in possession
[ɪn pəˈzɛʃən]
prepositional phrase / adjective
em posse de / na posse de / possuindo
1. having something in one's custody or control; owning or holding something
He is in possession of valuable documents.
Ele está na posse de documentos valiosos.
2. legally or rightfully holding property or an item
The tenant is in possession of the apartment.
O inquilino está na posse do apartamento.
3. having something unlawfully or illegally (often used in criminal contexts)
She was arrested for being in possession of illegal drugs.
Ela foi presa por estar na posse de drogas ilegais.
4. controlling or having the ball/puck in sports
Brazil is in possession of the ball.
O Brasil está na posse da bola.
In Brazil, this phrase is commonly used in legal, financial, and sports contexts. The expression 'na posse de' emphasizes lawful ownership or rightful control, while 'em posse de' is more neutral. In criminal contexts, it's frequently heard in news reports about drug busts. In sports commentary, Brazilian commentators use this phrase frequently when describing ball possession in football/soccer.
Related Idioms & Phrases
in full possession of one's faculties
in possession of the facts
nine-tenths of the law (possession is nine points of the law)
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