holding wrong

[ˈhoʊldɪŋ rɔŋ]
verb phrase / adjective phrase
segurando errado; agarrando incorretamente
1. To grip, grasp, or hold something in an incorrect manner or position
You are holding the tennis racket wrong; adjust your grip.
Você está segurando a raquete de tênis errado; ajuste seu aperto.
2. To maintain an incorrect posture or technique while holding an object
The child was holding the pencil wrong, so the teacher corrected her hand position.
A criança estava segurando o lápis errado, então a professora corrigiu a posição da mão dela.
3. To embrace or clutch someone improperly or awkwardly
He was holding her wrong, making the dance move uncomfortable.
Ele estava a agarrando errado, tornando o movimento da dança desconfortável.
This is a instructional phrase commonly used in sports, music, and educational settings in both Brazilian and American English. In Brazil, it's frequently heard in fitness classes, dance studios, and martial arts training. The phrase is practical and direct, used for immediate correction of physical technique.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
gripping incorrectlygrasping wronglyholding improperlyholding awkwardlyholding incorrectly
Antonyms / Antônimos
holding correctlyholding properlyholding rightgrasping correctly

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
segurando errado
Most common and widely understood across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
agarrando errado
Slightly more colloquial usage
São Paulo
segurando de forma errada
More formal phrasing
Portugal
a segurar errado; a agarrar errado
Uses present continuous; 'agarrar' is equally common

Related Words

gripgrasptechniqueposturepositionhand placement

Related Idioms & Phrases

get a grip
hold your horses
hold the line
get the hang of something
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