mask thoughts

[/mæsk θɔːts/]
verb phrase
mascarar pensamentos
1. to conceal or hide one's true thoughts, feelings, or intentions behind a false appearance or deceptive behavior
She had to mask her thoughts during the meeting to avoid conflict with her boss.
Ela teve que mascarar seus pensamentos durante a reunião para evitar conflito com seu chefe.
2. to deliberately suppress or disguise one's genuine opinions or emotions
He learned to mask his thoughts about the controversial decision.
Ele aprendeu a mascarar seus pensamentos sobre a decisão controversa.
This phrase reflects the universal human experience of social navigation—both American and Brazilian cultures recognize the need to sometimes conceal true thoughts in professional or delicate social situations. In Brazil, there's cultural emphasis on 'jogo de cintura' (literally 'waist game'), referring to the ability to navigate situations strategically, which often involves masking thoughts.
NYC Slang
keep it real vs. fake it; play it cool
Synonyms / Sinônimos
hide thoughtsconceal thoughtssuppress thoughtsdisguise thoughtsveil thoughts
Antonyms / Antônimos
express thoughtsreveal thoughtsshare thoughtsvoice thoughts

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
mascarar pensamentos
Standard usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
esconder o jogo
More colloquial expression meaning to hide one's game/intentions
São Paulo
fingir pensamentos
Alternative colloquial expression emphasizing pretense
Portugal
disfarçar pensamentos
Preferred term in European Portuguese

Related Words

poker facedeceptionconcealmentgenuineauthentic

Related Idioms & Phrases

wear a mask
put on a poker face
keep one's cards close to the chest
bite one's tongue
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