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remain aloof

[rɪˈmeɪn əˈluːf]
verb phrase
manter-se afastado
1. to stay distant or detached from someone or something; to avoid involvement or emotional connection
She decided to remain aloof from the office politics.
Ela decidiu manter-se afastada da política do escritório.
2. to maintain a reserved or unfriendly demeanor
He remained aloof during the entire meeting, showing no interest in the discussion.
Ele manteve-se afastado durante toda a reunião, não mostrando interesse na discussão.
NYC Slang
keep it cool with someone; play it cool
Synonyms
stay distantkeep one's distanceremain detachedhold backstand apartmaintain distance
Antonyms
get involvedengageparticipateconnectmingleassociate

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
manter-se afastado/afastada
most common usage in Brazilian Portuguese
São Paulo
ficar de fora
colloquial alternative meaning 'to stay out of it'
Rio de Janeiro
manter distância
variant emphasizing physical or emotional distance
Portugal
manter-se afastado/afastada
standard usage, same as Brazilian Portuguese

Related Idioms & Phrases

keep one's distance
stand on the sidelines
sit on the fence
not get involved
keep an arm's length distance
stay on the outside looking in
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