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restrain enthusiasm

[rɪˈstreɪn ɛnˈθuːziæzəm]
verb phrase
conter o entusiasmo
1. to control or limit the expression of excitement, eagerness, or passionate interest in something
She had to restrain her enthusiasm when she heard the news about the promotion.
Ela teve que conter seu entusiasmo quando soube da notícia sobre a promoção.
2. to exercise self-control in showing one's excitement or eagerness
He restrained his enthusiasm to appear professional during the meeting.
Ele conteve seu entusiasmo para parecer profissional durante a reunião.
NYC Slang
keep it cool; play it cool; don't get too hyped
Synonyms
curb enthusiasmtemper excitementhold back enthusiasmsuppress eagernessmoderate enthusiasmtone down excitement
Antonyms
express enthusiasmshow excitementunleash enthusiasmdisplay eagernesslet enthusiasm run wild

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
conter o entusiasmo
most common usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
segurar o entusiasmo
colloquial alternative
São Paulo
conter o entusiasmo
formal and informal usage
Portugal
conter o entusiasmo
standard European Portuguese

Related Idioms & Phrases

keep a lid on one's excitement
play it cool
keep one's cool
dampen one's spirits
tone it down
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