistentemente com alguém
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