keep neutral

[kiːp ˈnjuːtrəl]
verb phrase
manter-se neutro
1. to remain impartial and not take sides in a conflict, dispute, or disagreement
During the argument between his friends, he decided to keep neutral.
Durante a discussão entre seus amigos, ele decidiu manter-se neutro.
2. to maintain a neutral position in politics, diplomacy, or international affairs
Switzerland has managed to keep neutral throughout many European conflicts.
A Suíça conseguiu manter-se neutra ao longo de muitos conflitos europeus.
3. to avoid expressing personal opinions or preferences on a sensitive topic
The moderator tried to keep neutral while discussing the controversial policy.
O mediador tentou manter-se neutro enquanto discutia a política controversa.
In Brazil, maintaining neutrality (manter-se neutro) is often valued in professional and diplomatic settings, though in casual social contexts, people may be more outspoken. In the United States, the ability to 'keep neutral' is particularly emphasized in journalism, law, and education, reflecting cultural values of objectivity and fairness. The phrase is also politically significant when discussing international relations and a country's stance on global issues.
NYC Slang
play Switzerland
Synonyms / Sinônimos
remain impartialstay neutralmaintain neutralityrefrain from taking sidesstay objective
Antonyms / Antônimos
take sidesshow biasfavor one sidebecome partisanexpress allegiance

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
manter-se neutro
standard expression used in formal and informal contexts
São Paulo
ficar neutro
common colloquial variant
Rio de Janeiro
manter-se de fora
idiomatic expression meaning to stay out of it
Portugal
manter-se neutro
same as Brazilian Portuguese, used in formal diplomatic contexts

Related Words

neutralityimpartialunbiasedobjectivebalanceddetacheddisinterested

Related Idioms & Phrases

sit on the fence
play both sides
hold the middle ground
stay on the sidelines
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