sinew

[/ˈsɪnjuː/]
nounpl: sinews
tendão
1. A tough fibrous tissue that connects muscle to bone; a tendon
The athlete pulled a sinew in her shoulder during the competition.
A atleta puxou um tendão no ombro durante a competição.
2. Physical strength or muscular power
He had the sinew and determination to lift the heavy load.
Ele tinha a força muscular e a determinação para levantar a carga pesada.
3. Strength, power, or the essential support of something (figurative)
Education is the sinew of a strong nation.
A educação é o fundamento de uma nação forte.
In English, 'sinew' is commonly used both literally in sports and medical contexts and figuratively to describe the essential strength or foundation of something (e.g., 'the sinews of democracy'). In Portuguese, 'tendão' is primarily anatomical, while figurative uses prefer 'força', 'vigor', or 'fundamento'.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
tendonligamentstrengthmusclepowervigor
Antonyms / Antônimos
weaknessfrailtyfragility

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
tendão
Most common translation for the anatomical structure
Rio de Janeiro
tendão
Standard usage
São Paulo
tendão
Standard usage; sometimes 'musculatura' for figurative strength
Portugal
tendão
Standard usage; also 'vigor' or 'força' for figurative meaning

Related Words

muscularligamenttissuestrengthfibrousanatomical

Related Idioms & Phrases

every sinew - com toda a força, usando toda a energia
strain every sinew - esforçar-se ao máximo
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