hidden feeling
[/ˈhɪdən ˈfiːlɪŋ/]
nounpl: hidden feelings
sentimento oculto
1. An emotion or affection that is not openly expressed or revealed; a suppressed or concealed emotional state
She had hidden feelings for him that she never dared to express.
Ela tinha sentimentos ocultos por ele que nunca ousou expressar.
2. An emotion kept secret or deliberately concealed from others due to fear, shame, or social convention
His hidden feelings of resentment finally surfaced during the argument.
Seus sentimentos ocultos de ressentimento finalmente vieram à tona durante a discussão.
3. Unspoken emotional bonds or attractions that exist beneath the surface of a relationship
There were hidden feelings between them that neither wanted to acknowledge.
Havia sentimentos ocultos entre eles que nenhum dos dois queria reconhecer.
In both Brazilian and American culture, 'hidden feelings' often relate to romantic contexts where social norms, fear of rejection, or complications prevent people from expressing attraction or affection. In Brazil, the romantic expression of hidden feelings is a common theme in music (especially samba and forró). In the USA, the concept appears frequently in popular culture, psychology, and literature as part of emotional honesty discussions and relationship dynamics.
NYC Slang
inner feelings you ain't tellin' nobody about; keepin' it close to the chest
Related Idioms & Phrases
wear your heart on your sleeve (opposite: keep feelings hidden)
keep your feelings bottled up
sweep feelings under the rug
have a soft spot for someone
carry a torch for someone
have feelings for someone
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