trilho, via férrea, corrimão
1. A long, thin bar of metal or wood, typically fixed in position as part of a structure or track
The train runs on the rails.
O trem corre sobre os trilhos.
2. A bar or series of bars fastened between posts as a fence or barrier; a railing
She held onto the rail as she climbed the stairs.
Ela se agarrou ao corrimão enquanto subia as escadas.
3. A horizontal bar forming part of a fence or railing
The wooden rail was painted white.
O trilho de madeira foi pintado de branco.
4. To complain or protest loudly and bitterly
He railed against the new policy.
Ele protestou amargamente contra a nova política.
5. A railroad or railway system
We traveled by rail across the country.
Viajamos de trem por todo o país.
In Brazil, 'trilho' is the most common term in everyday usage. The railway system is less extensive than in the USA, so train travel is less common in daily life. In the USA, 'rail' is used both literally for train tracks and figuratively in expressions like 'off the rails,' which has become popular slang. The phrase 'to rail against' is used in formal contexts to express strong disagreement.
NYC Slang
off the rails (meaning out of control or crazy)
Related Idioms & Phrases
off the rails - to go out of control or behave erratically
rail against - to speak out strongly against something
by rail - by train or railway
on the rails - back on track or functioning normally
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