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keeping distance

[ˈkiːpɪŋ ˈdɪstəns]
verb phrase / gerund
manter distância
1. maintaining physical or emotional separation between oneself and another person or thing
She is keeping distance from her ex-boyfriend after their breakup.
Ela está mantendo distância do seu ex-namorado após o término.
2. avoiding close contact or interaction with someone, often to prevent transmission of illness or maintain boundaries
During the pandemic, people were keeping distance to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Durante a pandemia, as pessoas mantinham distância para evitar a propagação da COVID-19.
3. remaining aloof or detached from a situation or relationship
He decided to keep distance from the office drama.
Ele decidiu manter distância do drama do escritório.
NYC Slang
stay away from someone / keep it at arm's length
Synonyms
maintaining distancestaying apartkeeping apartremaining aloofstanding back
Antonyms
getting closeapproachingdrawing nearclosing the gapcoming together

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
manter distância
Most common usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
manter distância / ficar afastado
Both expressions are used naturally in conversation
São Paulo
manter distância
Preferred in urban and business contexts
Portugal
manter distância / guardar distância
Both expressions are standard; 'guardar distância' is also commonly used

Related Idioms & Phrases

keep someone at arm's length
give someone space
maintain a safe distance
draw a line
put space between
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