close gaps

[/kloʊz ɡæps/]
verb phrase
fechar lacunas; reduzir diferenças; diminuir disparidades
1. To reduce or eliminate the space, distance, or difference between two things, people, or groups
We need to close gaps in education between rural and urban areas.
Precisamos fechar as lacunas na educação entre áreas rurais e urbanas.
2. To bridge a disparity or inequality in a specific area such as wages, opportunities, or performance
The company implemented new policies to close the gender wage gap.
A empresa implementou novas políticas para reduzir a disparidade salarial de gênero.
3. To narrow the margin or deficit between competitors or opposing sides
The team is working hard to close the gap with the league leaders.
O time está trabalhando duro para diminuir a distância com os líderes do campeonato.
This phrase is widely used in both American and Brazilian business, education, and social policy discussions. In Brazil, it reflects concerns about socioeconomic inequality, educational disparities, and gender wage gaps. In the USA, it's frequently used in political and social discourse regarding race, education, and economic opportunity. The phrase has become part of standard corporate and governmental language in both countries.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
bridge the gapnarrow the gapreduce differenceseliminate disparitiesnarrow the divideshrink the gap
Antonyms / Antônimos
widen the gapincrease disparitiesdeepen the divideexpand the gap

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
fechar lacunas; reduzir diferenças; diminuir disparidades
Most commonly used in business and social contexts
Rio de Janeiro
fechar as brechas; reduzir o hiato
Popular in informal and academic discussions
São Paulo
fechar as lacunas; reduzir o gap; diminuir o gap
Common in business and corporate environments; 'gap' often used untranslated
Portugal
colmatar as lacunas; reduzir as diferenças; diminuir o fosso
More formal usage; 'colmatar' is preferred in European Portuguese

Related Words

gapdisparityinequalitydeficitdividemargin

Related Idioms & Phrases

bridge the gap
close the gap
narrow the divide
level the playing field
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