long looks

[/lɔːŋ lʊks/]
noun phrase
olhares prolongados
1. Extended or sustained gazes directed at someone or something, often conveying interest, curiosity, suspicion, or romantic interest
She gave him long looks across the room during the meeting.
Ela lançou olhares prolongados para ele durante a reunião.
2. Lingering visual attention that lasts longer than a brief glance
The long looks from the audience suggested they were deeply engaged with the performance.
Os olhares prolongados da plateia sugeriam que estavam profundamente envolvidos com o espetáculo.
In both American and Brazilian cultures, 'long looks' carry significant social meaning. In romantic contexts, they suggest attraction or interest, while in confrontational situations they can signal challenge or suspicion. The phrase is commonly used in literature and film to convey unspoken communication between characters. Eye contact duration varies culturally; prolonged looks are generally more socially acceptable in Western contexts than in some other cultures.
NYC Slang
the stink eye (when conveying suspicion); a look (general romantic interest)
Synonyms / Sinônimos
stareslingering gazessustained glancesfixed looksprolonged stares
Antonyms / Antônimos
glancesquick looksbrief gazesfleeting glances

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
olhares prolongados
Standard translation used throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
olhadas demoradas
Alternative colloquial expression common in Rio
São Paulo
olhares que demoram
Slight variation in formal contexts
Portugal
olhares prolongados / olhares demorados
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; universal usage

Related Words

gazestareglanceeye contactlookattention

Related Idioms & Phrases

give someone long looks
exchange long looks
long looks across a crowded room
hold someone's gaze
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