reply on instinct
[/rɪˈplaɪ ɑn ˈɪnstɪŋkt/]
verb phrase
responder por instinto
1. to respond to something based on natural intuition or immediate reaction rather than careful thought or analysis
When asked about the accident, she had to reply on instinct since everything happened so quickly.
Quando perguntaram sobre o acidente, ela teve que responder por instinto já que tudo aconteceu muito rapidamente.
2. to give an answer guided by one's gut feeling or automatic response
In the job interview, I decided to reply on instinct rather than overthinking each question.
Na entrevista de emprego, decidi responder por instinto em vez de pensar demais em cada pergunta.
Both American and Brazilian cultures value decisiveness, though the phrase is used more frequently in contexts emphasizing quick decision-making. In corporate American English, it often implies confidence in one's experience. In Brazilian Portuguese, 'responder por instinto' can have either positive connotations (demonstrating quick thinking) or negative ones (acting rashly without proper consideration), depending on context.
NYC Slang
go with your gut; wing it
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