descend upon

[dɪˈsend əˈpɑn]
verb (phrasal verb)
descer sobre; cair sobre; atacar; invadir
1. to arrive suddenly and in large numbers; to swoop down on someone or something
The locusts descended upon the crops and destroyed them.
Os gafanhotos caíram sobre as plantações e as destruíram.
2. to attack or invade a place suddenly
Police descended upon the illegal warehouse without warning.
A polícia invadiu o depósito ilegal de surpresa.
3. to visit someone unexpectedly in large numbers
Relatives descended upon us during the holidays.
Parentes caíram na nossa casa durante as festas.
4. to move downward swiftly toward a target
The eagle descended upon its prey from the sky.
A águia desceu sobre sua presa vindo do céu.
This phrasal verb is commonly used in both American English and Brazilian Portuguese to describe sudden, unexpected arrivals or invasions, whether literal (military) or figurative (unexpected guests). In Brazilian culture, it often refers to family members arriving unannounced during holidays or celebrations, which is treated with both humor and mild exasperation in everyday conversation.
NYC Slang
swoop down on; hit someone up; flood someone
Synonyms / Sinônimos
swoop down onattackinvadepounce onfall uponarrive unexpectedly
Antonyms / Antônimos
ascend fromleavedepart fromabandon

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
descer sobre; cair sobre; invadir
Most common usage in formal and informal contexts
Rio de Janeiro
cair de surpresa em; descer em cima de
More colloquial variation
São Paulo
invadir; atacar de repente
Often used in business and formal contexts
Portugal
descer sobre; cair sobre; invadir
Similar usage as Brazilian Portuguese with slight stylistic differences

Related Words

descendinvasionassaultswoopattackambush

Related Idioms & Phrases

descend upon like locusts
descend upon in force
descend upon without warning
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