sharp bends

[/ʃɑrp bɛndz/]
noun phrasepl: sharp bends
curvas acentuadas
1. Abrupt or acute changes in direction of a road, path, or route with a small radius of curvature
The mountain road had several sharp bends that required careful driving.
A estrada da montanha tinha várias curvas acentuadas que exigiam direção cuidadosa.
2. Sudden turns or curves in any linear path or trajectory
The river makes sharp bends as it flows through the canyon.
O rio faz curvas acentuadas enquanto flui pelo cânion.
3. Tight turns in a racecourse or circuit
Drivers must slow down at the sharp bends on the racing circuit.
Os pilotos devem desacelerar nas curvas acentuadas do circuito de corrida.
This term is commonly used in traffic warnings and driving safety instructions in both Brazil and the USA. In Brazil, sharp bends are particularly relevant on mountain roads and coastal highways. Road signs warning of 'sharp bends' (curvas acentuadas) are standard safety features on Brazilian highways, especially in regions like Serra do Mar and mountain routes in Minas Gerais.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
tight curveshairpin turnsacute bendssudden turnssharp curves
Antonyms / Antônimos
gentle curvesgradual bendsstraight sectionswide turns

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
curvas acentuadas
Standard term used throughout Brazil
São Paulo
curvas fechadas
Alternative common usage in São Paulo metropolitan area
Rio de Janeiro
curvas acentuadas
Standard usage, frequently used on mountain roads like Serra da Carioca
Portugal
curvas acentuadas
Standard European Portuguese equivalent

Related Words

curvebendturnhairpinswitchbacktrajectoryroad conditions

Related Idioms & Phrases

navigate sharp bends
take a sharp bend
warning: sharp bends ahead
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