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narrow the space

[ˈnæroʊ ðə speɪs]
verb phrase
estreitar o espaço
1. To reduce the distance or gap between two points, objects, or people
The defenders tried to narrow the space to prevent the striker from shooting.
Os defensores tentaram estreitar o espaço para impedir que o atacante chutasse.
2. To limit the available room or area for movement or action
The negotiators worked to narrow the space between the two positions.
Os negociadores trabalharam para estreitar o espaço entre as duas posições.
3. In sports, to close the gap between opponents to restrict their options
The goalkeeper came forward to narrow the space for the oncoming player.
O goleiro avançou para estreitar o espaço do jogador que se aproximava.
Synonyms
close the gapreduce the distancetighten the spacelimit roomcompress the area
Antonyms
widen the spaceexpand the areaincrease the distanceopen up the field

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
estreitar o espaço
Standard usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
apertar o espaço
Common colloquial variant meaning to tighten/squeeze the space
São Paulo
reduzir o espaço
Alternative phrasing emphasizing reduction
Portugal
estreitar o espaço / reduzir o espaço
Both terms used interchangeably in standard Portuguese

Related Idioms & Phrases

close ranks
tighten one's belt
leave no room for
box someone in
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