traça
1. a nocturnal insect of the order Lepidoptera, similar to a butterfly but typically having feathered antennae and drab coloring
The moth flew toward the porch light at night.
A traça voou em direção à luz do pórtico à noite.
2. any of various insects whose larvae damage cloth, grain, or other materials
We found a moth in the closet eating our winter clothes.
Encontramos uma traça no guarda-roupa comendo nossas roupas de inverno.
3. figuratively, something that consumes or destroys gradually
Worry is a moth that eats away at your peace of mind.
A preocupação é uma traça que corrói sua paz de espírito.
In Brazilian Portuguese, 'traça' is the standard term for moths, with 'mariposa' sometimes causing confusion as it can refer to both moths and butterflies depending on context. In American English, the phrase 'like a moth to a flame' is a common idiom meaning irresistibly attracted to something, often used metaphorically. Moths hold cultural significance in both cultures as symbols of transformation and nocturnal mystery, and are featured in various folk traditions and literature.
Related Idioms & Phrases
mothball something (to put something aside)
attracted to something like a moth to a flame (irresistibly drawn to)
clothes moth (specific type that damages fabric)
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