squeeze harder

[skwēz ˈhär-dər]

verb phrase

apertar mais

1. to apply greater pressure or force when gripping or compressing something

Squeeze harder on the lemon to get more juice out.

Aperte mais o limão para tirar mais suco.

2. to intensify pressure in a figurative sense, such as in negotiations or financial situations

The creditors continued to squeeze harder for payment.

Os credores continuaram a apertar mais para obter o pagamento.

3. to grip more forcefully with one's hand

She had to squeeze harder to open the jar.

Ela teve que apertar mais para abrir o pote.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Regional Variations

General Brazilian

apertar mais

most common usage across Brazil

Rio de Janeiro

apertar mais

standard usage, no regional variation

São Paulo

apertar mais

standard usage, no regional variation

Portugal

apertar mais / espremer mais

espremer more commonly used for squeezing citrus fruits

put the squeeze on someone (exercer pressão sobre alguém)

squeeze someone dry (exaurir os recursos de alguém)

tight squeeze (situação apertada)

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