cold-hearted intention

[koʊld-ˈhɑr-təd ɪn-ˈten-ʃən]
noun phrasepl: cold-hearted intentions
intenção de coração frio
1. a deliberately cruel, unkind, or malicious purpose or plan executed without compassion or emotional consideration
His cold-hearted intention was to humiliate her in front of everyone.
Sua intenção de coração frio era humilhá-la na frente de todos.
2. a calculated, emotionless design to harm, betray, or take advantage of someone
The fraudster's cold-hearted intention was revealed when the victims discovered the scheme.
A intenção de coração frio do fraudador foi revelada quando as vítimas descobriram o esquema.
This phrase is frequently used in both American and Brazilian contexts to describe deliberate betrayal or cruelty, often in legal, interpersonal, or narrative contexts. In Brazilian culture, it emphasizes the contrast between external civility and internal malice (falta de coração). The concept resonates in both cultures as representing a particular moral failure—the ability to harm others while maintaining emotional detachment.
NYC Slang
cold move / straight-up cold / cold-blooded move
Synonyms / Sinônimos
malicious intentcruel purposeheartless designcallous motivecalculating intention
Antonyms / Antônimos
kind intentionbenevolent purposecompassionate motivewarm-hearted intentionselfless design

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
intenção de coração frio
standard formal usage
Rio de Janeiro
intenção fria / má intenção
colloquial shortening common in casual speech
São Paulo
intenção malévola / intenção cruel
more formal business and legal contexts
Portugal
intenção de coração gelado / má intenção
gelado preferred in European Portuguese; literal translation less common

Related Words

cold-heartedmalicecrueltycallousnessheartlessnessdetachment

Related Idioms & Phrases

with cold blood
calculating and cruel
without a shred of compassion
with calculated malice
hard as ice
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →