nibble (figurative)
[/ˈnɪbəl/]
verb/noun
dar pequenas mordidas; provar levemente; mostrar interesse gradual
1. To show gradual or cautious interest in something; to express mild interest without full commitment
The company started to nibble at the market by testing a few products.
A empresa começou a explorar o mercado testando alguns produtos.
2. To make small criticisms or objections; to chip away at something gradually
Critics have been nibbling away at his credibility for months.
Os críticos têm estado minando sua credibilidade aos poucos.
3. To make a tentative offer or bid, especially in business negotiations
We nibbled at their initial offer to see if they would negotiate.
Respondemos levemente à sua oferta inicial para ver se negociariam.
4. To engage in superficial or limited participation in something
He just nibbles at philosophy without truly committing to study it.
Ele apenas tangencia a filosofia sem se comprometer realmente a estudá-la.
In American business culture, 'nibbling' often refers to a negotiation tactic where one party makes small counteroffers to gauge the other party's flexibility. In Brazilian Portuguese, this concept is understood but often expressed through phrases like 'explorar o mercado' or 'testar a água.' The figurative sense emphasizes gradual, tentative, or cautious engagement rather than bold commitment.
NYC Slang
dip your toe in; test the waters; take a shot at
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