open gradually
[/ˈoʊpən ˈɡrædʒuəli/]
verb phrase
abrir gradualmente
1. to open something slowly and by degrees, a little at a time rather than all at once
She opened the door gradually to peek inside.
Ela abriu a porta gradualmente para espreitar para dentro.
2. to become open in a slow, progressive manner
The flower opened gradually as the sun warmed it.
A flor abriu gradualmente conforme o sol a aquecia.
3. to increase or expand slowly and incrementally
The gap between their opinions opened gradually over time.
A diferença entre suas opiniões abriu gradualmente ao longo do tempo.
This phrase is commonly used in both American English and Brazilian Portuguese in contexts ranging from physical actions (opening doors, windows) to metaphorical uses (relationships developing, opportunities emerging). In Brazil, the colloquial 'abrir devagar' or 'abrir aos poucos' are frequently heard in everyday conversation, while formal writing tends to prefer 'abrir gradualmente' or 'abrir progressivamente'.
Related Idioms & Phrases
open Pandora's box gradually
open one's heart gradually
open the floodgates gradually
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