quick steps

[kwɪk stɛps]
noun
passos rápidos
1. Fast or rapid movements of the feet, typically while walking or running
She took quick steps down the hallway to catch the bus.
Ela deu passos rápidos pelo corredor para pegar o ônibus.
2. A dance move performed at an accelerated tempo, common in ballroom dancing
The quickstep is a ballroom dance characterized by quick steps.
O quickstep é uma dança de salão caracterizada por passos rápidos.
3. Swift or immediate actions taken to accomplish something
The company took quick steps to address the customer complaints.
A empresa tomou medidas rápidas para resolver as reclamações dos clientes.
In Brazilian culture, 'passos rápidos' is commonly used in both literal (physical movement) and figurative (taking immediate action) contexts. The phrase reflects the fast-paced lifestyle of urban Brazilian centers. In the USA, 'quick steps' is often associated with the quickstep ballroom dance, popular in competitive dance circles.
NYC Slang
moving fast / hustling / steps
Synonyms / Sinônimos
rapid stepsfast pacebrisk walkhurried movementsswift strides
Antonyms / Antônimos
slow stepsleisurely pacedawdlingsluggish movement

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
passos rápidos
Standard term used across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
passos ligeiros / passos acelerados
Common usage in casual speech
São Paulo
passos rápidos / andar rápido
Often used in business and urban contexts
Portugal
passos rápidos / passo ligeiro
Standard usage; 'passo ligeiro' also common in military context

Related Words

stridepacegaitquickstephustlehurry

Related Idioms & Phrases

take quick steps
quicken one's steps
at a quick step
in quick steps
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