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guarded response

[/ˈɡɑːrdɪd rɪˈspɒns/]
nounpl: guarded responses
resposta cautelosa
1. A careful, cautious, or measured reply that reveals little information or commitment, often given to avoid controversy or maintain privacy
The politician gave a guarded response to questions about the scandal.
O político deu uma resposta cautelosa às perguntas sobre o escândalo.
2. A reply that is evasive or non-committal, typically used when someone wants to avoid taking a clear stance
When asked about her future plans, she offered only a guarded response.
Quando perguntada sobre seus planos futuros, ela ofereceu apenas uma resposta cautelosa.
NYC Slang
tight-lipped answer; playing it cool
Synonyms
cautious responsemeasured responseevasive responsereserved responsediplomatic responsenoncommittal response
Antonyms
candid responseforthright responsefrank responseopen responseunguarded response

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
resposta cautelosa
Most common usage across Brazil
São Paulo
resposta medida
Alternative, slightly more formal variant
Portugal
resposta circunspecta
More formal European Portuguese term

Related Idioms & Phrases

play one's cards close to one's chest
keep one's cards close to one's chest
speak with measured words
walk on eggshells
hedge one's bets
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