refuse to help

[rɪˈfjuːz tu ˈhɛlp]

verb phrase

recusar-se a ajudar

1. to decline or reject an offer or request to provide assistance

He refused to help with the project because he was too busy.

Ele recusou-se a ajudar no projeto porque estava muito ocupado.

2. to deliberately withhold aid or support from someone

She refused to help her brother after their argument.

Ela recusou-se a ajudar seu irmão após a discussão deles.

NYC Slang

turn someone down for help

Synonyms

Antonyms

Regional Variations

General Brazilian

recusar-se a ajudar

Most common usage across Brazil

Rio de Janeiro

recusar ajuda

Slightly more informal phrasing

São Paulo

recusar-se a dar uma mão

Colloquial variation using 'dar uma mão'

Portugal

recusar-se a ajudar

Same as Brazilian, standard European Portuguese usage

turn a deaf ear

wash one's hands of

leave someone in the lurch

not lift a finger

close the door on someone

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