breakable thread

[BREY-kuh-bul thred]
nounpl: breakable threads
fio quebradiço
1. A thread that is fragile and prone to breaking easily under tension or stress
The antique fabric was held together by breakable threads that required careful handling.
O tecido antigo era mantido unido por fios quebradiços que exigiam manuseio cuidadoso.
2. In sewing and textiles, a thread with low tensile strength that may snap during stitching
Be careful with this breakable thread; use a slower machine speed to avoid snapping.
Cuidado com este fio quebradiço; use uma velocidade mais lenta na máquina para evitar que se rompa.
3. A figurative expression referring to a fragile connection or relationship
Their friendship hung by a breakable thread after the argument.
A amizade deles pendia por um fio quebradiço após a discussão.
In Brazilian textile and fashion industries, the term 'fio quebradiço' is commonly used when discussing garment quality and longevity. It reflects concerns about craftsmanship and material durability. The phrase also appears frequently in conservation work when dealing with antique or historical textiles.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
delicate threadfragile threadweak threadbrittle thread
Antonyms / Antônimos
durable threadsturdy threadstrong threadresilient thread

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
fio quebradiço
most common usage in Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
fio frágil
alternative colloquial form
São Paulo
fio que se quebra fácil
more descriptive, conversational form
Portugal
fio quebradiço
equivalent term used in European Portuguese

Related Words

tensile strengththread qualityfabric deteriorationneedle and thread

Related Idioms & Phrases

hanging by a thread
thin thread
thread of hope
break the thread
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