spring open

[/sprɪŋ ˈoʊpən/]

verb

abrir-se de repente

1. to open suddenly or rapidly, as if propelled by a spring mechanism

The trap door sprang open when he stepped on the floor.

A porta secreta abriu-se de repente quando ele pisou no chão.

2. to become open quickly and unexpectedly

Her eyes sprang open in surprise.

Os olhos dela abriram-se rapidamente de surpresa.

3. to release or burst open due to internal pressure or tension

The lid sprang open when the pressure built up inside.

A tampa abriu-se bruscamente quando a pressão aumentou dentro.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Regional Variations

General Brazilian

abrir-se de repente; estourar aberto

Common usage in everyday speech

São Paulo

abrir de pancada; abrir num estalo

Regional variation with emphasis on sudden action

Portugal

abrir-se de súbito; abrir de golpe

European Portuguese preference for more formal structures

spring to life

spring forth

with a spring in one's step

coiled spring

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