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nerve

[/nɜːrv/]
nounpl: nerves
nervo
1. A fiber or bundle of fibers in the body that transmits sensations and controls movement
The doctor examined the nerve damage in his leg.
O médico examinou o dano do nervo na sua perna.
2. Courage or confidence, especially in a difficult situation
It took a lot of nerve to speak in front of such a large audience.
Foi necessário muita coragem para falar diante de uma audiência tão grande.
3. Audacity or impudence; boldness that is considered disrespectful
She had the nerve to complain after being late to the meeting.
Ela teve a audácia de reclamar depois de chegar atrasada à reunião.
4. Emotional strength or composure in a stressful situation
He kept his nerve during the crisis.
Ele manteve a compostura durante a crise.
NYC Slang
guts; balls; chutzpah
Synonyms
couragebraveryaudacitycheekimpudencegrit
Antonyms
cowardicetimidityfearbashfulness

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
nervo
Standard usage for both anatomical and figurative meanings
São Paulo
nervo/coragem
Commonly uses 'coragem' for the meaning of courage
Rio de Janeiro
nervo/cara de pau
'Cara de pau' is colloquially used for impudence
Portugal
nervo
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; may also use 'coragem' or 'atrevimento'

Related Idioms & Phrases

to have the nerve to do something - ter a coragem/audácia de fazer algo
to lose one's nerve - perder a coragem
to strike a nerve - tocar um ponto sensível
to get on someone's nerves - irritar/incomodar alguém
a bundle of nerves - um feixe de nervos; uma pessoa muito nervosa
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