make a passing reference to

[/meɪk ə ˈpæsɪŋ ˈrɛfərəns tu/]
verb phrase
fazer uma menção passageira a
1. to mention something briefly or casually without going into detail or emphasis
During the meeting, the director made a passing reference to the budget cuts that would be implemented next quarter.
Durante a reunião, o diretor fez uma menção passageira aos cortes orçamentários que seriam implementados no próximo trimestre.
2. to allude to something in a fleeting or incidental manner
She made a passing reference to her childhood in the small town during her speech.
Ela fez uma menção passageira à sua infância na pequena cidade durante seu discurso.
This phrase is commonly used in both American English and Brazilian Portuguese in formal and professional contexts such as meetings, presentations, and academic discussions. It indicates politeness and brevity when introducing a topic that is not central to the main discussion. In Brazilian culture, it's often used in business environments and formal speeches to acknowledge something without dedicating significant time to it.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
mention in passingallude to brieflytouch uponmake a fleeting mention ofrefer to casually
Antonyms / Antônimos
elaborate ondwell onexpand onthoroughly discussemphasize

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
fazer uma menção passageira a
most common and formal usage in Brazilian Portuguese
General Brazilian (informal)
mencionar de passagem
more casual variant used in everyday conversation
Portugal
fazer uma referência passageira a
European Portuguese variant, equally formal
Portugal (informal)
referir de passagem
casual variant in European Portuguese

Related Words

referencementionallusioncitationremarkcomment

Related Idioms & Phrases

in passing
by the way
en passant
touch base
drop a reference
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