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ease the tension

[/iːz ðə ˈtenʃən/]
verb phrase
aliviar a tensão
1. to reduce or relieve stress, anxiety, or emotional strain in a situation or relationship
A good joke can ease the tension in the room.
Uma boa piada pode aliviar a tensão na sala.
2. to make a difficult or uncomfortable situation more comfortable or relaxed
The mediator tried to ease the tension between the two parties.
O mediador tentou aliviar a tensão entre as duas partes.
NYC Slang
chill things out / take the heat off
Synonyms
relieve the tensionreduce the tensionlighten the moodbreak the icecalm the situation
Antonyms
heighten the tensionincrease the tensionescalate the conflictworsen the situation

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
aliviar a tensão
standard usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
aliviar a tensão / desanuviar
desanuviar is colloquial slang meaning to clear the air
São Paulo
aliviar a tensão / descontrair
descontrair emphasizes relaxing or loosening up
Portugal
aliviar a tensão / desanuviar o ambiente
similar to Brazilian usage, environment-focused

Related Idioms & Phrases

break the ice
clear the air
smooth things over
pour oil on troubled waters
lighten the atmosphere
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