come loose

[/kʌm luːs/]
verb phrase
soltar-se, afrouxar-se, desprender-se
1. to become unfastened, detached, or no longer firmly held in place
The button came loose from my shirt during the wash.
O botão se soltou da minha camisa durante a lavagem.
2. to break free from restraint or confinement
The dog came loose from its leash and ran into the park.
O cachorro se soltou da coleira e correu para o parque.
3. to relax or become less tense in behavior or demeanor
After a few drinks, he came loose and started dancing.
Depois de algumas bebidas, ele se soltou e começou a dançar.
In American English, 'come loose' is commonly used in both literal contexts (objects becoming detached) and figurative contexts (people becoming relaxed or uninhibited). In Brazilian Portuguese, 'soltar-se' carries similar dual meanings but is more frequently used in social contexts to describe someone becoming more carefree or relaxed in social situations.
NYC Slang
come loose, break free, get loose
Synonyms / Sinônimos
come undonebreak freeunfastendetachslip offcome apart
Antonyms / Antônimos
tightenfastensecureattachbind

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
soltar-se, afrouxar-se, desprender-se
standard usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
se soltar, ficar solto
common colloquial usage with emphasis on freedom or relaxation
São Paulo
soltar-se, afrouxar
formal and informal contexts both common
Portugal
soltar-se, afrouxar-se, desatar-se
similar usage with slight variation in verb choice

Related Words

loosentightendetachfastenrestraintslack

Related Idioms & Phrases

let loose
come unglued
fall apart
break away
shake loose
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